It's quite rare to see vintage stuff in contemporary packaging, all done in an engaging fashion. We can call it old wine in a new bottle. But the effort that has gone into making it relevant in current scenario is very surprising.
This is what you think of while watching Rosshan Andrrews' latest directorial venture Ividam Swargamanu, starring Mohanlal. It shows the trails and tribulations of a middle class guy, who would rather go to bed with an empty stomach than compromise on his principles.
Mathew (Mohanlal) is a modern day farmer, running an organic farm and a dairy. The farm is self-sufficient, as it generates power from a windmill and organic fertiliser from its own dairy. Mathew had grown up seeing his father Jeremiah (Thilakan) toiling in the fields, so he's always wanted to be a successful farmer.
His Utopian existence comes under threat when realtor Aluva Chandy (Lalu Alex) sets his eyes on Mathew's property, as he wants to build a private resort there. But Mathew does not want to part with his piece of paradise. From here on begins a battle of wits between the two of them.
The scriptwriter James Albert makes the plot plausible and realistic. There is an undercurrent of humour as well. Albert makes protagonist relevant in the modern times. There is an air of self-assurance about him and the confidence to fight for what is rightfully his.
Mohanlal deserves a standing ovation for the way he has handled this role. He makes us forget his superhero image and becomes farmer Mathew.
Director Rosshan Andrrews gives a free run to the writer and the actors. He flows with the subject without imposing his stamp on it. A lesser director may have gone overboard with this subject of construction and tourism boom but Andrrews restraints himself.
If there is anything for us to complain about, it is the duration and pace of the film. But that is just a minor glitch.
The film sees the reunion of Thilakan and Mohanlal after a long time. Even the three female characters played by Lakshmi Rai, Lakshmy Gopalaswamy and Priyanka are well etched.
Overall, Ividam Swargamanu marks a happy ending of 2009.
Rediff Rating: 
