Netflix Saturdays - C U Soon (Movie Review - Malayalam)

C U Soon, an experimentally shot movie by Mahesh Narayanan, produced by Fahadh and Friends company released exclusively on Prime on Sept 2nd - the stand-in for the usual Onam big-budget release ( Malik, the other Fahadh movie obviously being benched for a bigger release across theatres, once the normal returns of course!) 

Shot like a virtual cyber-screen thriller, C U Soon is definitely paving the way for newer horizons in the way movies are made. A racy thriller, that unspools on as WhatsApp chats, Duo video calls and computer screen grabs - starring Fahadh Fazil, Rosshan Mathews and Dhanya Rajendran in pivotal roles. Apparently, the script idea came from Mahesh a while back and so Fahadh and gang decided to put in their weight behind, to bring this project to life during the COVID-19 times. And boy, aren't we glad. For the movie is a rousing middle-finger to the virus that has been a deterrent to the movie industry in general. We really hope, more such movies get made in the future! 

The twisty narrative starts with Jimmy (Roshan Mathews, in his artfully tousle-haired and fully bearded avatar) meeting up with Anumol (Dhanya Rajendran) on an online dating site - and quickly being smitten by her. He proposes to her in a week's time, brings in his mom and relatives to let them know about her. But things turn quickly suspicious as he catches her one day on the phone, her face cut up and bleeding. He decides to bring her home and even offers to patch things up with her father. But right after this, Anu disappears without a trace, leaving Jimmy frantic - with the police landing up at his doorstep. 

In steps Kevin - his cousin and a cyber sleuth (Fahadh looks as intense as ever but perhaps, a bit too underweight in this role, smoking like there's no tomorrow and watching the computer screen aka the camera all the time!) After this, there's no stopping the movie - as the plot unfolds like a runaway freight train, with reveals and twists galore. 

It's a very exciting and intriguing mode in which C U Soon has been shot - Kudos to the camera work and taut editing as it makes for a compelling watch. We are glued to the screen, literally in the shoes of each actor as the camera pans onto their faces and swings back to the phone screen to keep the conversations going. Fahadh as usual, is impeccable in his portrayal of a man dedicated to his job, focused and his maniacal focus in uncovering the truth is what propels the latter half of the movie. Roshan is a natural, a easy-going youngster in Dubai who is constantly falling into trouble. Great emoting, from being a caring smitten young man to a frantic, frightened youngster, who is confused and scared. But I think, the cream of the lot is definitely Dhanya Rajendran who plays the mysterious Anumol, with her shares of troubles and secrets. Draws us in with her consummate portrayal of this character, with all its baggage. 

If you were thinking of whiling away ninety minutes of your time, this one's a perfect little thriller. While the story itself isn't the stand-out, you will be drawn in by the technical brilliance in which it has been shot and of course, some outstanding performances. Highly recommended.