Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Aparna Balamurali, Roshan Mathew, Vineeth, Anu Mohan, Achyuth Kumar, Vijay Menon, and others.
Writer and Director: Pawan Kumar
Music: Poornachandra Tejaswi
Cinematography: Preetha Jayaraman
Editing: Suresh Arumugam
Producers: Vijay Kiragandur, Vijay Subramanian
Actor Fahadh Faasil has made a significant impact in the South Indian film industry with his versatile acting skills. He has received critical acclaim for his outstanding performances, both as a hero and a villain. His Malayalam film “Dhoomam,” released last year, received positive reviews in theaters. Recently, the Telugu version of this film was released on OTT platforms. Starting from July 11, the movie began streaming on Aha. Has this film impressed the Telugu audience? Has Fahadh Faasil once again captivated viewers with his performance? What is the concept of ‘Dhoomam’? Let’s explore this review.
The Plot
Avinash (Fahadh Faasil) works at a cigarette company as the sales head, where his intelligence significantly boosts sales. One day, he has an argument with the company’s MD, Siddh (Roshan Mathew), which leads to his resignation. While traveling with his wife Diya (Aparna Balamurali), Avinash is attacked by a masked man who kidnaps his wife and warns him to comply with his demands if he wants her back. Who is this masked man? Why is Avinash implicated in a murder case? Is there a connection between the masked man and the company’s MD? How does Avinash escape the trap? That’s the story.
Performance
In “Dhoomam,” Fahadh Faasil delivers a one-man show, completely embodying the role of Avinash. He portrays a husband fighting to save his wife and a man trying to rectify his mistakes with exceptional skill. Aparna Balamurali impresses as Diya with her natural performance. Roshan Mathew, in a negative role, and Vineeth as Praveen, do justice to their characters. The rest of the cast also delivers commendable performances within their roles.
Direction
Director Pawan Kumar aims to highlight the societal harm caused by cigarette and tobacco products through this film. He effectively showcases the tactics cigarette companies use to generate profits and depicts the thrilling struggle of a young man trapped in a dangerous situation trying to save his wife. The parallel narrative of the protagonist’s present and past, combined with an engaging screenplay, captures the audience’s attention. The twist at the intermission heightens interest in the second half. The film concludes with a unique climax, setting it apart from typical movies. However, the lack of commercial elements, limited characters, and a slow-paced second half are drawbacks.
Technical Aspects
Poornachandra Tejaswi’s music, especially the background score, effectively elevates several scenes. The cinematography by Preetha Jayaraman is impressive. The editing by Suresh Arumugam is decent but could have been tighter in the second half. The production values are high, matching the film’s quality.
Plus Points
– Fahadh Faasil’s performance
– The underlying message
– Unique climax
Minus Points
– Slow-paced narrative
– Second half
