Movies

Experiencing Soubin Shahir’s Parava

Published

7 years ago

September 28, 2017

FWDmedia

Soubin Shahir adds a special feather to his cap – that of a successful director with his debut film Parava. Here is an experience; not a review, of the film, as felt by the writer

Words by Charishma Thankappan Images: Parava Featured image: Soubin Shahir

Mattancherry is not just a place; it’s a feeling, a culture, a way of life. And Soubin Shahir wears his heart on his sleeve in depicting his love for the place in his directorial debut Parava.

It was sometime in mid-2016 that I first got the hint of the film through Soubin’s Instagram posts. Thanks to his active presence on the social media platform, I got a peek into the creative side of this actor who was beginning to emerge as my favourite comedian in present day Malayalam cinema. Having followed his performances from Annayum Rasoolum till Comrade in America, I was highly curious about Parava and eagerly looked forward to it.

With absolutely no idea as to what the film would be about, I went to the movie theatre with high expectations. I was not really worried about how the film would fare as I went in with a blank mind and a secret wish that the film turns out to be a success.

A riot of colours greeted me right from the opening credits of the film. Using real, raw images of the different elements that constitute the microcosm of Mattancherry, Parava gained an entry into my heart. The offbeat song Vadakele Pathune, with its funky beats set the tone for the rest of the film.

Parava gripped me right from the first scene. The introduction of the two boys, Ichappi and Haseeb is one of the most memorable visuals among recent films. I was unaware that these are the two characters that will dominate the length of the film, while unknowingly wanting to see more of them as the film progressed. Amal Shah as Ichappi, and Govind Pai as Haseeb deliver an incredible performance in what is undoubtedly one of the best among children’s performances in Malalayam cinema. The incredulity of their acts, which is on par with seasoned actors, was augmented when I learned that it’s the first time that the two have ever acted, let alone face a camera!

2 Experiencing Soubin Shahir's Parava

The friendship of the two best friends, Ichappi and Haseeb, is one of the purest in its forms, one which inspires through its innocence and evokes admiration through its resilience. Ichappi is the apparent hero of the film in all manners – from being the spurned high school lover to the winner of the pigeon flying competition in the end of the film. Amal exudes a supreme confidence befitting a future hero as he carries a large chunk of the film on his shoulders, or rather, wings.

Sharing Amal’s onus is Govind, who is a delightful find, displaying natural humour that instantly endeared him to me. But while Ichappi takes the upper hand as the unlikely hero, Haseeb generates great appreciation for his understated role as the ever supportive companion. He distresses over Ichappi’s pains, and celebrates his victories perhaps more intensely. His constant presence in Ichappi’s life, always beside him in rain and sunshine, lends a semblance worth respect to his otherwise happy-go-lucky nature.

Dulquer Salmaan ruled the promotional billboards and posters of the film, but that anticipation of seeing him in the entirety of the film was dulled when it was revealed that he is present only in an extended cameo appearance for 25 minutes. I was a little disappointed in knowing that I wouldn’t get to see enough of DQ in the film, but somehow, Parava was always about Soubin and nothing was going to stop me from watching it.

3 Experiencing Soubin Shahir's Parava

The beauty of Parava lies in the importance given to each character in the film, no matter how small a screen-time they may have. Shane Nigam, Arjun Ashokan, Zinil Zainuddin, Siddique, Ashokan, Indrans, Jaffer Idukki, Srindaa, Jacob Gregory, and the several new faces lend wholehearted performances that are commendable. As perhaps the central character around whom the film revolves, Shane displays a resolute performance, bettering his previous acts. As the film progressed, I almost forgot the presence of Dulquer in the film, and was pleasantly surprised when he made his entry. His character as Imran is most charming and perhaps, flawless. As the wise and more mature leader of his group of friends, he elicits approbation. It is no wonder then, that I plunged into agony at his loss. The scene where Ashiq Abu in the role of a police inspector breaks the news to Ashokan is one of the high points of the film, praiseworthy for the sheer simplicity with which it breaks the heart. That the filmmakers chose to do away with the dramatic portrayal of the death at that point in the film is laudable. It was also a way of levelling Dulquer’s presence, which otherwise shined exemplarily even in the short screen time that he got.

4 Experiencing Soubin Shahir's Parava

Parava is a film that has hit the right notes in various aspects. As a film based entirely in Mattancherry, it breaks the stereotype of viewing the place as a hub of dopers and goons, as has been generally depicted so far in Malayalam films. It draws the viewers pleasantly into the everyday lives of the inhabitants of the place, portrayed in an authentic and crude form. Here is where Soubin succeeds the most in bringing out the intricacies, whether it is the rivalries between the gangs of pigeon fliers, the speedy shots through the narrow lanes, or the real as real can be shot of saliva threading out of Haseeb’s mouth as he relishes the beef pathiri made by Ichappi’s umma. The director should also be credited with keeping the language as is spoken in the place, instead of ‘machanising’ it as is done in other films that depict Mattancherry and Fort Kochi as the centre of “freakanmaar”.

5 Experiencing Soubin Shahir's Parava

In the end, Parava is a resounding success from Soubin and meets the high expectations that I had from it. A balanced mix of comedy, drama, and action; complemented with excellent music, in particular the background score; makes this a complete film.

Related Topics:actor malayalam movie Parava Soubin Shahir

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Rangeela (1995):

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