In a recent development, the highly anticipated film “Malaikottai Vaaliban,” featuring Mohanlal in the lead role and directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, premiered on January 25. Despite considerable pre-release hype, the movie has received mixed reviews. Notably, renowned Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has come forward to defend and express his admiration for the film.
Kashyap shared his positive views on “Malaikottai Vaaliban,” stating that he watched the film and thoroughly enjoyed it. Emphasizing the resilience of a good film against negative criticism, he remarked that preconceived notions play a significant role in shaping critiques.
“Negative criticism cannot destroy a good film. I saw the film (Malaikottai Vaaliban) on screen. I loved the film. You are walking into the cinema with an expectation. So you have already decided what film you want to watch. So, you are not watching the film that is on the screen… It is one of the biggest problems I face today. When I go to watch (a movie) as an audience, I go in with a blank mind. So, when I go to watch Malaikottai Vaaliban, I’m not expecting Angamaly Diaries, but rather to see what Lijo has done this time or how Mohanlal pulled off the action scenes,” Kashyap expressed.
The film’s box office performance on its opening day is noteworthy, having reportedly minted Rs 6.5 crore. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the movie showcases Mohanlal’s prowess in handling action sequences and features Lijo Jose Pellissery’s distinct directorial touch.
A film critic, rating “Malaikottai Vaaliban” 3 out of 5, described it as a blend of swift and captivating action scenes, epic cinematography, lively songs, and some pacing issues in the first half. The critic acknowledged the visual spectacle created by Pellissery and praised Mohanlal for bringing energy and mystery to the titular character. While noting that the basic storyline without Valiban might lack originality, the critic highlighted intriguing elements that add depth to the narrative, attributing the film’s unique flavor to Lijo’s distinctive style.
In summary, “Malaikottai Vaaliban” has sparked diverse reactions, with Anurag Kashyap standing firmly in support of the film, emphasizing the subjective nature of criticism and the importance of approaching a movie with an open mind.
