Chaaver review: A Misfire in Tinu Pappachan’s Visual Symphony

Tinu Pappachan, celebrated for his exhilarating big-screen experiences in “Swathandryam Ardharathriyil” and “Ajagajantharam,” takes a misstep with “Chaaver,” a film that struggles to find its footing in the vast terrain of Kannur politics. Pappachan’s attempt to blend a survival thriller with political commentary falls short, revealing a disjointed narrative that fails to engage despite the director’s commendable visual flair.

The film, centered around a quotation gang tasked with eliminating a young man on the orders of a political leader, attempts to create a Sam Peckinpah-esque audio-visual experience from Joy Mathew’s flimsy script. While Pappachan’s visual choices are commendable, they often border on self-indulgence, distracting from the storytelling shortcomings and the lack of a cohesive narrative.

“Chaaver” unfolds as a survival thriller, a departure from Pappachan’s previous fast-paced, action-packed films. The film’s pacing becomes a challenge as characters spend extended periods waiting or moving in their jeep, contributing to a monotonous viewing experience. The attempt to create sympathy for remorseless killers lacks conviction, as the characters, including Kunchacko Boban’s Ashokan, remain one-dimensional, devoid of depth.

The film’s political statement feels overshadowed by the more successful “Kotthu” directed by Sibi Malayil, which handles similar themes with greater accessibility and humanizes its characters effectively. The late realization of a character worth rooting for comes too late in the narrative, leaving the audience disconnected and indifferent to the characters’ fates.

Despite Pappachan’s visual prowess, “Chaaver” struggles to make a lasting impact. The contemplative approach adopted by the director feels awkward, and the film’s attempts to convey a political message fall flat. While certain visual choices, such as the use of symbolism and imagery, add an interesting layer, they fail to compensate for the film’s overall lack of substance.

In conclusion, “Chaaver” stands as a departure from Tinu Pappachan’s usual style, attempting to fuse political commentary with a survival thriller. Unfortunately, the film’s narrative shortcomings, lack of character depth, and pacing issues hinder its potential, making it a misfire in Pappachan’s visual symphony.