Vilayath Buddha Review: Directed by Jayan Nambiar, Vilayath Buddha brings Prithviraj Sukumaran back into the fold of intense, emotionally loaded crime dramas. Based on the award-winning novel by G. R. Indugopan, it touches greed and legacy, revenge and moral dilemmas in the sandalwood forests of Marayoor. With such a compelling premise and a leading star proven, the question is whether it can impact successfully or end up like another mixed outing.
A saga of the life of Double Mohanan (played by Sukumaran), an infamous sandalwood thief with vast knowledge concerning the forests and illegal trade dealing with the ultimate “Vilayath Buddha”-perfect, grade-A log of sandalwood coveted by thieves and artisans alike. The conflict dates back decades between Mohanan and his mentor-cum-enemy played intensely by Shammi Thilakan.
As Mohanan’s ambition escalates, so intensifies the boundary between personal loyalty, betrayal, and survival. A significant part in unraveling the emotional strands in Mohanan’s past is played by Priyamvada Krishnan, giving the tale a very human core even on top of that crime-infested backdrop.
Vilayath Buddha works best whilst it remains rooted to that earthy soil of Marayoor. The stunning cinematography of Arvind Kashyap grabs the rugged charm of those forests, while the music of Jakes Bejoy further heightens mystery and melancholy out of this story. Prithviraj indeed gives a subdued performance that sizzles with danger and vulnerability.
But, the story tends to slow down because of the somewhat heavy novelization of narration. Some emotional beats feel hurried, while certain supporting characters can be better developed. The screenplay tries to hold onto that layered structure of the book but does not in all instances bring the same intensity onto the screen.
Regardless, there are issues, and the protagonist remains morally complex while the atmospheric setting keeps it interesting. It certainly steps into the realm of putting together what would normally be a story of ambition and downfall, even if every tale strand does not land perfectly.
An intense and strong performance by Prithviraj Sukumaran
Enticing atmospheric cinematography
Interesting adaption of a popular favorite novel.
Rich setting underpinned from the very real culture existing in Marayoor.
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Pacing issues at the mid-section
Underdeveloped characters
Emotional transitions appear abrupt.
Vilayath Buddha is a gritty, visually captivating adaptation through which performance and setting really come alive, although it doesn’t entirely succeed in escaping the constraints of its thick narrative.
Rating: 2.25/5 A brilliantly shot, well-acted crime drama that manages to be gripping despite a somewhat uneven narrative.
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