Cert 12A
146 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, threat
What is it about Indian films and alcoholism this year?
Hot on the heels of Two Countries, another Malayalam movie pokes gentle fun out of people with an addiction to booze.
Thankfully, there were fewer attempts at eliciting guffaws out of what is no laughing matter,
Instead, G. Marthandan's movie focuses on the long and difficult process of trying to persuade two men that they need treatment.
The first half of the film is a bit of a long-winded merry-go-round during which a lay-about, Pambu Joy (Prithviraj Sukumaran), and film director (Anoop Menon) end up in the same clinic.
But, while they are waiting for treatment, their pasts unite them in a most surprising way.
I was relieved that alcoholism was handled more realistically during this picture. For example, Joy's marriage breaks down quickly because he cannot find his way past a bar.
Malayalam films tend to concentrate less on pretty people than Bollywood and are keener to explore deeper social issues.
That is certainly the case here and Prithviraj carries off the portrayal of an alcoholic effectively.
But Paavada's problem is that it is quite difficult to follow. Its storyline jumps all over the place for the first half of a very long movie.
The second half is easier on the eye but I fear that most audiences will have lost concentration long before its finale.
It would have benefited hugely from being 45 minutes shorter.
Reasons to watch: Lively performances from Prithviraj Sukumaran and Anoop Menon
Reasons to avoid: Storyline jumps around too much
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 4/10
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