Penguin is one of the first notable South Indian flicks to get a direct release on OTT platform. The Keerthy Suresh starrer built up good expectations with its gripping trailer and teasers. Let’s see what the film has to offer.
Story: Rhythm (Keerthy Suresh) is a traumatized mother who finds it hard to cope up with the suggestive murder of her kid. Six years later, her son comes from nowhere and he is haunted by his dreaded past. Rhythm, who is pregnant again with her second husband now sets out on an investigative journey to track down the psycho who kidnapped her son while she is scared that he might come for her kid again.
How about On-Screen Stars performance?
Keerthy Suresh is the main driving force in the film and boy does she deliver. Her portrayal of a traumatized mother is natural and appealing.
Advaith, who is seen as the lost son is good in his elements. He emotes well and brings out the right feel needed for the proceedings. The story mainly revolves around these two characters and there isn’t much scope for others to perform.
How about off-screen talents?
Penguin has an excellent technical team backing it. The cinematography and music are top notch. However, much of their efforts go in vain as the narrative is confusing and half-baked. The cinematographer, Karthik Phalani captures the dark and shady visuals of an abandoned forest quite well.
Santosh Narayanan, as he has done multiple times in the past, elevates certain scenes with his background score. The director, Eashvar Karthic picks a plot with good premise but fails to lace it with emotional depth and intriguing elements. Editing could have been better. Production values are decent enough for this suspense drama.
What’s hot?
Visuals
Keerthy Suresh’s performance
What’s not?
The narrative
The twist towards the end
Illogical at times
Lack of gripping storyline
Verdict: ‘Penguin’ is a half-baked suspense drama which opens well with a psycho in Charlie Chaplin costume aiming to kill a kid. But the film loses the steam soon after and the succeeding subplots are neither gripping nor completely logical. The twist towards the end of the film is farcical to say the least.
Immediate reaction at intermission:
After an attention-grabbing opening sequence, the film goes off track, but the intermission block rakes up interest.
Immediate reaction after end credits:
The climax twist is farcical and does not pack a punch. The film doesn’t end on the right note.
Watch or not: Suspense drama lovers might give it a try at comfort of their homes but keep your expectations in check.