Malaikottai Vaaliban (Mohanlal) is an unbroken warrior who travels to different locations to fight numerous opponents, accompanied by chinna and Ayyanar (Hareesh Peradi). During one of the battles, he meets his opponent, Chamathakan (Danish Sait), who invents Mangottu Mallan (Guinness Harikrishnan) in the village of Mangodu. As anticipated, Vaaliban beats Mallan, leaving an indelible mark on Chamathakan's life. In retribution, Chamathakan resolves to get revenge by doggedly chasing Vaaliban. Vaaliban then goes to his homeland, Malaikottai, and confronts the British. However, fresh challenges emerge in Malaikottai, producing a schism in the bonds he has built thus far. This pushes Vaaliban to learn the truth and participate in a last showdown.
Director Lijo Jose Pellissery has a distinct voice in the malayalam cinema industry. The subjects he explores and the manner he deviates from cinematic conventions in his films keep us engaged. 'Malaikottai Vaaliban' is a visually gorgeous film, and that is an understatement. Every frame of the film, as well as the manner it was filmed, will leave you speechless.
The tale comes together in the second half, but by then, your patience has worn thin. Some of the set pieces, such as the moment in which Vaaliban challenges the british or the funfair scenario, are masterfully depicted by making you want to see what happens next. However, the plot is so straightforward that when it is stretched out for over two hours and thirty minutes, its power is diminished.
In the conclusion, Ayyanar discloses the past, unveils the ultimate evil of Vaaliban, and makes an intriguing connection to the film's sequel. While certain episodes include 'peak cinema' moments, 'Malaikottai Vaaliban' lacks a coherent storyline. There includes a portion concerning the british enslaving the Malaikottai people, as well as references to the late actor-politician MG Ramachandran. However, all of these concepts are abruptly terminated and not completely developed.
Mohanlal is in top form in 'Malaikottai Vaaliban'. He is amazing at expressing his intense emotions and doing wonderfully coordinated action blocks. Danish Sait, in a serious character, delivers an outstanding performance. His character's journey is the most intriguing in the period action film. The ladies in "Malaikottai Vaaliban" have very little to offer. Madhu Neelakandan's cinematography deserves every prize. prashant Pillai's music enhances the proceedings and adds much-needed buzz to several critical scenes.
Overall, Visually Stunning But Lacking Substance!