‘Orijinal’ movie review: Sreenath Bhasi leads an engaging journey across timelines

Malayalam cinema does not often venture into time travel, making Ramees’ ‘Orijinal’ an interesting addition to the industry’s growing range of experimental films. Starring Sreenath Bhasi, the film takes a relatively simple idea and builds a story around different timelines, identity and the circumstances that shape a person. The film which released on October 23 also features Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Rajesh Madhavan, Binu Pappu and Femina George, among others. 

What makes ‘Orijinal’ work is that it does not get caught up in making its time-travel concept unnecessarily complicated. The film moves between timelines without making the story feel like a puzzle the audience has to solve. There is humour along the way, but it is not what the entire film rests on. One of the film’s strengths is the way it uses time travel to explore how different circumstances can shape a person’s identity.

A familiar idea told through different timelines

At its core, ‘Orijinal’ is a simple story, but the way it unfolds gives it an interesting edge. The time-travel element allows the film to look at the same person through different circumstances, opening up possibilities that a conventional narrative might not have explored.

The thought behind it is intriguing. We often wonder how our lives would have turned out if certain things had happened differently. Would we still be the same people? Would our choices, behaviour and outlook change? ‘Orijinal’ plays with these questions through its multiple timelines, giving the story more to work with than the science-fiction premise alone.

The film deserves credit for making the concept accessible. Despite dealing with different timelines, it does not feel weighed down by lengthy explanations or unnecessary complications. The story moves forward without too many noticeable lulls, keeping the audience invested in how the different threads come together.

Sreenath Bhasi holds the film together

Sreenath Bhasi delivers yet another strong performance in ‘Orijinal’. The film gives him an opportunity to explore different shades of a character, as he plays a dual role, bringing two versions of the same person to the screen. The idea of seeing different versions of the same person could easily become repetitive, but the differences in their circumstances give the character work an interesting dimension.

Bhasi has a natural screen presence that suits the film's treatment. He fits into the narrative without making the performance feel forced, and his work helps the audience connect with the person behind the time-travel premise. The dual role also allows the actor to explore how different situations can influence a person's behaviour and personality, adding depth to the film's central idea. It is one of the film's key strengths.

The supporting cast, which includes Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Rajesh Madhavan and Binu Pappu, adds to the film's ensemble appeal.

Ramees makes a promising debut

For a debut filmmaker, choosing a time-travel story is an ambitious move. The challenge is not just introducing the concept but making it work within the limits of the story. Ramees, who has also written the film, manages this reasonably well.

The screenplay does not spend too much time explaining itself, and the transitions between timelines keep the narrative moving. The film could have easily become bogged down in its own concept, but its relatively straightforward approach works in its favour.

There is also humour woven into the proceedings, offering lighter moments without taking the story away from its central theme. It feels like a film that knows what it wants to explore, even when it chooses a light-hearted approach to parts of the narrative.

Electronic Kili's music is a highlight

Electronic Kili's music is among the film's strongest aspects. The compositions complement the narrative and add to the overall viewing experience. The music does not feel like an element added merely to fill the gaps; it contributes to the film's mood and rhythm.

In a story that moves between different timelines, the technical execution is important in helping the audience stay connected to the proceedings. The film makes a commendable effort on this front, with its time-travel concept translated effectively to the screen.

Verdict

‘Orijinal’ may not reinvent the time-travel genre, but it brings something different to Malayalam cinema. Its biggest strength is the way it takes a simple story and explores it through different timelines, using the idea to examine how circumstances can shape a person's identity.

Sreenath Bhasi's performance, Electronic Kili's music and Ramees' approach to the subject make it an engaging watch.

There may be scope to explore some of its ideas further, but that does not take away from what the film achieves. ‘Orijinal’ is a commendable debut that tries something different without making the audience work unnecessarily hard to follow it.

Rating: 3/5