Aashaan Movie Review: Indrans Leads an Amiable Yet Overly Convenient Ode to the Underdog
Johnpaul George's meta film Aashaan tugs at the heartstrings with its charming narrative, but this emotional pull comes at the expense of a stronger, more meaningful story. With a rating of 3 out of 5 stars, this cinematic endeavor showcases the talents of veteran actor Indrans while navigating the intricate world of filmmaking dreams and desperate aspirations.
The Premise: A Dialysis Patient's Cinematic Dream
Aashaan, portrayed by the brilliant Indrans, is undergoing long-term dialysis treatment for a kidney issue, yet his mind remains fixated on an unusual goal: receiving a blood transfusion from his screen idol, Kamal Haasan. His determination knows no bounds as he borrows money, bribes middlemen, and undertakes painstaking efforts to achieve this peculiar dream.
Parallel to this medical quest is another lifelong aspiration: to act in a movie at least once. When the desperate Anandan, played by Joemon Jyothir, approaches Aashaan seeking permission to use his uniquely designed Kochi apartment for a film shoot, hope gleams in Aashaan's eyes. Anandan's own desperation stems from his need to impress famed filmmaker K.R. Shajahan, portrayed by Shobi Thilakan, who demands an apartment with a well-like interior for his period horror-drama.
Two Dreamers, Different Phases
The film beautifully contrasts two wide-eyed dreamers at starkly different life stages. Anandan represents youthful desperation, having left home for an industry that offers no guarantees. His philosophy is simple: exploit opportunities, even if it means taking advantage of others, to climb the unforgiving ladder of filmmaking.
In contrast, Aashaan enjoys post-retirement comfort, neighborhood respect, and overall goodwill. Yet when a massive film crew invades his apartment, dispensing the moviemaking magic that has always eluded him, his dreams awaken with unprecedented urgency. Director KRS offers him a minor role as a postman with a single dialogue, bringing his acting fantasy within tantalizing reach.
Meta Exploration of Filmmaking
Aashaan serves as a meta exercise exploring the vibrant, chaotic aspects of movie production. The narrative introduces us to:
- An entitled male superstar refusing to remove his wig
- A perpetually irate sound designer battling unsuitable acoustics
- A team of assistants scrambling without proper learning opportunities
- A director who has pledged his house to salvage his reputation
The first half particularly shines with effervescent humor and efficient behind-the-scenes sequences that maintain excellent rhythm while testing the crew's morals and loyalties. Aashaan's amiability is constantly exploited as he overlooks deception in hopes of securing his promised acting opportunity, while Anandan struggles to maintain sanity amid mounting pressures.
Indrans' Empathetic Performance
The film's highlight arrives during the filming of Aashaan's scene, where comedic and dramatic elements converge beautifully. From Aashaan incessantly practicing his lone dialogue "It was raining outside" to the superstar actor feeling insecure about his popularity among apartment residents, tension swirls in the air.
Indrans demonstrates why he's considered a comedic talent, communicating the woes of a non-professional actor without ever descending into caricature. His empathetic portrayal becomes the film's fulcrum, perfectly underscoring the importance of sincerity and innocence in the creative process.
Narrative Shortcomings and Convenient Turns
Despite its strengths, the writing fails to fully capitalize on its exciting ideas. A significant interval block development pushes the second half in an enterprising direction, forcing Anandan and Aashaan to collaborate on their own film. While this premise holds promise for a strong underdog narrative, the execution feels somewhat unrealized.
The film's final stretch becomes overcooked despite its earnestness. As the protagonists' paths align, Johnpaul George's ambition grows unchecked, dedicating substantial screen time to their collaborative film about a Kathakali dancer's fateful life. While these elaborate efforts impress, they raise questions about narrative convenience: Was it truly so easy for Anandan to create a film festival-worthy production?
Final Verdict: Heartfelt Yet Superficial
Aashaan ultimately emerges as a good-natured film that rarely disappoints, brimming with heartfelt moments from start to finish. It successfully tugs at heartstrings without excessive effort, but in pursuing this emotional connection, it unfortunately relinquishes opportunities for a stronger, more meaningful story. The film serves as a pleasant watch with standout performances, particularly from Indrans, yet leaves viewers wishing for deeper exploration of its compelling themes.
