Diff review: Malayalam film 'Njaan Steve Lopez' is well-crafted

It's deeply gratifying when filmmakers refuse to spoon-feed the audience and allows them to exercise their grey cells. Cinematographer-turned-director Rajiv Ravi is from that rare breed of filmmakers. His second Malayalam feature 'Njaan Steve Lopez' is exceptionally well-crafted and thought-provoking.

While on the surface 'Njaan (I am) Steve Lopez) appears to be a typical coming-of-age tale of a lethargic college bloke, who prefers romance over academics, Rajiv shifts gear, and cleverly exposes the notorious nexus that exists between the law-breakers and law-enforcers.

Steve spends much of his life bunking lectures, drinking with his buddies, and romancing his childhood friend. He shows no real purpose, and flints in and out of situation without much thought or purpose.

Detached from the world around him, Steve comes alive only while chatting away on his mobile app.

It's when he witnesses a gruesome crime that Steve is suddenly forced to abandon his apathy, and take on a life contrasting his own.

While his protective father uses his clout in the police force to steer him away from trouble, Steve is unable to rest till his questions are answered.

As Steve watches the war unfold, he remains curiously unharmed. It's only when he pieces together the puzzle revolving around a missing gangster that the reason appears crystal clear.

Rajiv explores the world of crime through Steve, and perfectly captures the sentiment of indifference the society has grown to adopt. At every stage, Steve is told to "ignore"  and “walk away”.

The indulgent narrative is necessary to show Steve's journey, and Shahabaz Aman’s rustic music peddles the story forward. Rajiv even borrows from his own work and uses Dev-D's track to pitch the perfect tone of unrequited love.

While the first-half extensively studies Steve's lethargy and his intense affection for his Anjali, the second-half shakes him out of his comfort zone, and introduces him to a world of violence and hatred.

Rajiv's cinematic genius is evident when he sets a crucial conflict in the thick of the night. As bombs go off and swords slice up human flesh, you glimpse a world unseen and disturbingly unnerving.

His brilliance also lies in muting out conversations, and letting stories unroll through expression. Some of the most intriguing moments are the ones that have no dialogues.

Much like his debut feature 'Annayum Rasoolum', Rajiv humanises his thugs. They might slash and kill with abundant glee, but when the killing is over, they return to a life untouched by the violence. They joke, they laugh, and even play temple run! The men live dual lives, and sneak back into their domesticated roles without any trouble.

Even the language (Malayalam) is distinct to the city the story unfolds in.

Another similarity lies in his exceptional casting. Debutants Farhaan Faasil and Ahaana Krishna slip into roles of the young lovers effortlessly, and lend a simple amiability to their screen images. Although Ahaana's Anjali isn’t allowed to grow adequately, considering the focus is entirely on Steve, she holds her ground.

Farhaan plays the perpetually confused boy genuinely. Over 116 minutes of screen time, we gradually learn to empathise and adore him.

And, in line with 'Annayum Rasoolum', this one too boasts of an incredible supporting cast of talented, but fairly unknown faces. Sujith Shankar as the wounded Hari is outstanding, and remains etched in our mind long after the movie is over. He shares magical screen presence, one that’s undoubtedly going to win him numerous accolades just like Shine of ‘Annayum Rasoolum’.

Rajiv's 'Njaan Steve Lopez' is extraordinarily layered, remarkably relevant, and highly recommended.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.