Gumasthan Review: A Missed Opportunity or an Overstretched Thriller?

When it comes to Malayalam cinema, thrillers have always had a loyal fan base. The latest addition to this genre is Gumasthan, starring Jaise Jose in the titular role. Directed by Amal K. Joby and written by Riyaz Ismat, this film attempts to weave a gripping narrative filled with twists, turns, and suspense. But does it succeed? Or does it fall into the trap of being just another formulaic thriller trying too hard to stand out? Let’s delve into the movie, dissect its plot, characters, and overall execution to see if it’s worth your time.

Plot Overview

At its core, Gumasthan is a story that revolves around Pallipadan, a long-serving clerk (or Gumasthan) to a prominent lawyer. Pallipadan has been in the legal world since the age of 16, gathering an extensive understanding of the legal loopholes and tricks of the trade. The story takes a dark turn when a servant at his home witnesses him beating his wife. The next day, the wife goes missing, and suspicions arise. What follows is an investigation by the police that forms the crux of the movie.

The opening scene sets the tone for the thriller when a man who has just murdered his wife seeks legal advice from Pallipadan’s employer. The conversation takes a curious turn when the man asks why he should pay the lawyer when Pallipadan, with all his experience, could take the case directly. This clever dialogue introduces the central character, and the title “Gumasthan” flashes on screen, offering a promising start.

A Bloated Heroism: The Struggles of a Stretched Plot

The movie, from the beginning, tries hard to establish Pallipadan as an almost mythical figure, someone who’s more than just a clerk. The exaggerated heroism feels forced, creating a disconnect between the audience and the character. Rather than letting the suspense and tension naturally build, the film spends too much time glorifying the lead, ultimately diminishing the emotional impact. The plot, which could have been a lean and effective thriller, becomes overblown, trying to amplify every single moment.

One of the main issues with Gumasthan is its reliance on over-the-top drama. The first half revolves around a hasty police investigation that feels rushed and overly dramatized. Instead of exploring the subtleties of suspense, the movie opts for loud, exaggerated scenes that fail to engage the viewer emotionally.

Decoy Overload: Twists Without Substance

Thrillers thrive on misdirection and decoys, but only when used sparingly and intelligently. Unfortunately, Gumasthan plants so many red herrings throughout its plot that they lose their impact. The script tries to surprise the audience by throwing in twist after twist, but because of the bloated heroism and lack of subtlety, it fails to keep us guessing.

A pivotal moment in the second half tries to shake things up by teasing a character reveal, hinting that the audience’s assumptions might be wrong. But the execution falters. Just when it seems like the movie might offer something unique, it reverts to a typical flashback sequence, revealing the crime in a way that feels too predictable. The excitement fizzles out, leaving you underwhelmed rather than shocked.

Missed Potential: The Gumasthan Angle

The most intriguing aspect of Gumasthan the idea that Pallipadan could be a criminal mastermind thanks to his deep understanding of the law is unfortunately underutilized. The film hints at the possibility of this plot thread, yet it never fully commits to exploring it. Instead of delving into the complexities of how Pallipadan could exploit legal loopholes to cover up a crime, the story veers into a conventional revenge narrative, wasting its most compelling idea.

The film could have explored how someone in Pallipadan’s position could manipulate the legal system for his own benefit. This angle, had it been better fleshed out, might have set Gumasthan apart from other thrillers. Sadly, it remains just a passing mention, a missed opportunity in a sea of wasted potential.

Performances: Stiff Leads and Underused Talent

Jaise Jose, as Pallipadan, brings a certain intensity to the role, but his performance often feels one-dimensional. For much of the movie, he’s portrayed as stoic and stiff, with little emotional range. While there are moments towards the end where we see him in a vulnerable state, these glimpses of depth are overshadowed by poor dialogue delivery and a lack of nuance.

Dileesh Pothan and Bibin George, two talented actors with strong screen presence, are unfortunately relegated to extended cameos. Their roles seem more like an afterthought, possibly included to boost the film’s poster appeal rather than to enhance the plot. Shaju Sreedhar is the only actor who gets a meatier role, but even his character fades into the background as the movie progresses.

Direction and Technical Aspects: Style Over Substance

Cinematographer Kunjunni S Kumar does a commendable job of creating a moody, atmospheric look for the film. His work elevates the movie’s visual appeal, giving it the attire of a high-stakes thriller. However, good cinematography alone cannot carry a film.

The background score, while effective in parts, often feels excessive. It tries too hard to heighten the drama and tension, sometimes to the point of overshadowing the scene itself. Instead of allowing moments to breathe, the score bombards the viewer, making the film feel more like a rehash of popular thriller soundtracks than an original piece.

Final Thoughts: A Thriller That Plays It Too Safe

Gumasthan had all the ingredients to be a standout thriller. A central character with a unique angle, a plot filled with suspense, and a talented cast. Yet, it squanders its potential by opting for exaggerated drama and clichéd storytelling. Rather than embracing its own originality, the film tries too hard to follow the formula, resulting in a forgettable experience.

For thriller fans, Gumasthan may offer a few moments of intrigue, but those moments are fleeting. The rest of the movie feels like a checklist of genre tropes, with little effort to deliver something fresh or unexpected. In the end, Gumasthan isn’t a wasted opportunity; it’s simply a film that didn’t dare to be bold.

FAQs

1. Is Gumasthan worth watching for thriller fans?
   If you’re a fan of Malayalam thrillers, Gumasthan might hold some appeal, but temper your expectations. The plot feels stretched, and the twists are not as surprising as they seem at first glance.
2. What’s the most unique aspect of Gumasthan?
   The idea that Pallipadan could use his legal expertise to commit the perfect crime is intriguing, but unfortunately, the film doesn’t explore this angle deeply enough to stand out.
3. Does Jaise Jose deliver a good performance as Pallipadan?
   Jaise Jose brings intensity to the role, but his performance feels one-note for most of the film. While there are moments of vulnerability towards the end, they don’t make up for the lack of emotional depth throughout.
4. How does the direction contribute to the film’s overall quality?
   While the film boasts strong cinematography, the direction falls short by leaning too heavily on exaggerated drama and missed opportunities for character development.

In the end, Gumasthan is a thriller that plays it safe, sticking too closely to tried-and-tested formulas rather than embracing its unique premise. Although it’s visually engaging, the plot feels stretched, and the characters fail to leave a lasting impact. If you’re looking for a thriller with substance, you might want to look elsewhere.