Kondal Movie Review: A Revenge Drama Set Adrift by Aimless Writing and Underwhelming Execution
Revenge films are a beloved genre across world cinema. Audiences find themselves captivated by the emotional intensity of characters seeking justice or retribution. It’s a timeless premise, often elevated by strong storytelling and riveting performances. Kondal, starring Antony Varghese Pepe, Raj B Shetty, and Shabeer Kallarakkal, brings a fresh setting a fishing boat in the deep sea into this revenge narrative. However, despite its unique backdrop and action-heavy sequences, the film falters due to a lacklustre script and weak character development, leaving viewers adrift.
A Fresh Premise, but Familiar Territory
At the heart of Kondal is Manuel (Antony Varghese Pepe), a fisherman from Anchuthengu, a coastal village in Kerala. He’s an outspoken man, unafraid to challenge the powerful, which quickly lands him in trouble. To escape the fallout of a local conflict, Manuel joins a fishing crew in a different harbour. The film follows his journey on this deep-sea expedition, where he uncovers disturbing truths about the death of his brother, Danny (Raj B Shetty), and sets out on a path of revenge.
While the movie’s setting aboard a fishing vessel is undeniably unique and offers an opportunity for heightened tension, the narrative quickly becomes familiar. Revenge dramas are a staple of world cinema, but they work best when characters are driven by complex emotions and the stakes feel real. Unfortunately, in Kondal, much of the potential tension fizzles out due to aimless writing and underdeveloped characters.
Action Packed but Emotionally Hollow
From the outset, it’s clear that Kondal aims to capitalize on Antony Varghese Pepe’s reputation as an action hero. The film introduces him with the bold sobriquet “Action Hero,” and true to this label, Kondal delivers on the action front. Fight sequences dominate the screen, with a few set pieces that stand out, such as a harrowing fight with a shark. The action choreography, executed by Vikram Mor and team, is energetic and fast-paced, perfectly suited to Pepe’s rugged persona.
However, action without emotional depth is a recipe for superficial engagement. For a revenge film to truly resonate, the audience needs to feel the hero’s pain, his anger, his thirst for justice. Think about RDX it worked not just because of its action sequences, but because the hero’s motivations were deeply tied to an emotional core. In Kondal, despite the action-heavy scenes, that emotional core is missing. You never quite feel Manuel’s rage or his desperation, making it hard to root for him.
Flawed Character Arcs and Missed Opportunities
One of the major flaws in Kondal lies in its character development. Manuel is portrayed as a man on the edge, a brooding figure with a troubled past. But beyond this surface-level characterization, the film doesn’t offer much insight into what drives him. We are told about his love for his family, particularly in a scene where he speaks emotionally about his niece, but these moments feel disconnected from the larger narrative. The film tries to push Pepe into more emotionally demanding scenes, but the execution falls flat.
Raj B Shetty, an actor known for his impressive performances in Kannada cinema, is criminally underused in Kondal. Playing Manuel’s brother, Danny, he appears in a few key flashbacks, but his role feels more like an extended cameo than a fully realized character. His death, which is the catalyst for Manuel’s quest for revenge, lacks the emotional weight it should carry. Additionally, the decision to use a dubbing artist for Raj’s voice, which doesn’t match his usual tone, creates a further disconnect for viewers familiar with his previous work.
Shabeer Kallarakkal, as the main antagonist Jude, delivers a solid performance, flexing his fighting skills in the process. However, his character too suffers from the same lack of depth that plagues the film. Villains in revenge films are most effective when they’re not just menacing but also multi dimensional. Jude, unfortunately, is reduced to a stock character whose motivations are unclear, making him less threatening than he should be.
A Script Adrift Without Direction
The biggest letdown in Kondal is its screenplay, penned by Ajith Mampally, Roylin Robert, and Satheesh Thonakkal. The first half of the movie meanders, with little happening to advance the plot. We see Manuel adjusting to life aboard the fishing boat, exchanging tense glances with the other crew members, but it takes far too long for the film to reveal the underlying tension between the characters. By the time the audience learns about Danny’s death and the subsequent betrayal by his supposed friends, it feels like too little, too late.
In a film set in such a confined space, with characters constantly in close proximity, the tension should be palpable. However, Kondal misses this opportunity, offering only brief moments of confrontation between Manuel and the crew, punctuated by long stretches of inaction. The result is a film that feels aimless, without a clear sense of direction. Key plot points are introduced and then quickly forgotten, leaving viewers scratching their heads. For instance, the character of Aloshy, who dies in an unrelated accident, is introduced with considerable build up, only for his arc to abruptly end without any significant impact on the plot.
A Visually Striking Yet Flawed Production
Visually, Kondal has its moments. Deepak D Menon’s cinematography captures the vastness and isolation of the sea beautifully, heightening the sense of danger and uncertainty aboard the fishing boat. However, the visual effects are inconsistent, particularly in the shark fight sequence, where the CGI feels noticeably underwhelming.
Sam CS’s background score is a standout element, providing the right amount of tension and atmosphere in key moments. The music adds value to the action sequences, complementing the intensity on screen. But even the best score can’t fully compensate for a weak script and lacklustre character arcs.
A Missed Opportunity
In conclusion, Kondal had all the ingredients for a compelling revenge drama: a unique setting, a strong cast, and action-packed sequences. But the film is ultimately let down by poor writing and underdeveloped characters. Revenge films thrive on emotional depth and high-stakes tension, neither of which Kondal delivers in a satisfying way. While Antony Varghese Pepe’s action-hero persona keeps the film from sinking entirely, it’s not enough to save Kondal from its aimless narrative.
If you’re a fan of action films and enjoy gritty, sea-bound settings, you might still find Kondal entertaining. But for those looking for a revenge story with real emotional impact, Kondal will likely leave you wanting more.