Mura is Muhammed Musthafa’s second directorial venture. Known for his in-depth storytelling, Musthafa attempts to explore the harsh realities of crime and the exploitation of young men in the underworld. Set in the underbelly of Thiruvananthapuram, the film draws inspiration from a biblical reference: “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Despite the film’s powerful themes, it struggles to fully engage the audience due to several storytelling and character development flaws.
Mura Movie Review
Director: Muhammed Musthafa
Cast: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Hridhu Haroon, Maala Parvathi, Jobin Das, Anujith Kannan, Yedhukrishnan, Vigneshwar Suresh, Krish Hassan
Genre: Crime Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐1/2 (2.5/5 Stars)
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Ani (Suraj Venjaramoodu), a mafia leader working under the influence of Ramadevi (Maala Parvathi), a ruthless business mogul. The plot introduces four young, underprivileged men — Anandhu (Hridhu Haroon), Saji (Jobin Das), Manaf (Anujith Kannan), and Manu (Yedhukrishnan) — who are drawn into the world of crime under Ani’s command. These youths dream of wealth and respect, but their journey takes a life-altering turn when they are tasked with a high-stakes mission to steal black money from Tamil Nadu.
The narrative highlights their rise, challenges, and ultimate realization of the grim consequences of their choices. However, it leaves the audience wanting more emotional depth and a deeper exploration of the socioeconomic forces that lead young people into crime.
Cast and Acting Performance
| Actor | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Suraj Venjaramoodu | Ani | Strong, though reminiscent of his past characters |
| Hridhu Haroon | Anandhu | Energetic, but limited by one-dimensional writing |
| Maala Parvathi | Ramadevi | Compelling, but doesn’t fully own the antagonist role |
| Jobin Das | Saji | Impressive and fearless, showing great on-screen chemistry |
| Anujith Kannan | Manaf | Convincing but underdeveloped |
| Yedhukrishnan | Manu | Adds realism to the gang but lacks a strong backstory |
| Vigneshwar Suresh | Sitru | Supports well, though overshadowed by others |
| Krish Hassan | Malar | Provides necessary support to the story |
Acting Highlights
- Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers a reliable performance but feels familiar, as his portrayal of Ani echoes roles he’s played before.
- Hridhu Haroon, Jobin Das, Anujith Kannan, and Yedhukrishnan display good chemistry as the four young recruits, but their characters lack emotional layers.
Direction and Screenplay
Muhammed Musthafa deserves credit for tackling the complex theme of exploitation and crime. He uses Thiruvananthapuram’s urban setting to depict the grim world of gang violence, but the screenplay written by Suresh Babu often falters.
- Strengths: The film takes a realistic approach, avoiding exaggerated “mass” moments typical of gangster films. Instead, it emphasizes the slow build-up of consequences.
- Weaknesses: The writing fails to create empathy for the main characters, as the constant focus on crime overshadows their personal stories. Additionally, the dialogue, particularly among the four youths, lacks authenticity.
Key Points in Screenplay:
- Natural unfolding of events without overdramatization.
- Missed opportunities to explore the protagonists’ backgrounds and motivations.
- Dialogue often feels repetitive and superficial.
Cinematography and Editing
Visual Appeal
- Cinematography: Fazil Nazer does a commendable job capturing the gritty atmosphere of Thiruvananthapuram. The urban landscape, narrow alleyways, and dimly lit scenes effectively enhance the film’s dark theme.
- Editing: Chaman Chakko’s editing ensures a smooth narrative flow, though some scenes could have been trimmed to reduce the film’s length.
Choreography and Action
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Action Sequences | Well-executed, realistic fights |
| Choreography Style | Grounded and intense, without excess |
| Soundtrack Impact | Christy Joby’s music adds intensity |
Special Mentions:
- The song “Noolilla Karakkam,” sung by Sreenath Bhasi, is a standout track that lingers with viewers.
- While the action scenes are gripping, the soundtrack sometimes gives the film an inappropriate, upbeat tone.
Themes and Social Commentary
Mura raises significant social issues but does not fully explore them. The film touches on:
- Exploitation of Lowered Castes: It shows how young men from underprivileged backgrounds are manipulated into crime.
- Illusion of a Better Life: Highlights how desires planted by the elite lead to a vicious cycle of crime.
- Consequences of Violence: Stresses that every character must face the repercussions of their actions.
However, the film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the systemic problems that lead to crime, such as economic disparity and lack of opportunities.
Box Office Performance
The film opened to mixed reviews and struggled to draw large crowds. The lack of strong emotional engagement and limited promotional buzz impacted its box office numbers.
Box Office Highlights:
- Opening Weekend: Moderate collection due to curiosity about Suraj Venjaramoodu’s role.
- Overall Performance: Average, with higher viewership in urban areas.
What’s Special About Mura?
- Realistic Portrayal: Unlike many action thrillers, Mura avoids glamorizing violence and focuses on consequences.
- Biblical Theme: The use of a gospel verse as a central theme adds a philosophical layer to the narrative.
- Authentic Setting: The depiction of Thiruvananthapuram’s underworld is raw and unfiltered, making it stand out from typical gangster films.
Final Verdict
Mura is an ambitious crime thriller with a unique setting and compelling performances by its cast, especially Suraj Venjaramoodu. While it succeeds in portraying a realistic underworld, it falls short in creating emotional connections and fully exploring the social issues it raises. The film’s message about the cyclical nature of violence and exploitation is clear but could have been more impactful with deeper character exploration.
Pros:
- Strong lead performance by Suraj Venjaramoodu.
- Realistic and grounded action sequences.
- Gripping cinematography and memorable music.
Cons:
- Lack of emotional depth for main characters.
- Overemphasis on crime, diminishing other narrative aspects.
- Dialogues could be more authentic and engaging.