Turbo: A High-Octane Malayalam Action-Comedy Delight

May 23, 2024

Rating:

• Critic’s Rating: 4.0/5
• Average User Rating: 4.3/5

Duration: 2 hrs 35 mins
Genre: Action, Comedy
Language: Malayalam

Director: Vysakh
The cast includes: Mammootty, Anjana Jayaprakash, Raj B. Shetty, Bindu Panicker, Shabareesh Varma, Dileesh Pothan, Sunil, Johny Antony, Kabir Duhan Singh, Niranjana Anoop, Namo Narayanan, and Amina Nijam.

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Synopsis:
“Turbo” follows the story of Turbo Jose, a charismatic man from Idukki, who finds himself entangled in a high-stakes political game in Chennai. With Mammootty at the helm, this film promises a rollercoaster ride of action and comedy.

Review:
“Turbo” lives up to its name, delivering a turbo-charged experience that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The movie kicks off with an adrenaline-pumping sequence in Chennai, quickly transitioning to the serene hills of Idukki where Jose (Mammootty) lives with his lively mother, portrayed by Bindu Panicker.

The plot thickens when a local festival fight reveals that Jose’s friend Jerry (Shabareesh Varma) is in trouble due to his romance with Indulekha (Anjana Jayaprakash), a bank manager. Jose’s attempt to reunite the couple sets off a chain of events that lead him to Chennai, where the real action unfolds. Here, the villainous political kingmaker Vetrivel Shanmugha Sundara (Raj B. Shetty) is orchestrating a massive financial scam, manipulating the banking system to fund political corruption.

As Jerry uncovers the scam and tries to alert Indu, Jose steps in to help. The narrative escalates into a tense cat-and-mouse game, with Jose trying to protect his loved ones while battling Vetrivel’s machinations. The plot is peppered with thrilling action sequences, emotional moments, and a touch of humor, making it a well-rounded entertainer.

Midhun Manuel Thomas’s writing and Vysakh’s direction ensure that “Turbo” maintains a brisk pace, balancing mass appeal with a strong storyline. Mammootty’s performance is electrifying, reaffirming his status as a stalwart of Malayalam cinema. The supporting cast, including Raj B. Shetty, who plays a menacing yet understated villain, and Anjana Jayaprakash, who shines as the determined Indulekha, deliver noteworthy performances.

The film’s technical aspects deserve special mention. The action choreography by Phoenix Prabu, coupled with Vishnu Sharma’s cinematography and Shameer Muhammed’s editing, create visually stunning sequences that enhance the narrative. Christo Xavier’s music score complements the film’s tempo, adding to the overall impact.

“Turbo” also stands out for its strong female characters. Bindu Panicker as Jose’s mother, Anjana as Indulekha, and Niranjana Anoop as Indu’s sister, all have significant roles that contribute to the story, breaking the usual mold of secondary female characters in action films.

Verdict:
“Turbo” is a must-watch for fans of action-comedy. It blends high-octane action with humor and drama, anchored by Mammootty’s stellar performance. The film leaves the door open for a potential sequel, hinting at more adventures for Turbo Jose. With its engaging plot and well-executed production, “Turbo” is a cinematic treat that promises and delivers entertainment in spades.

Check your local showtimes and buckle up for a thrilling ride with “Turbo”!