"Decent Movie Justifying The Genre": Reviews On Joju George's Pani (image: instagram.com/jojugeorgeactorofficial)

The Malayalam action thriller Pani showcases actor Joju George donning the director’s coat for the first time. He is also playing the lead role in the movie. As the initial reviews are out, Joju’s directorial attempt is receiving positive responses, including the treatment of the genre.

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“The movie is undoubtedly a mass entertainer that seeks to tap into your emotions, skillfully triggering various feelings throughout,” On Manorama writes. The review lauds Joju George’s attempt as a debut director, especially in handling the intense themes. The depiction of violence also commands attention, the review adds. Though some of the violent scenes can hit hard and can be of disturbing viewer experience, the very factor makes movie an “exciting ride,” On Manorama opines.

“In the case of Pani, it’s the second half that truly lets the filmmaker shine with his craft,” OTT Play writes. The review observes that the first half of the movie places a standard revenge drama, and it is the second half makes it “exciting and intense.” It lauds Joju for not only for opting a daring subject but also for “resisting the urge to play to the masses.” The review also praises the performances of the actors in the film. The music handled by Vishnu Vijay and Sam CS as well as cinematography by Venu and Jinto George keeps the movie intriguing, it adds.

Through Pani, Joju George as director-writer-actor has managed to pull off a decent movie justifying the genre, Timeline Daily writes. The visual language in the film, and linear story telling mode was effective in communicating the theme and advancing the story effortlessly.

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“Pani examines the intersections of societal structure, corruption, and the criminal underworld with the director and screenwriter (both Joju George) employ various narrative and cinematic techniques to explore themes of loyalty, ambition, friendship, love, commitment and moral ambiguity,” Timeline Daily observes.