"Slow Pace, Great Performances": Asif Ali's Level Cross Reviews Out (image-X/DQsWayfarerFilm)
Starring Asif Ali, Amala Paul, and Sharafudheen, the Malayalam film Level Cross hit theatres today. Directed by debutant Arfaz Ayub, the film is set in a surreal world where a modern girl and an unruly man from two different worlds meet.
Following the story of Raghu (Asif Ali), a railway gatekeeper, and Chaithali (Amala Paul), a psychiatrist, the film dedicates the first few minutes to setting up the desert landscape in the middle of nowhere, the main setting of the majority of the story.
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Onmanorama writes, “What captures you right from the start is the film’s visual imagery, caught beautifully by Appu Prabhakar. Prem Navaz’s production design too supplements the beauty of the setting.”
However, the narrative appears slow in the beginning but “a Jeethu Joseph-style twist” in the interval, which is “breathtaking,” writes Onmanorama.
The South First also complains of the slow pace until the psychological film kicks up a notch with a third character, Zinjo (Sharafudheen), entering the scene and things start spiralling. Praising the “tight screenplay,” the review also applauds Prabhakar’s cinematography, as each frame “elevates the film to the next level.” Vishal Chandrashekhar’s music and background score also receive their fair share of appreciation.
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Though the film lacks in a few places, the acting performances outshine them, as noted by reviewers. The slow-burn thriller’s highlight is Asif Ali as the mysterious Raghu. As Chaithali, Amala Paul too delivers a solid performance with ease, making the audience wonder if one should believe her story or not. Sharafudheen too leaves a decent impact as Zinjo.
Overall, it appears that if a slow-paced thriller is your cup of tea, then this visually appealing desert land film feat. a fresh trio might just be up your lane.
