Eleven - A Suspense Thriller that stunned me

Eleven - A Suspense Thriller that stunned me 

Written and Directed by Lokesh Ajils

Creative Producer - Prabhu Solomon

Produced by Reya Hari and Ajmal Khan

Starring: Naveen Chandra, Reya Hari, Rythvika, Abhirami, Aadukalam Naren.etc

Music : D. Imman

My Review -

Eleven is a 2025 mystery thriller film written and directed by Lokesh Ajils in his filmmaking debut. This film is produced by Reya Hari and Ajmal Khan with Prabhu Solomon also handling the creative production. This film stars Naveen Chandra, Reya Hari, Abhirami, Aadukalem Naren and Rythvika in the lead roles.

One - Liner: Aravindan, an ACP is handed the case of the murders of a person's twin and witnesses that the killer's motive is revenge for something that had happened in the past. Does he succeed?

Actors Wise - Naveen Chandra well known for his villainous role in Pattas has landed the role of a dual shaded cop on a mission to crack the case. His performance was a well blended mix of subtlety and revenge. Abhirami played the role of a teacher with a motherly instinct that brings out the best from her. Reya Hari's performance was good. All others did their parts well.

Technical Wise - The story and script are neatly packaged to make sure that the audience is well engaged with the suspense that builds up to the climax. The romantic portions are well and neatly done and they don't disturb the story's progression. D. Imman has once again proved why he is the Big Brother in Music with his songs that have gelled well. 2 Songs from the film have played in my mind ; Azhagaana Arrakana sung by Jonita Gandhi with lyrics by Vishnu Edavan and Vidiyadha Vaanam Engae Pochu written by Kabilan and sung by Mano. The flashbacks were literally emotional and bringing in the motifs of Chess as a game was a smart move. It also brought the use of twins in Kollywood to another level.

In my Opinion; Hands down, the best mystery thriller K-town has produced.

Bottom Line - I think that this film deserves a National Award.

Classmates- A Coming of age story that ages very well

Classmates- A Trendsetting Coming of age story that ages very well 

Director - Lal Jose

Writer - James Albert

Music - Alex Paul

Starring - Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Kavya Madhavan, Narain, Jayasurya, Balachandra Menon, Shobha Menon, Suraj Venjaaramoodu, Jagathy Sreekumar and Radhika

My Review -

Lal Jose, a veteran filmmaker with a panache for feel good films has made an amazing coming of age film with subtle thriller elements. Classmates is one such film that has aged very well with the youngsters of today's generation. I saw the film with my Mother and Here's my review;

Cast Performances: 

Prithviraj breathes life into his character of P. Sukumaran who in his younger days is a firebrand character who tries to get even with his political rival. In his present days, he is a diamond trader who is carrying the pangs of guilt for something he did. His performance spoke so much volumes.

Indrajith's role of Pius brings in his inner Romeo character as a youngster who tries many ways to flirt with girls. In his present days, he is a matured guy who still remembers his old days.

Kavya Madhavan brought out an amazing performance as Thara Kurup, a dancer who was previously Suku's love interest.

Narain's Portrayal of Murali, a singer brings in the emotions to play and he has been in the moment as a guy who was also in love.

Balachandra and Shobha Menon played Mr. and Mrs Iyer who bring out their performances of a lifetime as a grieving couple who lost their own son.

Jayasurya brings in the sneering attitude as well as a helping behaviour in his performance as Satheesan his former rival who is now looking to make amends.

Radhika stole the show as Rezia who was Murali's lover and also the person who upon losing him has lost herself in her grief.

Others played their parts very well.

Technicality wise;

Alex Paul's Songs and BGM were literally the highlights of the film. One song that rules the hearts of every lover is Ente Khalbile by Vineeth Sreenivasan and Sujatha Mohan.

Cinematography and editing help to seamlessly balance the past and present of the movie so well that the marriage of the flashbacks and present day scenes are done in a neat manner.

James Albert's Writing and Lal Jose's craftsmanship as director come into play and bring in the subtlety of thriller elements while also bringing in the slice of life ideas to maintain a balance.

This film was a gamechanger in many ways as it kickstarted the trend of alumni people visiting their old colleges.

Overall; The best Mallu Slice of life film I ever saw.