Cuban Colony

Cuban Colony is a 2018 Malayalam-language Indian film that marks the directorial debut of Manoj Varghese Parecattil. The movie stars AbleBenni, SeeRaj Vikram, and ShreeRaj among its ensemble caste, with other spirited actors gracing the screen. Situated in the backdrop of Angamaly, a small city near Cochin in South India, 'Cuban Colony' is a story of friendship, love, and the quest for personal identity, set against the colourful and evocative locale of Kerala.

The title 'Cuban Colony' itself is intriguing. Angamaly, the location where the movie unfolds, is a hotbed of sorts milling with gangs, clashes, and local feuds. This title refers to a local neighborhood that acquired its name because it became home for migrant families, who were left homeless after the Cuban revolution. The depicted life, the usual humdrum controversies, and social interactions are familiar to anyone who knows the area. They will be instantly identifiable to the audiences, particularly those from South India.

The narrative is centred on five friends, who are woven together by circumstance, rather than choice. AbleBenni, SeeRaj Vikram, and ShreeRaj, who are among the leading actors, play foundational roles in depicting this friendship. All residents of the same locality, their names have thus become synonymous with chaos and excitement in the Cuban Colony. At its core, this film is a portrayal of their journey in life, loaded with their share of thrill, triumph, and tribulation.

Cuban Colony's storyline is more of a personal tale infused with elements of action and romantic comedy rather than a single streamlined plot. Its strength lies in an engaging screenplay that delves into the unique, laugh-out-loud moments that are part and parcel of these friends' routine life. We see them go about their day-to-day activities, getting into occasional bouts with rival gangs, dealing with love interests, and generally trying to have a good time.

The film is fascinating in its portrayal of the characters' relationships, both with each other and with their town. The vibrant local flavour added authenticity to the whole narrative. Being a small locality, each person's actions directly or indirectly influence others' lives, which has been shown brilliantly in the film. This situation is a double-edged sword wherein on some days their notoriety brings them respect, at times it is the root cause of their problems.

Despite its jovial and fun-filled ambiance, the film doesn't shy away from presenting viewers with the gritty realities of life in a small town. It's a careful blend of playful humour and an honest exploration of the struggles and problems faced by the lower-middle-class inhabitants of a fast-paced city.

On the technical front, the film shines artistically. The cinematography by Sinoj P Ayyappan successfully captures the raw, earthly aesthetics of Angamaly and the characters that inhabit the town. The camera provides an altogether different perspective into the quaint and humble lives of the people, making it an everyday tale of strength and struggle. The direction stands out, highlighting the intricate nuances of life in a small town and the raw, unabashed portrayal of its characters.

The vibrant music and background scores, composed by Aloshya Peter, compliments the narrative excellently and adds a pulsing vitality to the storyline. The script on its part gives equal emphasis to each character and scene, making it a complete team effort that collectively creates the lively world within the Cuban Colony.

To sum up, Cuban Colony is an intriguing film about friendship, love, rivalries, and the sense of belonging to a place. It stands apart for its authentic representation of a small-town life in Kerala, capturing the spirit and essence of Angamaly and its people in a series of beautifully choreographed, warm, heartfelt, and humorous moments. It's a cocktail of friendship, fun, and raw emotions seasoned with gritty realities of life, making it an appealing watch for audiences fond of intimate, heartfelt narratives with a dash of action and comedy.