Kidu

Kidu is a 2018 Indian Malayalam film that is bursting with youthful energy and offers a beautiful and poignant snapshot of adolescent life. The movie is crafted by the accomplished director Majeed Abu, who successfully casts a spell with the simplistic, yet layered storytelling. He intricately weaves a tale that appeals to a diverse audience, particularly the youth, through its encapsulation of their world and emotions.

At the helm of the movie are several young talents – most notably Ramzan Muhammed, Karthik Vishnu, and Minon – who lend a certain charm and authenticity to the narrative. Their unpolished, raw performances make the characters relatable and contribute significantly to the movie's impactful storytelling. Despite the narrative's light-hearted undertones, Kidu addresses hard-hitting themes that are often overlooked or glossed over in the coming-of-age genre.

The movie offers a brilliant exposé of teenage life and the complexities associated with it. It showcases the world through the eyes of five class 10 students who study in the same class - Akash, Chinnu, Achu, Linta, and Gopi. A series of events change their course of life and intrigue us with their bonds, friendship, and their journey through school life.

Ramzan Muhammed, with his effortless acting and easy-going attitude, steals the show as Akash. Akash is every teenager trying to navigate life's challenges while grappling with his burdens and dreams. On the other hand, Karthik Vishnu and Minon play crucial roles that help shape Akash's journey, characterizing the spirit of camaraderie and friendship quintessential to adolescence.

The movie also articulates the complex relationship between teachers and students, the communication gap between parents and children, and how they influence and shape children's personalities and futures. Kidu does commendably well in portraying the psychology of teenagers, their reactions to situations, and how circumstances lead them to take drastic steps.

Furthermore, Kidu employs an effective screenplay and subtle cinematic techniques, enhancing its richness and depth. Majeed Abu takes a conscious effort in preventing the movie from slipping into the melodramatic zone, opting instead for an almost realistic portrayal of events. However, it also doesn't shy away from incorporating elements of surprise to keep the narrative engaging. The movie unfolds at its own pace, allowing audiences to get a glimpse and understand the life situations and the inner world of these young characters.

The film's rustic setting in Kerala's picturesque landscapes adds a visually pleasing feature to its storytelling—while Vipin Shankar's cinematography captures life in a school setting. The buildings, the picturesque outdoors, the school grounds all elicit a sense of nostalgia that anybody who has attended school in India might find nostalgic and reminiscent.

The movie also touts a rather good musical repertoire. The background score and music by Vimal T K are remarkable and play a crucial role in elevating the movie's emotional quotient. Songs are not merely randomly incorporated but serve a purpose of furthering the narrative or establishing the mood of a scene.

Overall, Kidu does an admirable job in portraying adolescence in all its nuanced glory. It deftly handles the hurdles, dreams, mischiefs, and, most importantly, friendships and companionship of a teenage life. The movie touches upon some significant societal issues subtly, without being overly preachy, makes it an engaging watch. It deserves credit for its honest depiction of teenage life, striking an emotional chord with the audience, and leaving them with plenty of food for thought.

In conclusion, Kidu comes across as a breath of fresh air in the realm of Malayalam movies, especially those revolving around school life and coming-of-age themes. It aims and successfully manages to engage its viewers with a narrative that is touching, entertaining, and thought-provoking in equal measure.