No.20 Madras Mail

No.20 Madras Mail is a Malayalam film released in 1990. Directed by Joshiy, the film features an impressive ensemble of actors, including superstar Mohanlal, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Jagadish in principal roles. The film is infused with elements of drama, comedy, mystery, and suspense, which make it an enjoyable ride.

The storyline centres around three friends - Tony Kurushingal, played by the highly talented Mohanlal; Hitchcock Kanjikkuzhi, played by the unique Maniyanpilla Raju; and Kumbalam Hari, played by the brilliant comedian Jagdish. The film evolves on a train journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Madras, wherein these friends encounter an array of travellers who contribute significantly to the unfolding of events. Mamukkoya, Innocent, Ashokan, and an entire line-up of actors add vivid colours to the canvas of the film.

The film portrays Tony as an adventurous person who likes to live life on the edge, while Kanjikkuzhi and Hari are typically the hilarious sidekicks. Observational humour is a powerful aspect used to alleviate the comic quotient in various sequences of the plot. The fun-filled camaraderie between the actors translates beautifully onto the screen making it an entertaining visual experience.

No.20 Madras Mail boasts an intriguing plot twist when a popular film actress, played by Suchitra, boards the train. As the story progresses, a darker turn of events agitates the journey, and a murder mystery unfolds. How these three friends, especially Tony, deal with this situation forms the basis of the storyline.

This movie is also remembered for Mohanlal's character meeting Mammootty, another legendary actor of the Malayalam film industry, in a cameo role. This encounter between the two titans of Malayalam cinema makes for an unforgettable moment in the movie. Mammootty playing himself in the film creates a unique cinematic experience for the viewers.

The film cleverly juxtaposes comedy with suspense, thus providing a unique blend of entertainment. No.20 Madras Mail keeps you engrossed with its engaging narrative combined with its light-hearted moments. Adding to this is the excellent screenplay by Dennis Joseph, which maintains an interesting pace, and nuances of various characters brilliantly knitted together.

The film’s songs composed by Ouseppachan, with lyrics by Shibu Chakravarthy, have their own charm and add significantly to the overall movie experience. Track 'Kannadi Kayyil' became extremely popular and still rules the hearts of the audience. S.Kumar's cinematography makes the journey on the No.20 Madras Mail a visually appealing tour. Each frame inside the train recreates the ambience of a moving train, achieving a sense of authenticity and realism.

Contrasting the excitement of a journey with a murder mystery forms the core of the movie. Mohanlal's charismatic performance effortlessly manages to create a perfect balance between the film's light-hearted and serious moments. He is supported well by other actors, including Maniyanpilla Raju, whose performance leaves an indelible mark.

On the whole, No.20 Madras Mail was a milestone in Malayalam cinema with its unique blend of comedy, suspense, and intriguing storyline. It offers a fascinating watch, especially for those who appreciate films with a distinctive plot and well-developed characters. The movie stands as a great example of 90s filmmaking, not just in the Malayalam film industry but in Indian cinema as well.

With suspense and humour served in equal measures, No.20 Madras Mail is essentially a cinematic journey that none would want to miss. It is a must-watch for fans of Mohanlal, Maniyanpilla Raju, Jagadish, and of course, anyone who loves a good murder mystery keep you on the edge without ever letting the laugh out of the cinema. To sum it up, No.20 Madras Mail is a thrilling joyride that guarantees a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and comedy.