“Kondal” Movie Review: Antony’s Fury Lacks Impact This Time

Even though it had the potential to be an exciting action film, the movie ultimately falls flat as a dull repetition of typical revenge drama clichés.

Since his impressive debut in Angamaly Diaries (2017), Antony Varghese has consistently excelled in action roles. While he may not have the chiseled physique of actors like Unni Mukundan or Tovino Thomas, his agility and raw energy make him a perfect fit for films that emphasize naadan thallu.

Antony solidified his status as an ‘action hero’ with the blockbuster success of last year’s Onam release, RDX (2023). This Onam, he returns with another action film, Kondal. What sets Kondal apart from his previous works is its unique coastal setting, with nearly 90% of the story unfolding on a fishing boat in the sea. However, aside from this fresh backdrop, Kondal ultimately falls into the trap of rehashing typical revenge drama clichés.

The film starts off strong, showcasing the lives of local fishermen and how greed negatively impacts their community. Usha, making a welcome return, delivers a commendable performance in a villainous role. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is merely a setup to introduce Antony’s character, Manuel, a straightforward young man standing up for justice.

Simultaneously, there are hints that Manuel is a tormented individual seeking closure from a troubled past. The main issue with Kondal lies in its uninspired writing, which remains predictable throughout and lacks a sense of urgency. By the time the interval arrives, it becomes clear what the hero’s mission is, but the film takes far too long to reach a resolution. Everything leading up to that point feels like a tedious build-up without much flavor.

Kondal becomes captivating when it introduces us to the previously unseen life aboard a fishing boat. We get a glimpse into the daily routines of the crew and the various methods they use to catch fish. Each crew member has different priorities, leading to constantly changing interpersonal dynamics.

This setup offers a solid foundation for intriguing interactions, but unfortunately, the writing doesn’t delve deep enough. While most characters are given some form of identity, it’s puzzling that some remain oblivious during a significant conflict between Manuel and the villainous gang. Such questionable writing choices hinder the film’s progression, leaving it without any standout moments.

Kondal had the potential to be an engaging action film, but despite featuring several extended fight scenes, they fail to leave a lasting impact. The script ambitiously includes a storm sequence and a giant shark hunt, but the execution falls short. Sam CS manages to create one memorable score and uses variations of it to elevate the less exciting moments, but overall, the music can feel disjointed.

In terms of performances, Antony puts in considerable effort for the fight scenes. However, aside from a heartfelt monologue, there aren’t enough opportunities to showcase his acting range. Shabeer Kallarakkal, as the main antagonist, also strives to bring depth to his one-dimensional villain role, but the writing doesn’t provide him with enough substance to work with.

While many characters in the film come across as one-dimensional, Sarath Saba stands out with a compelling grey-shaded role that he portrays effectively. Raj B Shetty also makes an extended cameo, echoing the familiar do-gooder archetypes from earlier films. His casting is intriguing, especially considering his reputation for raw energy. However, it’s a missed opportunity that the writers didn’t take the time to develop his character further.

Kondal is produced by Weekend Blockbusters, the same team behind RDX. One key lesson from RDX was how a film’s treatment can elevate it, even with basic writing. The outstanding action sequences in RDX significantly contributed to its success, but despite having similar potential, Kondal fails to create any memorable moments. What should have been a powerful storm instead feels like a gentle breeze.

Film: Kondal

Director: Ajit Mampally

Cast: Antony Varghese, Raj B Shetty, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Nandu

Rating: 2/5