Ulakam Chuttum Vaaliban Review |

Perhaps it isn't much asking for at least a couple of harmless laughs or a bit of a satisfying drama from a film as Ulakam Chuttum Valiban. Imagine your disappointment then, when you realize that it's a film that hasn't got a joke that's worth laughing over or an event that's worth a mention or a memory.

Jayaram plays Jayashankar in the film, who seeks training under Chenkeeri Sethu (Suraj Venjarammoodu) to become a skilled robber, the reason being that he has some real big debts to pay off, and that he has a sister (Mithra Kurien) all ready to get married. In no time does Jayashankar turn out to be a new age urban thief, but has the shock of his life, when he gets appointed as a Sub Inspector of Police.

The story of Ulakam Chuttum Valiban reminds you of any number of films that you had seen in the nineties, where the protagonist under dire economic constraints has no other choice but to turn real bad. And some characters in UCV makes you wonder if you haven't seen some one similar recently.

The policeman that Biju Menon plays in the film, for instance, has a son who is not yet sure as to what a terrific guy his dad is. Its only when his dad bashes up a few goons real bad, that sonny agrees that his dad is awesome. Sounds like a Daddy Cool, huh?

We wouldn't really expect Ulakam Chuttum Valiban to have a tale that's realistic to the core, but a minimum amount of believability could perhaps make a huge difference. Sadly, that is lacking in the film, and in no time does a man switch from being a robber into a cop, with his personality remaining constant.

Jayaram has nothing much to do in the title role, and even his facial expressions are those that we have seen in innumerable films of his before. Vandana is the leading lady in action, and she does look charming. I couldn't find the name of the child actor who plays Biju Menon's son in the film, and yet I should mention that he was a delight to watch.

The only reason why this film merits a two star rating is on account of Biju Menon, who seems to be getting better with each film. It's an awesome performance again from Biju this time around, and as the narcissistic cop, he scores big time. His comic timing is perfect, and the dialogue deliverance right on spot, which makes Biju Menon the real star of Ulakam Chuttum Valiban.

UCV is the kind of film that Jayaram was seen in for a few years prior to 'Veruthe Oru Bharya' - films that used to come and leave without a whimper that had made his star status hit a rock bottom. Not a good sign, this!