7th Day (2014)

Lack of good storyline.

Great Film overall

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

2014 has been a relatively good year for Malayalam Cinema with a couple of absolute gems, namely 1983 & Neram, and so when I ran a google check for the 10 best Malayalam movies of 2014, 7th day was one of the movies that popped up on a few lists. So it was with a bit of anticipation that I started watching this so called thriller. Prithviraj is a relatively good actor to be honest. He could be better if he wipes that smirk off his face. The movie is as disappointing as they come. You can spot the suspense from a mile away.Its time the movie industry stopped milking, The Usual Suspects. Why is it so necessary that every group of friends should include one fat obnoxious guy ? Is this an unwritten rule in Cinema ? And what is with Malayalam Cinema and foreign sounding names. The bloke's name is Christopher Moriarty for crying out loud. When did the Spaniards come to India ? Good thing they did not decide to go with Morientes. Another bloke is named Ebenezer. What next, Eliaquim Mangala ? What happened to the good old names like John & Matthew. Most of the support cast in the movie cannot act and so they try to compensate for their lack of acting skills with their eyes. Its just one amazing eye expression after another. Badly written. Badly acted. Badly shot though some of the locales look magnificent. Prithviraj is probably the only redeeming factor about the movie. Definitely not recommended.I might have to watch Neram again to get this movie out of my head.

..... this film is awful. Do not believe all the hype! The other Vishu releases were so bad, people flocked to this extremely loud film with the most ridiculous plot in the history of Malayalam cinema.The supporting actors were the worst part of this film. Never in my life have I come across such a sorry bunch of whining ninnies in a film. They were so awful, I hope none of the actors ever get to work in a film again.Once again, THE 7TH DAY is one of the most far fetched thrillers in the history of Malayalam cinema. I am still recovering after being hit on the head with a loud background score for nearly 2 hours. Despite the ridiculous plot, the film would have been watchable with some subtle direction. But this film would make Ram Gopal Verma commit suicide with an inferiority complex. PRITHVIRAJ does turn in a decent performance.(1/10)

Once again débutantes proved to be good. Shyam Dhar being a new comer did his direction very well. His work is above average for a débutante. But the screenplay is lagging. Cinematography is average.The film is all about friendship, love and a lot of money. The story revolves around a group of friends. As the story starts Prithviraj delivers a monologue saying his thoughts on X'mas and crimes. Later he gets involved in an accident with two youngsters on a bike whose behaviour seems to be odd and suspicious. He offers them help. Here starts the mystery. Prithviraj reveals that he is an IPS officer. From there on everything is thrilling. The plot is full of suspense.As expected Prithviraj is fantastic. He has done his job very well. He investigates the mystery in an extra ordinary manner. And ultimately we are fed with answers to everything. But the script is not flawless. "We could expect what is going to happen eventually". But still the climax is fine. Deserves 7/10

2014 has been a disaster for Malayalam films with every single film bombing at the box office, except maybe 3 or 4. Mammootty's Gangster is an example of downright flop.We have been seeing lots of débutante directors coming up lately and 7th Day is no different. But Shyamdhar shines with his work. His direction is appreciative. The cinematography & editing is below average as many scene are repeated to feed the non-linear screenplay. But I liked the screenplay, to be honest and for a mystery thriller like this, it is an apt choice.Starting off with an unnecessary disco song (with some good rap, I should mention), the film talks about a group of friends who get entangled in an underworld racket involving big money. Later, we are to know that things are not at all what they seem to be. Prithviraj pops out with brilliant performance as an ex-cop. As the story moves forward with credible suspense, skeletons start falling out & we are fed with more information as to what, why & how. Certain twists in the plot grow and make the story understandable. Vinay Fortt should be lauded for his style.The story as a whole reminds of Hollywood thriller classics but I am not complaining because although the makers borrow ideas, they don't altogether copy it like the fashion currently is. There are many flaws but for the entertainment it provides, they all nullify. There are many elements which are shown but the underlying point is slightly clichéd. The climax is very fine. At least, the pace will keep you from boredom.BOTTOM LINE: Recommended, for it is really good. I am gonna expect more from Shyamdhar.Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES