Oru Naal Varum

Synopsis

Oru Naal Varum is a Malayalam satirical drama released in 2010, directed by T. K. Rajeev Kumar and starring Mohanlal in the lead role. The film delves into the pervasive issues of corruption and bureaucracy in local government offices. Mohanlal portrays a government officer grappling with the moral dilemmas and societal pressures that come with administrative work, depicting the daily challenges faced by many in similar positions. With a narrative that blends humor and social critique, the film attempts to highlight the pervasive nature of corruption while suggesting the possibility of change through individual integrity. It offers viewers a reflective look at systemic failures, wrapped in engaging storytelling and character-driven drama.

Cast

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  Mohanlal

  Kulappulli Sukumaran / DYSP Nandhakumar

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  Sreenivasan

  Gopi Krishnan

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  Sameera Reddy

  Meera

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  Nazriya Nazim

  Dhanya Gopi Krishnan

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  Devayani

  Rajalekshmi

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  Nedumudi Venu

  Havildar Vasudevan

Reviews

Oru Naal Varum received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the movie holds a rating of 4.9 out of 10, indicating general dissatisfaction among viewers. Critics noted that while the film's intentions were admirable and relevant, the execution fell short. The Times of India commented that the movie struggled to maintain a balance between satire and melodrama, leading to a lack of engagement for much of its runtime. The Hindu appreciated Mohanlal's earnest performance but criticized the screenplay for being inconsistent and the narrative for lacking subtlety, pointing out that the film often veered into preachiness rather than impactful storytelling. Rediff described the film as a decent attempt to tackle an important social issue but said it failed to leave a lasting impression due to its slow pace and predictable plot. Viewers on Rotten Tomatoes, though limited in number, gave mixed feedback, citing that the movie had moments of humor and discussion-worthy content but was overall a lightweight take on a heavy subject. While the film is acknowledged for shedding light on corruption in bureaucracy, most critics concur that it missed the mark in delivering a compelling cinematic experience.