Amidst all the controversies, arrest, bail denial and prison life, actor Dileep's Ramaleela has finally released in theatres. The political thriller is writer/director Sachy's first film to release after his directorial debut with the Prithviraj film Anarkali in 2015. Apart from being the debut of director Arun Gopy, Ramaleela is also the film produced by Tomichan Mulakupadam after the 150+ crore collecting Mohanlal film Pulimurugan.
The film crew had to hurdle through many controversies, protests and discussions having the lead actor behind bars during the movie's release. Ramaleela is about Ramanunni (Dileep) an ex-MLA who jump ship from one political party into their rival party and has plans to fight elections under the new flag. He applies for a licensed gun for self-protection as he has rivals and competitors in his old party and the new one as well. Things get heated up when a prominent leader gets shot during a football match, and Ramanunni becomes the prime suspect. Ramanunni's endeavour to prove his innocence forms the pulp of the movie.
It is crystal clear that the script written by Sachy has many similarities to what is happening in the lead actor's life (conspiracy, arrest, media outrage etc.). The screenplay is a neatly written one with enough twists and suspense as expected from a thriller. But once the brain settles down, many loose ends and the unconvincing nature of the twists begin to get washed ashore. Direction by Arun Gopy is pretty decent after turning a blind eye to minor technical glitches.
Pulimurugan's cinematographer Shaji Kumar cranks the camera for the movie and has done a good job. Even though the movie does not fall under the so-called new generation genre, the colour tone used in the movie is decent. Gopi Sunder plays a very important role in making Ramaleela what it is. The powerful and thrilling background score, even though having glimpses of his earlier successful tunes, are pivotal in making a strong impact.
The role of Ramanunni is the kind of role Dileep's fans have been waiting for; it showcases the actor in a shrewd and eagle-eyed hero avatar. He has performed it very adeptly with the help of Kalabhavan Shajohn. The Drishyam villain effortlessly transforms himself into Thomas Chacko, Ramanunni's right-hand man. He is responsible for a chunk of the humour in the film. Talented and experienced actors like Siddique, Vijayaraghavan, Mukesh and Sai Kumar as always render their roles to perfection. Renji Panicker and Prayaga Martin also deliver decent performances but Radikaa Sarathkumar at times appears to drift away from syncing in.
The absence of novelty in the story is one among a few things that pull the movie down, but still, it is very much good enough to satisfy any moviegoer and not just a Dileep fan.