Thottappan review highlights: A feel-good story of a girl and her godfather

Based on the eponymous short story by Francis Noranha is the film Thottappan. Vinayaka, who is known to excel in gritty and rustic roles, plays the titular character in this film directed by Shanavas K Bavakutty.

Itthaque and Jonappan, both thieves, are thick friends and partners-in-crime. But when Jonappan is murdered Itthaq finds himself taking care of Jonappan's then infant daughter Sara. Sara and Itthaque share a special bond, that of a daughter and godfather. Sara amidst all her hardships is a gritty and brave girl. And Ithaque is a thief with a way with the people of the island where the story is based.

Written by PS Rafeeque, Thottappan is more atmospheric than the story itself which takes a while to unravel, though not without its elements of mystique. And Shanavas K. Bavakutty, of the Kismath fame, can be trusted to create a feel-good atmosphere with an air of suspense and myself. His capabilities as a director is pretty clear with Thottappan.

Not a star-spangled movie, though Thottappan boasts of names who may be trusted for some heavy-duty performances. Vinayakan, as Itthaque, is as good as one may expect. Lal, and even writer-director Reghunath Paleri as Adruman are a revelation on-screen. Even the female casts are all as good as the movie requires.

The seamless editing by Jithin Manoharan sets Thottappan into a league of its own even though it puts it in a comfortably slow pace. Suresh Rajan's cinematography also deserves the a pat on the back. Far from being a musical, though Thottappan has its fair share of soulful music. Each song and the background music lifts the narrative leaps and bounds.

As the first half concludes, Esmu, the new addition to the island makes a dramatic entrance into Itthaque's and Sara's life. What will be bring into their lives, a new hope or is he a disaster waiting to happen?