Driving License - a license to experiment !

ASHOK’s FIVE reasons to watch the Malayalam film Prithviraj starrer “Driving License” now streaming on Amazon Prime. Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Suraj Venjaramood, the film explores the intricacies of fandom and how a momentary rush of blood can result in far reaching complications. Written by Sachy and directed by Jean Paul Lal, the film is based on a novel plot and has some interesting twists.

1.       Prithviraj plays superstar Hareendran and Venjaramood plays Motor Vehicle Inspector Kuruvila and an ardent fan of the superstar. Kuruvila desires to meet up with his hero and this results in a chain of events that make up for the rest of the film. Remember the Shah Rukh 2016 starrer Fan? Well this one is nothing like it but not too many movies have explored the nuances of fandom in India. And for that alone it is worth a watch.

2.       “Driving License” is based on a rather quirky premise but then goes on to morph into a David & Goliath story, then becomes a take on how a small issue can disrupt lives and finally a full blow ego battle. In the process, there is a deft touch of satire as the dynamics of the movie industry are touched upon. There is also reference to how the media blows up small issues as also how much of an irritant the bureaucracy can become. The various twists and turns is what keeps it going.

3.       Both the leads do full justice to the film. Prithviraj is the quintessential superstar, charismatic, haughty and stylish while Venjaramood starts off pretty mellow but then comes into his own like how. Deepti Sati plays a dignified character as Hareendran’ s wife and Suresh Krishna is hilarious as the bumbling rival actor.

4.       The film works on the back of competent writing, editing and acting. The build-up and the use of stunts like the quiz at the end are engaging.

5.       Driving License is an interesting experiment but is limited in its appeal. The space has potential and I am sure there will be more takers for these kinds of concepts.

The film titles open with a Thank You message for, hold your breath, Leonardo di Caprio and you figure this out in relevant parts where satire, humour and drama shine through. I would rate the film a modest 3/5. An experiment that has potential!