Disco review: Ullas Chemban delivers a visually stylish but story-deficient tale of excessive violence and gang wars

Disco movie story

The film introduces several characters who wield considerable influence in this town. Ousu (Dev Mohan), Darling Marty (Lukman Avaran) and Methiyamu (Chemban Vinod) are among those who control the local underworld and its activities.

"Disco" opens with high-octane action sequences, although the reason behind these events remains unclear initially. The film features several such sequences, with their underlying connections and significance becoming clearer as the narrative progresses into the second half.

Yoyaki (Antony Varghese) is the antagonist, and his feud with Methiyamu and the other gang leaders forms the central conflict. Their rivalry, along with drugs, money and power struggles, provides the necessary ingredients for this gangster drama.

Disco review

Expectations were high when Ullas Chemban announced Disco as his directorial debut, especially after his previous film Anchakalakokkan offered a rather different cinematic experience. With Disco, the filmmaker explores the world of local gang wars, drugs, hawala transactions and rivalries, set against the backdrop of a coastal town that is supposedly in Kerala but has the appearance of a foreign location.

Disco is undoubtedly among the most violent Malayalam films, featuring graphic visuals, brutal action sequences and plenty of gore. In terms of violence, the film can be compared to Marco, Anchakalakokkan, Kaattalan and Nalla Nilavulla Rathri. 

The A certificate is hardly surprising, considering the nature of its content. The film also features an abundance of cuss words, somewhat reminiscent of Lijo Jose Pellissery's Churuli. The makers are clearly targeting an adult audience, and there is little attempt to tone down the violence or the language.

However, the biggest drawback of Disco is its storyline. Chemban Vinod should have backed the stylish filmmaking with a stronger and more engaging narrative, something along the lines of "Angamaly Diaries". The film has a distinct setting and plenty of technical brilliance, but these elements needed a more solid story to bring everything together. It once again proves that style alone cannot compensate for the absence of substance. A compelling story is what ultimately makes a film connect with audiences, irrespective of how visually impressive it might be.

One of the biggest highlights of Disco is its music by Manikandan Ayyapa. The soundtrack gives the film a distinct identity, particularly for audiences who enjoy rap music and its energetic presentation. The song Adame, which gained attention even before the film's release, is among the notable musical attractions. The other tracks also complement the film's mood. The makers appear to have been very clear about the kind of cinematic experience they wanted to deliver, and the music plays an important role in establishing that atmosphere.

Action choreography by Kalai Kingson is another major strength. With multiple fight sequences spread across the narrative, the film demands a technically strong action department, and the choreography delivers what this genre requires. The rich cinematography further enhances the visual appeal. The coastal setting, character presentations and stylish frames give Disco a distinct look. Technically, this is a well-crafted film, with its visuals and action sequences emerging as major positives.

Dev Mohan appears in a noticeably different avatar as Ousu and makes an impression with his performance. The character offers him an opportunity to move away from his familiar screen image. Lukman Avaran as Darling Marty and Antony Varghese as Yoyaki also bring a different flavour to their respective roles. Chemban Vinod, Vishnu Unnikrishnan and Arjun Ashokan are among the other actors who appear in distinct characters, adding to the film's unusual ensemble.

Disco verdict

Disco is a film strictly meant for adult audiences who enjoy excessive violence, graphic action and stylish gangster dramas. Its music, cinematography and action choreography are impressive, and the film has a distinct visual identity. However, the lack of a strong storyline remains its biggest disadvantage. Despite having interesting characters and an intriguing setting, the film relies heavily on style and violent sequences rather than building a consistently engaging narrative.