Orijinal story
Sreenath Bhasi plays Rijin Rajin, an aspiring filmmaker who dreams of making good films but struggles to achieve his ambitions. Despite his passion for cinema, he lacks an original story of his own and resorts to copying foreign films. This aspect adds an interesting dimension to the narrative, especially considering the criticism Malayalam cinema has faced over borrowing plots and ideas from international films.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Rijin gets an opportunity to travel to his past. His older self attempts to guide his younger version, hoping to correct past mistakes and ensure a better future. What follows is an interesting interaction between two versions of the same person, with the older Rijin offering advice, motivation and assistance to his younger self.
Orijinal Review
One of the interesting aspects of “Orijinal” is the conflict between virtue and vice, represented through the protagonist's younger and older selves. Although both versions belong to the same person, their outlooks and approaches to life reflect the changes that come with age and experience.
Sreenath Bhasi in Orijinal
Directed by debutant Ramees, the film uses this premise to explore how a person's choices influence his life and whether the wisdom acquired with age can help him avoid the mistakes of his younger days. The older Rijin's attempts to improve his younger self's circumstances lead to both positive and negative consequences, adding further layers to the narrative.
The conversations between Rijin’s two selves provide some of the film’s most engaging moments. One such exchange revolves around the question of who the superstars of 2024 are, with the answer pointing to Mammootty and Mohanlal, who were already superstars back in 2002 and long before that. The younger Rijin’s amusing questions to his older self, such as “What is OTT?” and “Who is Tovino Thomas?”, add a layer of humour to these interactions.
The older version tries to motivate and guide the younger one, while their interactions raise questions about ambition, morality and the consequences of interfering with the past. The film also explores an interesting question: how much does a person really change as he grows older?
The time-travel element is handled effectively, with the screenplay using the protagonist's dual existence to create situations that influence the course of the story. The way the younger and older Rijin react to the same incidents adds interest, particularly when attempts to set things right produce unexpected outcomes.
However, the film's strongest idea is also its most intriguing point of discussion. By making its protagonist an aspiring filmmaker who struggles to find an original story, Orijinal brings the issue of creative originality into focus. The premise invites viewers to reflect on the difference between being passionate about cinema and possessing the creative vision required to make something genuinely original.
This cinematic backdrop gives the film an identity beyond its time-travel mechanics. It is not merely about changing the past but also about understanding the decisions, compromises and moral choices that shape a person's identity. The extent to which the film develops these ideas determines its impact, but the underlying concept certainly offers food for thought.
Sreenath Bhasi is one of the film's biggest strengths. In fact, Rijin Rajin is arguably one of the best characters he has played since Manjummel Boys. Playing the younger and older versions of the same character requires him to convey differences in their emotional states, perspectives and behaviour while retaining the sense that they are fundamentally the same person.
Sreenath Bhasi in Orijinal
Bhasi handles this challenge well, making both versions engaging. His performance is particularly important because the film depends heavily on the interactions between the two selves. The distinction between the younger man's ambitions and the older man's experiences helps sustain the narrative.
Abhiram Radhakrishnan also plays an important character who is closely connected to Rijin. His presence contributes to the narrative, while Femina George gets an interesting role. It is encouraging to see actresses getting opportunities to be part of more Malayalam films with meaningful characters.
The music by Electronic Kili is another highlight, complementing the film's mood and contributing to its overall appeal. The technical aspects are also handled well, helping the film present its time-travel premise in an engaging manner.
Considering the challenges involved in making a time-travel film, the execution deserves appreciation for keeping the central idea connected to the protagonist's personal journey and his aspirations as a filmmaker.
Orijinal Verdict
An interesting premise, a good performance by Sreenath Bhasi and an engaging exploration of ambition, morality and personal growth make Orijinal a worthwhile watch, despite the familiar possibilities of the time-travel genre.
Ultimately, Orijinal works best when it connects its time-travel concept with the protagonist's struggle to find his own voice as a filmmaker. It may not reinvent the genre, but its combination of cinema, conscience and the possibility of correcting one's past makes it an interesting addition to Malayalam cinema's time-travel narratives.
