Pluto story
Pluto revolves around Vicky, played by Neeraj Madhav, a man who can be described as a loser struggling to find his place in life. His otherwise uneventful existence takes an unexpected turn when an alien (Althaf Salim) enters his life.
The arrival of this mysterious visitor changes Vicky's circumstances and sets the story in motion. What follows is a series of situations involving Vicky and the alien, with the film exploring how this unusual relationship affects his life. Interestingly the alien survives on alcohol and that has an impact for situational comedy.
The basic premise gives Pluto an interesting starting point. The idea of an alien becoming part of the life of an ordinary man offers plenty of scope for humour, emotional moments and even some thought-provoking situations. The film, however, keeps its treatment relatively simple and accessible.
Review
The biggest positive of Pluto is undoubtedly its premise. Malayalam cinema has experimented with science fiction in different ways, and the decision to place an alien in the life of an apparently unsuccessful protagonist gives this film a distinct hook.
Neeraj Madhav is suitably cast as Vicky. His ability to play characters with a comedy or vulnerable side works in the film's favour. He manages to keep Vicky engaging even when the screenplay doesn't provide enough depth to the character. Arsha Baiju as Vicky's girlfriend also has a good role, but nothing extraordinary. The film also benefits from its attempt to maintain a light-hearted tone. The comedy moments involving Neeraj Madhav, Aju Varghese, Thattil David went well.
Rather than becoming a complicated science-fiction drama, Pluto chooses to remain a relatively simple entertainer. This makes it accessible to a wider audience, particularly families looking for a casual theatrical watch.
However, the screenplay is where the film loses some of its potential. The central idea is strong enough to support a much more engaging narrative, but the writing doesn't always explore the possibilities offered by the alien's presence. There are situations that could have been funnier, more emotional or more inventive with a tighter script.
The characterisation too could have benefited from greater attention. Vicky's journey has the potential to become an emotionally rewarding one, especially considering where he starts from. But the screenplay doesn't always give his transformation the impact it deserves.
The alien itself is another intriguing element, and the curiosity surrounding this character keeps the proceedings moving. Yet, the film could have extracted more from this unusual relationship. A stronger balance between the science-fiction concept, comedy and emotional core could have elevated the overall experience.
That said, Pluto is not a film that becomes difficult to sit through. It has enough entertaining moments and a relatively uncomplicated narrative to make it a one-time watch. Viewers who approach it without expecting an elaborate science-fiction spectacle may find it reasonably enjoyable.
The film particularly works as a family entertainer, thanks to its lighter treatment and accessible premise. It may not completely fulfil the potential of its concept, but it offers something different from the usual Malayalam fare. The songs and other technical aspects were also good considering its budget. Let's hope director Adithyan Chandrashekar will work more for his upcoming sci-fi Multiverse Manmadhan.
Pluto Verdict
Pluto has an interesting idea at its heart — an alien entering the life of a man who is already struggling with his own problems. However, the screenplay needed to be stronger and more inventive to make the most of its promising premise. What could have been a memorable science-fiction comedy instead settles for being a fairly decent one-time watch. Pluto is an interesting concept that needed a better script, but it remains a reasonably enjoyable family watch.
