“2018 – Everyone is a Hero”, directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, is a testament to the power of human resilience in the face of a calamity. This gripping drama, based on the Kerala floods of 2018, showcases a whole community coming together to overcome adversity, proving that heroes exist in every corner of society.
The Emotional Journey Through the Floods
Jude Anthany Joseph’s direction and Chaman Chakko’s editing strike the right balance between portraying the harsh realities of the situation and the uplifting moments of heroism and unity. The film is elevated by its technical excellence, especially in the flood scenes, which are both visually impressive and emotionally stirring.
The film’s script and story, crafted by Jude Anthany Joseph, are undoubtedly the backbone of 2018 – Everyone is a Hero. The narrative weaves together numerous characters, each with their own unique arc, capturing the essence of a community uniting in the face of catastrophe. The film’s strength lies in its ability to showcase the ordinary lives of people, their petty quarrels, and their extraordinary transformation when faced with adversity.
As the story unfolds, we witness an emotional rollercoaster that peaks during the intense rescue operations and heart-wrenching moments of loss.
2018 – Everyone is a Hero: A Gripping Story with Room for Improvement
However, I must point out a few areas where the script could use some improvement. The first 40 minutes of the film is laden with clichés and predictable sequences, reminiscent of old Tamil movies brimming with “Paasam” and “Pride.” Asif Ali’s love track and Tovino’s side track at the beginning feel like they’re filled with immature writing and clichés.
A more balanced and realistic portrayal of characters in the initial phase would have added greater depth to the story. At this stage, it’s all too easy to predict the upcoming events in the second-half. The film’s scripting and characters brings to mind Major Ravi scripts. I truly hope that, one day, Mollywood will get a survival thriller without much clichéd melodrama.
Secondly, the pacing of the film could have been more consistent. Although the first half sets up the characters in a very slow-steady pace and the film experiences a few dips in the second half. Some scenes feel stretched, while others are rushed, which affects the overall flow of the narrative. Tightening the script in these areas could have improved the film’s pacing and made for a more immersive experience. Lastly, the film could have delved deeper into the political and social aspects surrounding the disaster. Instead, it primarily focuses on human spirit and heroism, albeit with a few clichéd characters and events. Additionally, more thorough research could have enabled the scriptwriters to explore the underlying issues and challenges faced during the crisis more effectively, adding depth and relevance to the story, rather than resorting to clichéd melodrama.
An Exhibition of Remarkable Performances
One of the major highlights of 2018 – Everyone is a Hero lies in the powerhouse performances of its stellar cast. The movie boasts of an ensemble of talented actors, including Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, Naren, Kalaiyarasan, Vineeth Srinivasan, Aparna Balamurali, and Lal. Each of them has left an indelible mark on the screen, bringing forth the raw emotion, resilience, and courage of their characters.
Kunchacko Boban, with his nuanced portrayal of an everyday hero, perfectly encapsulates the essence of an ordinary family man and a responsible government official during calamities. Asif Ali’s performance as a reluctant volunteer provides a sense of relatability, displaying the evolution of an individual in the face of adversity. Tovino Thomas delivers a gripping performance, capturing the pain, loss, and determination of a man fighting against all odds to save his people. I would say, you can see a more humanised version of Minnal Murali in 2018.
Naren, Kalaiyarasan, and Vineeth Srinivasan play pivotal roles in the narrative, showcasing the diversity of human emotions and responses to the disaster. Their acting prowess breathes life into the story, ensuring that every character contributes to the overall impact of the film.
However, it does fall short in its representation of female characters, who are often shown as helpless and in need of rescue, despite the fact that many women played crucial roles in the recovery efforts. Aparna Balamurali’s character treis to balance it but her character doesn’t have much depth to the narrative, making it just another helpless female character.
2018: A Watchable Tribute to the Unsung Heroes
In conclusion, 2018 – Everyone is a Hero is a compelling story that showcases the best of human resilience and unity, but it could have been elevated further with a few improvements in the script and pacing. Nevertheless, the film remains an engaging and moving experience that will surely resonate with audiences.
“2018 Everyone is a Hero” serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are heroes among us, ready to lend a helping hand.
Similarly, this movie demonstrates that with great content and quality production, there’s no need for promotional gimmicks. The theatre was packed for the second show.
