Director: Rajiv Menon

Cast: GV Prakash Kumar, Vineeth, Nedumudi Venu

Sarvam Thaala Mayam marks the comeback of Rajiv Menon as a Director after a long hiatus. The film that stars GV Prakash as the protagonist Peter Johnson, follows him on his journey in search of a musical ‘Guru’ who could help him fulfil his evident raw talent for percussion.

Peter’s journey starts at the doorstep of prominent Mridangam artist Vembu Iyer (Nedumudi Venu), for whom he develops a hero worship, not too dissimilar to that he carries for Actor Vijay! He quickly realizes however, that this is a completely new world he is cast into. Though he hails from a family of Mridangam makers, he finds that the colours at this end of the performing spectrum are blindingly different. When quizzed if he knows when the auspicious day of Vijayadasami falls, he replies that it would be on the twenty-second of June, which is Actor Vijay’s birthday! Vembu Iyer though, is determined to ignore these cultural differences and train Peter’s obvious talent as long as he reciprocates with unyielding effort and penance for the art from his end. Not everyone is happy with Vembu’s thought process however, the chief critic being his assistant Mani (Vineeth) who is a thorn in Peter’s flesh at every step. A series of mishaps, starting with an innocuous reality show appearance then leave Peter reeling with his dreams shattered and Guru distant. He sets off on a journey to reclaim himself, and more importantly his Guru! This journey would culminate in a face off with his old friend Nandu (Sumesh Narayanan) in a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable climax sequence that more or less brings his journey a full circle.

The best part about the film is the breath of fresh air it infuses into every element, be it the characters, screenplay or even the music itself. The story is not new to cinema, either in India or otherwise, but the treatment is unique and refreshing! The casting is just perfect and GV Prakash revels in his role of Peter, as does the veteran Vineeth with the portrayal of grey shades in his character. There are also terrific and enjoyable cameo appearances from vocalists Unnikrishnan, Srinivas and Sikkil Gurucharan as judges of the reality show. The romantic track is thankfully not over done and Aparna Balamurali delivers with the limited scope her role offers as Peter’s love interest Sara. The editing is slick too and ensures the film doesn’t dwell unnecessarily at any point.

Rajiv Menon’s last directorial venture was Kandukondain Kandukondain, a good nineteen years back at the turn of the millennium. One does wonder why he doesn’t don the directorial hat more often, as his storytelling style is definitely unique and eccentric..a bit Mani Ratnam-esque even! Sarvam Thaala Mayam is a feather in his cap and clearly a winner at what it sets out to achieve.

Overall rating: 3.5/5