Watch Romans

Romans is a Malayalam comedy thriller film released in 2013, directed by Boban Samuel and penned by Y.V. Rajesh. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Kunchacko Boban, Biju Menon, and Lalu Alex, along with Niveda Thomas, Vijayaraghavan, and Kochu Preman in supporting roles. The movie weaves a compelling narrative, merging humor, suspense, and an undercurrent of social commentary, which has garnered it a considerable following among Malayalam cinema enthusiasts.

The plot of Romans revolves around the lives of two small-time crooks, Akash (played by Kunchacko Boban) and Shibu (played by Biju Menon). Despite their best efforts, the duo has a knack for landing in trouble, owing largely to their unscrupulous activities and the shortcuts they take in life. Unwilling to give up their lifestyle, yet always in search of a fresh start, they stumble upon a scheme that seems just perfect to bail them out of their continuous predicaments.

The film takes a fascinating turn when Akash and Shibu are mistaken for priests while they are on the run from the law. They find themselves in a village where the locals have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of two priests from Rome to lead their parish. Caught in the momentum of the misunderstanding, Akash and Shibu decide to play along with their new identities, seeing it as the ultimate hideaway and a potentially lucrative scheme. The villagers, starved for spiritual guidance, readily accept the duo as their new leaders, never suspecting their true identities.

While impersonating the men of the cloth, Akash and Shibu are presented with the task of bringing the community together and leading them in their religious and day-to-day affairs. As they navigate their roles, the pair begins to endear themselves to the villagers, engaging in a series of hilarious antics, and comical interactions that are both heartwarming and humorous. The irony of two fraudsters taking on the roles of spiritual figures gives the film its comedic backbone.

The movie does an excellent job of playing with the duality of the main characters and exploring themes such as redemption, morality, and the human propensity for change. In a remarkable testament to the actors' talents, Kunchacko Boban and Biju Menon deliver standout performances, exhibiting impeccable comic timing and a palpable chemistry that drives the film. Their transformation from petty criminals to pseudo-priests is both entertaining and thought-provoking, invoking laughter as well as sympathy from the audience.

Lalu Alex plays the role of the village's earnest but somewhat naive church committee head who wholeheartedly embraces the new priests and is pivotal to the movie's narrative progression. The supporting cast adds depth and local flavor to the storyline, enriching the movie's tapestry with authentic emotions and interactions.

The film's setting—a quaint rural village in Kerala—serves as an idyllic backdrop for the unfolding dramedy, highlighting the beauty of Kerala's countryside. The cinematography successfully captures the lush landscapes and the simple charm of village life, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The music of Romans, composed by M. Jayachandran and Rajamani, underscores the film's emotional range, from lighthearted moments to latent tension as Akash and Shibu's ruse becomes increasingly precarious. With its mood-setting songs and background scores, the soundtrack complements the narrative arc well and leaves a lasting impression.

Romans takes the audience on a journey of unexpected twists and turns. It challenges the audience's assumptions and addresses the question of whether individuals, despite their flawed past, can rise above their transgressions and truly transform, when given a chance. The idea that people are inherently multifaceted and that good can come from the most unlikely sources is a central concept explored in the movie.

Furthermore, the film taps into the social construct of perception versus reality, bringing to light the contradictions between appearance and essence. It examines the community's dynamics, their inherent goodness, and their readiness to accept and forgive, subtly reflecting on society's norms and values.

While providing a compelling and entertaining narrative, Romans does not shy away from hinting at social issues and the expectations placed upon religious figures. It does so with a delicate touch, ensuring that the comedic elements remain the film's focal point without trivializing the deeper undercurrents.

In conclusion, Romans stands out as a hallmark of Malayalam cinema that effortlessly combines humor, drama, and societal introspection. It's a cinematic adventure that draws viewers in with its charm and wit, resulting in a delightful experience that engages both the mind and the heart. With stellar performances and a well-crafted screenplay, Romans is a movie that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.

Romans is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.