When the hero's entry is greeted with a shower of marigolds, we can easily gauge the tone of the film. Especially if the location happens to be the buzzing Pollachi market, where a dozen goons beat up a poor soul and try to rob him. We know then that the film is in the Thenkashipattanam format, where superstars bond in an alien land and establish their supremacy over the locals.

But this week's Malayalam release, Annan Thambi, is different. The writer-director team of Benny P Nayarambalam and Anwar Rasheed (their second outing after Chotta Mumbai) make it breezy and entertaining in spite of staying in the formulaic sphere.

It is the story of twins, played by Mammootty, who are at loggerheads with each other since the time they were born.

The film begins on a serious note with a murder committed by a child. But things become lighter as the film progresses, and the twins grow up. One is sent to Pollachi with his uncle and other stays back with his parents. One is dumb and the other is verbose. The comic situations rise above the mere case of mistaken identities.

Anwar deserves kudos for tapping Mammootty's comic flair. With the support of Benny, he gives the actor some hilarious situations and lines. And it is really heartwarming to see the superstar's spontaneity in handling these scenes.

Mammootty is ably supported by comedians like Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjarammoodu and Harisree Asokan. Leading ladies, Gopika and Lakshmi Rai, don't have much to do.

The only grouse we may have against Anwar Rasheed is that he sticks to the formula of his first film Rajamanickam that somewhat stifles Benny P Nayarambalam's style.

But just Mammootty's comic flair makes Annan Thambi a worthy watch.

Rediff Rating: