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What happens when an actor tries to break the mould he is cast into for years?
Well, he does something drastic to catch the attention of the audience. That is what comedian Harisree Asokan does here, donning the hero's cap for this film.
Directed by A K Sundardas and scripted by T A Razak, Akasham sees Harisree playing the role of a simple family man (Manoharan) trying to keep everyone happy.
Manoharan is a dedicated mechanic in a multinational car showroom. Good at what he does, he earns the respect of everyone around him. At home too he tries his best to keep everyone happy. But underneath the peaceful surface is a recluse riddled with self-doubt.
The problem starts when the sketch of a suspect involved in a bomb blast in Guruvayur is published in the newspapers. The suspect bears a striking resemblance to Manoharan. Seeing the sketch, Manoharan panics and slowly withdraws from the world. His sudden transformation alarms his family and colleagues.
At first we are made to feel that he is hallucinating. Then one fine day he disappears as the police investigation begins. His disappearance causes anxiety and heartburn among his people.
The story by T A Razak seems to somewhat represent the phobia of the people of Kerala, a state in which terrorism is slowly spreading its tentacles. But somehow the overall treatment seems to be very loud and melodramatic. How we wish there was some subtlety in the proceedings.
Asokan does his best, making us forget his typical mannerisms. He even shaves off his beard in the second half. But we hope that he does not swoon when the next State Awards are announced as Mani did when he did not get the Best Actor Award for Vasanthi Lakshmium Pinne Njanum!
The supporting cast is efficient but no character is well etched out to stay parallel to the protagonist. His wife played by Jyothirmayi, mother played by KPAC Lalitha and even his boss played by Innocent hardly get a chance to take centrestage.
All in all a brave attempt by A K Sundardas to take on Thanmatra and Kayyoppu. But it lacks conviction.
Rediff rating: 