A lot was expected of Pachakuthira, not because it was Dileep's Vishu release, but because he dared to do his own thing again at this crucial juncture (one of the most prosperous seasons for the industry). Dileep has always come out trumps whenever he has done it in the past. Take Kunjikoonan, for instance, where he plays a hunchback, or the more recent Chandupottu, where he portrays an effeminate character.

Pachakuthira has Dileep in a double role, one being a mentally challenged person, photographs of which were highly publicised. There were other reasons for soaring expectations, like the film being directed by Kamal, Dileep's mentor, known for his sensitivity. Plus, it was being written by the man with a Midas touch -- T A Shahid.

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Sadly, when you come out of the theatre, your hopes are punctured. You feel they should have given something more to the character than just a look. This character of Akash Menon (Dileep) was believed to be the film's USP, but he offers very little.

As for the plot, it begins with Anandakuttan (Dileep again), a junior artist supplier in the film industry, struggling to make both ends meet. One day, he gets a query from a travel agent about whether he is ready to accept his younger brother from Germany [Images]. Anandkuttan's mother had left him when he was four. She was pregnant at the time. He says 'Yes' to the travel agent, thinking his brother will be a rich man who will end all his troubles. There are some loopholes in the narrative. Anandakuttan never questions the travel agent, for instance.

The treatment given to Akash is a major letdown. Not only is he called names like Kangaroo and what not, but his characterisation endorses prejudices against the mentally challenged -- that they are troublemakers, dangerous if left alone in public places. Such situations are used to induce humour.

The film works in the first half, when pot shots are taken at the workings of the industry.

The story idea of Pachakuthira is credited to Dileep. This is the second time he plays a character that scavenges on the film industry. The first was in Rasikan, directed by another Kamal prot�g� Lal Jose. This film proves that such roles are unlucky for him though, as Rasikan was a major disaster, while Pachakuthira appears to be headed for the same fate.

Salim Kumar's dialogues go down well with the narrative initially. The much-hyped cameos by real directors like Roshan Andrews, Jayaraj and Viji Thampy have nothing special about them. Veteran Fazil is not seen, unless we missed him.

Pachakuthira could have been something, considering it had the ingredients. Sadly, they all fail to come together well.

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