Kochi: Director Althaf Salim, known for his light-hearted yet emotionally resonant debut Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela (NNO), returns with Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira (OKCK). While the film carries his trademark quirkiness, it struggles to connect emotionally, leaving viewers amused but not deeply invested.
A quirky world with eccentric humour
Althaf thrives on absurd situations and witty one-liners, and OKCK delivers several of these. The story revolves around Aby (Fahadh Faasil) and Nidhi (Kalyani Priyadarshan), whose love story takes a bizarre turn when a wedding-day mishap leaves Aby in a coma.
The film is self-aware of its over-the-top nature. Characters often break the fourth wall, questioning the logic of events or admitting that the narrative is exaggerated. Some jokes land perfectly—like Aby’s father (Lal) cracking a pun about his son being in “com(m)a”—while others feel forced and out of place.
Strong performances but weak emotional core
Despite its comedic energy, OKCK lacks the emotional grounding that made NNO memorable. The film tries to weave in themes of depression, dysfunctional families and heartbreak but does not delve deep enough to create an impact.
Fahadh Faasil delivers a decent performance, though he seems uncomfortable with the film’s erratic tone. Lal, on the other hand, stands out with his effortless comic timing and expressions. Revathi Pillai brings grace to her limited role, while Kalyani Priyadarshan’s character fades midway, returning only towards the climax without leaving a mark.
Narrative loses focus
The first half builds promise with a mix of humour and light-hearted romance, but the second half drifts aimlessly with multiple subplots and inconsistent tonal shifts. The film toys with dream-versus-reality sequences, but these ideas remain half-baked, leaving viewers detached from Aby and Nidhi’s emotional journey.
Final verdict
With a stellar cast and plenty of quirky moments, OKCK had the potential to be a refreshing dark comedy. However, tonal inconsistencies and lack of emotional depth prevent it from reaching the level of Althaf’s debut. It entertains sporadically but leaves no lasting impact.