It's quite conventional that mainstream cinema had discussed films based on teenage love stories wrapped with religious sentiments. The recent spout of handful short films in malalayam however portrayed love stories with different versions, but a love story encased with melodramatic orthodox religious view is rare in this species. Eshal stand unique from the breed of short films by attempting a serious social subject.
Thirty minute short movie opened with a starkly illustrated past in 1980's turning out to be a relevant topic even after 20 years of incident. Further story happening in backdrops of kerala small town where Sudhi, a middle class Hindu guy falls in love with Eshal, a beautiful young Muslim girl. Though the plot did not discuss much about any possible attempt from Sudhi to grab Eshal's attention, surprisingly she reciprocates the feeling for him pretty easily. Soon the movie progressed with main plot approaching the climax which could have been fair more better executed.
As emotionally and religiously charged as the film's story is, the script has been well written by Unee Udayakumar who simultaneously put effort behind music, lyrics & vocals. Being significantly a sturdy subject, dialogues were shaped firmly and well balanced. 'En Kanavil' song which is already accepted by wide audience has been beautifully shot in this movie, an add-on to overall charm. Great work by Sarin and Minu duo after 'Cappuccino'. Eshal's eloquent eyes delineated through the veil has been one of the pivotal factors of movie's success. Finally craftsmanship of Nithin Nandakumar who is also behind the camera, has shown an excellent outcome inviting the viewers to watch perhaps not an untold story but a beautiful, elegant yet socio-relevant theme. Moreover, the effort and hardships put by not so experienced, passionate IT professionals definitely need a happy applause.
