Preacher Detective

Film: The Priest

Cast: Mammootty, Monica, Nikhila Vimal

Director: Jofin T Chacko

If you really love something, let it go. It is a slogan you can see on T-shirts and Archie's cards. But what if you love it just a little less? I guess the answer would be you won't be able to let it go. Welcome to Jofin T Chacko and his debut feature The Priest.

Father Carmen Benedict (Mammootty) is a priest who has a sleuth mentality. He assists the local police in solving cases. Before anyone says 'Father Brown', be advised that there is something more to Fr Benedict. He is also keen on solving more outlandish mysteries. 

We get involved in a family where the major parties have all committed suicide. Like your local pizza joint - 30 minutes or free - Fr Benedict has solved the case. So what are we going to do for the next two hours? 

Mammootty is his usual self in a role of a seriously unbelievable priest. Special mention goes to Monica, the child artiste. She is called to do some serious over-acting, but has the chops for it. With a bunch of relative newcomers not disappointing in their roles, it is left to the thespian to bring a sense of subtlety to the role.

But any attempt at subtlety has gone out of the window the moment the credits announce 'Megastar Mammootty' and you hear the first notes of the background score. You realise this is not a regular murder mystery. This is an out-and-out attempt at blowing up a superstar in a mass role. Take your disbelief, put on a hat, wrap it up in a ridiculous jacket, leave it outside and then enter the theatre.

The background score is an achievement in that it is playing literally every second someone doesn't speak. Clearly, Jofin thinks silence is overrated. There are scares every few minutes. If what is on screen doesn't make you jump, then the loud music will.

There are at least five twists to the story. You distinctly get the feeling that Jofin doesn't want the story to end. There is even a mid-credit scene, for crying out loud! The story is not that strong and you start guessing the plot twists before they come. At 146 minutes, you know they saved the fees of an editor. 

The sad part is there would have been a better story if they just developed the first storyline alone. Director Jofin wants to make the most of his chance. What if he doesn't get the opportunity to do another movie? That is a good point. I firmly believe he shouldn't be given another chance.