Turbo Movie Review: Weak, Jaded Script Hampers Mammootty’s Action Ride

Turbo Movie Review: With the action thriller “Turbo,” Mammootty seems to have made a rare error in judgment. Directed by Vysakh and written by Midhun Manuel Thomas, “Turbo” falls short of expectations, delivering a massy but unexciting action film that fails to captivate.

A Promising Start That Fizzles Out

Introduction to Turbo Jose

The film introduces us to Turbo Jose, played by Mammootty, a village simpleton from Idukki. Jose, who lives with his mother, has a reputation for getting into frequent fistfights, earning him the moniker “Turbo.” His character is initially intriguing, painted as a man with a good heart but a quick temper. Jose’s loyalty to his friend Jerry (Shabareesh Varma) sets the stage for the unfolding drama when Jerry, in a surprising twist, rejects Indu (Anjana Jayaprakash), the woman Jose brings to him.

The Journey to Chennai

Following Jerry’s rejection of Indu, Jose takes on the responsibility of returning her safely to her home, following his mother’s instructions. This seemingly simple task spirals into a more complex narrative when Indu decides to resume her job as a bank manager in Chennai instead of returning home. This decision leads Jose to follow her to Chennai, marking the film’s transition from a village setting to the bustling city.

A Convoluted Plot with Multiple Subplots

Introduction of Vetrivel Shanmuga Shankar

The entry of Vetrivel Shanmuga Shankar (Raj B Shetty), a kingmaker and goon involved in a large-scale bank scam, adds a layer of complexity to the plot. Vetrivel’s character is central to the film’s conflict, as his nefarious plans come to light when Jerry stumbles upon the scam. Vetrivel’s actions are tied to the political machinations of Tamil Nadu, where money and power dictate loyalties.

Jose’s Involvement in the Political Game

Jose, initially an outsider to the political intrigue, becomes inadvertently entangled in Vetrivel’s schemes. The film attempts to weave a narrative of how an ordinary man like Jose can become a key player in a larger political game. However, the execution of this plotline is fraught with inconsistencies and lacks coherence.

Weak Characterization and Predictable Antagonism

One-Dimensional Characters

One of the film’s significant flaws is its weak characterization. Mammootty’s Turbo Jose, though portrayed as a formidable fighter, is ultimately one-dimensional. His character lacks depth and fails to evolve throughout the film. Similarly, Vetrivel Shanmuga Shankar, the antagonist, is reduced to a cliché villain whose primary trait is his ruthlessness. His actions are predictable, and his character fails to pose a substantial threat to Jose.

Lack of Strong Antagonism

A compelling action film relies heavily on the strength of its antagonist. Unfortunately, Vetrivel’s character does not measure up to this standard. His predictable methods of dealing with disobedience through violence do not provide a worthy challenge for Turbo Jose. This lack of a strong adversary diminishes the overall impact of the film’s conflict.

The Transition from Village to City: Lost Potential

Initial Promise in Idukki

The film begins on a promising note in Idukki, with a setting that offers potential for unique storytelling. The rural backdrop and Jose’s simple life provide an interesting contrast to the complex plot that unfolds later. However, this promise quickly dissipates as the film shifts to Chennai.

Urban Chaos and Lack of Coherence

As the story moves to Chennai, it attempts to incorporate elements of a mass masala entertainer. The transition, however, is poorly handled, leading to a chaotic narrative filled with disjointed subplots. The film introduces a variety of elements, from church festivals to financial scams, political intrigue, and romance, but fails to weave them into a cohesive story. The result is a screenplay that feels scattered and lacks focus.

The Role of Comedy and Action

Flat Comedy

The film employs an interplay of comedy and action to drive the narrative forward. Unfortunately, much of the comedy falls flat, failing to elicit the intended laughter. The humor feels forced and does not integrate well with the overall tone of the film. This lack of effective comedy leaves the action sequences to carry the weight of the film’s entertainment value.

Well-Choreographed Action Sequences

Despite its narrative flaws, “Turbo” excels in its action sequences. Mammootty shines in these scenes, showcasing his prowess as an action star. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and highlight his ability to handle intense physical roles even at the age of 72. The climax, in particular, features a Mad Max-style action sequence that stands out as one of the film’s high points.

Music and Background Score: A Missed Opportunity

Christo Xavier’s Average Score

Christo Xavier, who received acclaim for his work in “Bramayugam,” delivers an average performance in “Turbo.” The music and background score do not enhance the film’s impact and fail to leave a lasting impression. This is a missed opportunity, as a strong score could have elevated the film’s emotional and dramatic moments.

The Audience’s Verdict

Disappointment with Clichés

Throughout the film, the character of Vetrivel repeatedly expresses his disdain for clichés. Ironically, “Turbo” itself is riddled with clichés that detract from its originality. The predictable plot twists and formulaic character arcs fail to engage the audience, leading to disappointment.

Potential for a Sequel

The director hints at a possible sequel at the end of the film, with the appearance of a Tamil star. However, given the underwhelming reception of “Turbo,” the prospect of a sequel seems ill-advised. The film’s lack of originality and coherence does not inspire confidence in its ability to sustain a franchise.

Conclusion: A Rare Misstep for Mammootty

Summary of Flaws

“Turbo” is a rare misstep for Mammootty, whose career has been marked by a series of successful and critically acclaimed films. The weak script, underdeveloped characters, and disjointed narrative all contribute to a disappointing cinematic experience. Despite Mammootty’s commendable performance in the action sequences, the film’s overall execution leaves much to be desired.

Final Thoughts

For fans of Mammootty, “Turbo” may still offer some moments of entertainment, particularly in the action scenes. However, the film falls short of the high standards set by the star’s previous works. The lack of a compelling storyline and the reliance on clichés ultimately hamper what could have been an exciting action thriller. As the audience reflects on “Turbo,” it becomes clear that even a seasoned actor like Mammootty can occasionally be let down by weak writing and direction.