Mr. Fraud: One for the fans

Mohanlal gives Mr. Fraud his distinctive touch though fans of Drishyam may be a bit disappointed

Mr. Fraud raised huge expectations particularly as it followed the spectacular success of Mohanlal’s Drishyam.

Therefore, for many fans of the actor, B. Unnikrishnan’s new film might come as a letdown, especially because the previews of the movie on YouTube evoked the feeling of a Hollywood-style nail-biting thriller.

The film is burdened by comparisons to Mohanlal’s own His Highness Abdullah. But the actor, in his usual style, gives the film and his character a distinctive touch. Mohanlal plays a high-tech thief who can change guises at the drop of a hat, and navigate his way through almost anything.

When one of the four people entrusted with the key to a treasure approaches him to rob it and share the booty, the film takes a twist. For those who do not go by logic, the proceedings might be palatable. As for those who expect a ‘new generation’ heist film, the tempo might not appear fast-paced enough.

Mohanlal looks outstanding in his salt n’ pepper look. B. Unnikrishnan tries to make the actor’s character multifaceted, and Lal gives it his vintage touch and feel. Mr. Fraud is made for Mohanlal fans; if you are the sort who can sit through some two-plus hours of no-questions-asked cinema, this is for you. The others can just watch Lal and marvel at the man’s sheer talent. The film is now playing at theatres in the UAE.

MR FRAUD

Cast: Mohanlal, Pallavi Chandran, Dev Gill

Director: B. Unnikrishnan