‘Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham’ movie review: Nivin Pauly’s comedy ends up being a parody of itself

After an exciting set-up initially, things start going downhill, with the same gags being repeated in different ways and humour taken to absurd levels

In an opening credits sequence, reminiscent of old stage drama announcements, Kanakam Kamini Kalaham makes a clear declaration of its intent, that it does not take itself too seriously. It is always a delight when a filmmaker does that, letting the material take its course, freely flowing in all directions. But, it can be quite a train-wreck when things go off course — as it happens in the latter half of this film — after what is an exciting set-up initially.

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Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, in his second film after the delightful Android Kunjappan, structures the narrative here around a piece of missing jewellery, just like in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. But that’s where the similarities between both films end. Pavithran (Nivin Pauly), a junior artiste who is running an acting school with two students, and his wife Haripriya (Grace Antony), a former actress in television serials, are having a hard time in their personal lives. They decide to take a trip to sort things out, but it turns out to be a bad idea, for the hotel they are staying in is more dysfunctional than their family.