“Pavi Caretaker” follows the typical Dileep formula, blending slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romance, and action reminiscent of 90s movies, catering to the so-called family entertainment genre. However, Dileep’s character now includes a couple of pro-women dialogues, advocating for girls to complete their education and secure a job before marriage.

The story revolves around Pavi, a bachelor caretaker who doubles as the night security of a prestigious apartment. While the narrative could have explored the lives of various residents in the building, it primarily focuses on bringing romance into Pavi’s life.

“The movie embodies the quintessential Dileep style, serving as a platform for slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romantic interludes, and action sequences reminiscent of 90s cinema.”

One positive aspect of “Jai Ganesh” is its absence of overt right-wing themes, which many had anticipated. However, the film overall suffers from a lackluster script by writer-director Ranjith Sankar, known for his works like “Passenger,” “Arjunan Sakshi,” “Varsham,” “Ramantte Edanthottam,” and “4 Years.”

In the film, Unni Mukundan portrays Ganesh, a media illustrator who doubles as an online detective, drawing inspiration from real-life events for his comic series, “Jai Ganesh.” Following an accident that leaves him paralyzed, Ganesh grapples with self-pity, feeling marginalized by everyday occurrences, such as his roommates dancing or casual remarks about his disability.

His only confidant is a young boy whose father, a corrupt politician, is estranged from him. The narrative revolves around a kidnapping motivated by revenge rather than ransom, with Ganesh employing his skills as an illustrator and hacker to crack the case.

“Ganesh, who relies on a wheelchair for mobility, must utilize his talents as an illustrator and hacker to unravel an investigation into a kidnapping.“

Ranjith Sankar’s script is marred by various inconsistencies, particularly the sloppy handling of the kidnapping plot, which undermines the film’s credibility. The police investigation, depicted in the latter half, feels disjointed and confusing, leaving viewers puzzled as the story approaches its climax.

Unni Mukundan’s portrayal comes across as melodramatic, lacking the gravitas needed for a character you can rally behind. A scene with his father, played by Ashokan, highlights the contrast in their emotive performances. Mahima Nambiar’s character, initially integral to the plot, gradually loses significance, appearing as little more than a peripheral figure.

Despite its shortcomings, “Jai Ganesh” may find appeal among younger audiences and families, offering a glimpse into a unique friendship and the resilience to overcome adversity.

Nearly two decades after Mohanlal and Sreenivasan collaborated in the film “Udayananu Tharam,” which explored the aspirations in the film industry, their sons unite for a similar theme but with a different flavor in “Varshangalkku Shesham.” Directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, the film spans over 50 years and primarily delves into the essence of friendship, peppered with inside jokes.

In a narrative flashback, we witness Vasu (portrayed by Dhyan Sreenivasan) and Murali (played by Pranav Mohanlal), childhood friends from a small town, encouraging each other to pursue their talents in Chennai’s film industry as a writer and musician respectively. Their journey, however, is far from smooth. After a period of struggle and odd jobs, Murali secures a producer for Vasu’s script, launching his filmmaking career. Yet, when asked to compose a song, Murali, concerned for his friend’s success, discreetly arranges for established names to be involved, leading to a pivotal conflict.

“Writer Vasu and musician Murali embark on a journey from their small town to Chennai, aspiring to make a mark in the world of cinema. Will they achieve success?”

Director Vineeth skillfully weaves conflict into the narrative as Murali surreptitiously contributes to the film’s success but sacrifices his own recognition, straining their friendship. Fast forward to the present, Vasu has aged and fallen out of touch with the industry, while Murali reconnects, leading to the entry of Basil Joseph as an associate director and Nivin Pauly as a struggling star, injecting life into the story.

Dhyan impresses with his portrayal, seamlessly transitioning from comedic to serious roles, particularly shining in the portrayal of Vasu’s maturity and admiration for Murali’s talent. The camaraderie between the duo is palpable, adding depth to the narrative.

While the film emphasizes the value of experience in filmmaking, it is the younger cast, notably Nivin and Basil, who infuse energy and humor into the storyline. Nivin’s portrayal of a floundering actor is especially commendable, injecting realism and comedic frustration into his performance.

Composer Amrit Ramnath’s music contributes significantly to the film’s ambiance, although some comedic elements may fall flat. The script, particularly the portrayal of the friendship’s ups and downs, lacks smoothness at times, and the absence of prominent female characters is a notable drawback.

Overall, “Varshangalkku Shesham” delivers moments of humor and depth, yet falls short of fully engaging its audience, despite its promising premise and talented cast.