Black Dhalia

Do you know that actors like Madhu, Adoor Bhasi, Sheela, Bharath Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathi Sreekumar, Cochin Haneefa, Venu Nagavally, Sreenivasan, Captain Raju etc can be sorted into the same group? Most of them have done main characters as well as supporting characters in the films, but that reason won’t be good enough to classify them into a group. Have you noticed that they are all actors turned directors. Some of them are successive in the direction side also, some are not. The reason why we discussed about this is that the new malayalam film, ‘Black Dhalia’ is also directed by an actor who had done many villain roles. He is none other than Baburaj. He along with his wife Vani Viswanath has done main characters also. Suresh Gopi has also done a guest appearance here.

The story of ‘Black Dhalia’ is based on series of murders and its investigation. It revolves around 10 girls who studies in a medical college. Their freaky attitude had created problems. They all lives in the hostel, being born in rich families, they are enjoying their day today life using lavish money. They will be attending the late night parties and do whatever they want. Nobody is there to control them. Three of the girls from the group are killed one after another. Police investigates the case. At the same time four other men are also killed. In the end the suspense is revealed.

Whatever you can expect in such a subject has been given by the new director, who is also the scriptwriter here. He might have been conscious in some regions while handling such an action film. Casting new faces in the 10 member notorious gang and majority of them being non malayalees cannot be acceptable. Other than Pavithra (‘Krithyam’ fame) and Suja (item girl in many songs by Kalabhavan Mani including “Sona Sona Nee…”), nobody has not got any identity. The problem is that majority of the scenes are shown in the backdrop of these faces; it can create an intolerable feeling among the viewers. Most of their lip movements and in some areas their performance looks awkward. The characters here are very similar to those in ‘Red Chillies’ (directed by Shaji Kailas); our people didn’t even welcomed that movie starred by Mohanlal in a pivotal role, so we don’t know the outcome of this one.

Publciity stills and posters of ‘Black Dhalia’ are good. It has got Suresh Gopi as the highlighted figure, but he is coming only in 5 scenes, 3 in the beginning and the rest in the end (anyway that can be pardoned as a part of publicity). Songs are not up to the mark. Though the semi classical song by Chitra, performed by Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Ramya Nambeesan is good, we don’t understands its relevance here.

Baburaj has done the CI role here. But he has taken precautions by not highlighting himself more. From the interval time, Vani Viswanath, who comes in the role of DIG, takes the story and she has got a remarkable character in her second arrival. Editing done by Don Max, as expected gives the fast mood for the film. Rajamani’s background score is heavy and it is done in his usual style only. P.Sukumar, the cinematographer has given a good support for the debutant creator. The usage of wireless sounds in the background while showing the police is a notable thing. Anyway as a new director, Baburaj has done his job well.

‘Black Dhalia’ is a murder(s) investigation masala with suspense. You have seen many like this, if you want more, you can proceed... [you should have the guts to accept the (amateur) performance of many new girls that are coming in notable roles]

Rating: 3 / 5