This movis is not for light hearted people. Darkest screenplay that Fahadh Faasil ever played. Background score and visuals are extrordinary. Fahadh ikkas acting was one hell of a visual treat. Screenplay and story was so good. Ending is little dissapointment for me. Maybe that is the only way to end.
236 Reviews
A Slow Burning Thriller with great BGM
Humblyy7 April 2021
Joji is the best 2021 Indian film i have watched so far. The script has brilliantly taken certain elements from Shakespeare's Macbeth and used it in rural kerala's setting in it's own unique way. Fahadh proves why he is the talk of the whole country right now by delivering a spectacular performance but it's the background score which made this slow burning thriller so effective. Top tier stuff. That said first hour of it's slightly slow but the music, performances and those beautiful wide angled shots builds the tension very well in it and we as viewer's are aware that something hideous is simmering and it's gonna blow up and it takes it's time in that but when it blows up the last 40 minutes of it are all worth it and makes our skin crawl with uncertainty and tension. It's streaming on Prime video, do check it out.
One word - EPIC
gopalvyata7 April 2021
1. Director dileesh framed the artists into arts.
2. BGM is the 'catalyst' for this unique drama.
3. Every frame of this movie is a masterpiece.
4. Fahadh Faasil's extraordinary action🎭. Take a bow
Incomparable performances. An intense and rough storyline would maintain you to sit on the edges. Probably, this movie will be bestowed in different categories on national and international platforms.
My rating is 9/10.
2. BGM is the 'catalyst' for this unique drama.
3. Every frame of this movie is a masterpiece.
4. Fahadh Faasil's extraordinary action🎭. Take a bow
Incomparable performances. An intense and rough storyline would maintain you to sit on the edges. Probably, this movie will be bestowed in different categories on national and international platforms.
My rating is 9/10.
Technically perfect.
manirsoffl7 April 2021
The total film is developing around a single family. A rich family. The plot is great. The story line is narrow and pitch perfect. All the actors does the great work. The screenplay is done well too. The main attraction of the film is the cinematography,art, and the background score. They given a great treatment with the bg score towards the scenes. Some the top angle shots are amazing. The climax is gives morality to the bad things is much notable. A different story yet again in malayalam cinema. Worth every minute.
Pothan and Fahad= magic 💫💫
riddicksilent-281756 April 2021
Pothen-Fahadh magic strikes again!
nidhunmoviebuff6 April 2021
#MovieReview #Joji #SpoilerFree #Fahadh #AmazonPrimeVideo
Who knew that the mask worn during Covid times can be used as such an effective narrative device, hiding and screening the protagonist's Machiavellian intentions!
Dileesh Pothen's Joji is a tantalising tale of deceit, greed and family politics, told in painstaking detail by a director clearly on the top of his game.
On the flip side, Fahadh is seriously in danger of being typecast as the archetype of a scheming protagonist who is constantly in the grey area between right and wrong.
But after the fall from grace that was Irul, it is encouraging to see him back at his best, in a role tailor-made to play to his strengths.
Baburaj is a revelation in his best role since Salt N Pepper while the secondary characters played by Unnimaya Prasad, Shammi Thilakan, Basil Joseph and even the relative unknowns PK Sunny and Joji Mundakkayam all shine in equal measure.
Joji is a super fun, Tarantino-esque ride infused with copious amounts of dark humour. It is a nice departure from the feel-good style of Maheshinte Prathikaram and the quirkiness of Thondimothalum Driksakshiyum,
Recommended.
Who knew that the mask worn during Covid times can be used as such an effective narrative device, hiding and screening the protagonist's Machiavellian intentions!
Dileesh Pothen's Joji is a tantalising tale of deceit, greed and family politics, told in painstaking detail by a director clearly on the top of his game.
On the flip side, Fahadh is seriously in danger of being typecast as the archetype of a scheming protagonist who is constantly in the grey area between right and wrong.
But after the fall from grace that was Irul, it is encouraging to see him back at his best, in a role tailor-made to play to his strengths.
Baburaj is a revelation in his best role since Salt N Pepper while the secondary characters played by Unnimaya Prasad, Shammi Thilakan, Basil Joseph and even the relative unknowns PK Sunny and Joji Mundakkayam all shine in equal measure.
Joji is a super fun, Tarantino-esque ride infused with copious amounts of dark humour. It is a nice departure from the feel-good style of Maheshinte Prathikaram and the quirkiness of Thondimothalum Driksakshiyum,
Recommended.
Bloody hell.
Azanspy7 April 2021
Story lacking in conviction
sonusabir1210 April 2021
Speaking of the director's previous movies - Maheshinte Prathikaaram and Thondimuthal were classes apart.
The problem with Joji is there is an element of predictability lingering in the air, right from the start till the very end.
Characters have no great depth, all we know about Joji is he is frustrated with his life, but to what level and due to what reason is not clearly conveyed. Same goes with his accomplice Bincy.
Acting performances are good.
Movie has a steady pace and it does not drag.
Background score could have been scores better, all one remembers of the background music is that eerie western classical playing all the time, offering nothing fresh.
Overall an ok-ok watch !
The problem with Joji is there is an element of predictability lingering in the air, right from the start till the very end.
Characters have no great depth, all we know about Joji is he is frustrated with his life, but to what level and due to what reason is not clearly conveyed. Same goes with his accomplice Bincy.
Acting performances are good.
Movie has a steady pace and it does not drag.
Background score could have been scores better, all one remembers of the background music is that eerie western classical playing all the time, offering nothing fresh.
Overall an ok-ok watch !
Exciting anti-hero drama
Thrishoolin6 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The theme has been said in various movies. But in here we get to see a very interesting anti-hero angle to it. The central character is one which viewers won't forget, whether they like the whole movie or not.
The events and situations escalate at a fast pace which makes it all the more interesting. There are several other characters apart from the protagonist who too have a sinister shade to them. But none of them are as dark as the protagonist.
It takes skill to keep the viewers invested in such a story with such a set of characters, and the makers surely have succeeded in it. I was never bored for the entire runtime of the movie.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending of the movie. Can't go into details without getting into spoilers.
It goes without saying that the cinematography and camera etc are great as usual, given the people who have handled those areas.
As far as acting, Fahadh's acting didn't seem like anything new. He has acted here in the same way as in the roles which he came in before. There's no surprising elements in his acting in here. That's not to say his acting was bad in it. It was of course good.
Others too mostly did a good job, with Unnimaya Prasad doing a very interesting role. The guy who played the father character was surprisingly very good. But, the guy who came as one of the brothers felt like a miscast.
The music resembled the ones you would hear in some melodramatic movies. Maybe it was used as this movie is kind of inspired from Macbeth. The music at times gives an eerie vibe and complements the particular tone of the movie.
If you like anti-hero movies which have a serious tone, this one is for you. The character Joji is on the same level as the character Kammaran in Kammara Sambhavam.
The events and situations escalate at a fast pace which makes it all the more interesting. There are several other characters apart from the protagonist who too have a sinister shade to them. But none of them are as dark as the protagonist.
It takes skill to keep the viewers invested in such a story with such a set of characters, and the makers surely have succeeded in it. I was never bored for the entire runtime of the movie.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending of the movie. Can't go into details without getting into spoilers.
It goes without saying that the cinematography and camera etc are great as usual, given the people who have handled those areas.
As far as acting, Fahadh's acting didn't seem like anything new. He has acted here in the same way as in the roles which he came in before. There's no surprising elements in his acting in here. That's not to say his acting was bad in it. It was of course good.
Others too mostly did a good job, with Unnimaya Prasad doing a very interesting role. The guy who played the father character was surprisingly very good. But, the guy who came as one of the brothers felt like a miscast.
The music resembled the ones you would hear in some melodramatic movies. Maybe it was used as this movie is kind of inspired from Macbeth. The music at times gives an eerie vibe and complements the particular tone of the movie.
If you like anti-hero movies which have a serious tone, this one is for you. The character Joji is on the same level as the character Kammaran in Kammara Sambhavam.
Good watch, but overrated
sureshpmithala18 April 2021
The picturization is great, the background music is refreshing. The characters are shallow, without depth and conviction.
The depiction of lack of empathy for the kin was sterile and lacked emotion, more suited to western movies.....
The depiction of lack of empathy for the kin was sterile and lacked emotion, more suited to western movies.....
This is why we love Malayalam cinema.
eldreddsouza24 April 2021
This is just a general review. I won't reveal any specific details but just share some of my general insights.
This film is the perfect reason why the Malayalam Film Industry is considered far superior than Bollywood and other South Indian film industries. This film is firstly a treat to the eye. This level of film making I've seen only in Malayalam films. Yes the cinematography is breathtaking, showing the lush green landscapes of Kerala and the camerawork and all, but the acting is what stands out for me. Fahad Fazil, like what can be said that hasn't already been said about this guy? This guy is a joy to look at. His voice, mannerisms, the way he conveys with his eyes, feels so natural. The guy's a born performer. I'm a fan of his and think he's the best actor I've seen to date in India. He's god damn Brilliant. And so are the other actors. They all are so natural and so amazing. The casting is simply perfect.
These guys take care of the technical aspects so well, the end result being a spectacular, technically perfect film. Mallus imo have surely mastered the art of film making.
Another thing I appreciate is that there are no unnecessary songs or stuff like that or even Product Placements that can ruin the fun for people like me and make a film hard to be taken seriously. Except for the Jeep lol. But it was quite subtle. The BGM is tense and adds gravitas to the scenes. Splendid job, Joji team. Loved it.
This film is the perfect reason why the Malayalam Film Industry is considered far superior than Bollywood and other South Indian film industries. This film is firstly a treat to the eye. This level of film making I've seen only in Malayalam films. Yes the cinematography is breathtaking, showing the lush green landscapes of Kerala and the camerawork and all, but the acting is what stands out for me. Fahad Fazil, like what can be said that hasn't already been said about this guy? This guy is a joy to look at. His voice, mannerisms, the way he conveys with his eyes, feels so natural. The guy's a born performer. I'm a fan of his and think he's the best actor I've seen to date in India. He's god damn Brilliant. And so are the other actors. They all are so natural and so amazing. The casting is simply perfect.
These guys take care of the technical aspects so well, the end result being a spectacular, technically perfect film. Mallus imo have surely mastered the art of film making.
Another thing I appreciate is that there are no unnecessary songs or stuff like that or even Product Placements that can ruin the fun for people like me and make a film hard to be taken seriously. Except for the Jeep lol. But it was quite subtle. The BGM is tense and adds gravitas to the scenes. Splendid job, Joji team. Loved it.
Prentitious setups throughout than a genuine story.
rohitreviews7 April 2021
I would have given it 6 but it's not that worse though. The biggest issue I got with this is it feels extremely a false setup, trying too hard or pretentious to make it look artsy film and while doing so they kind of lost the story. I mean think of it, why are you watching it and who you rooting for? Joji? Or anyone? And why?
I did like the Grandpa character developed and expected more but it's all just style over substance. Even Joji , keep aside who acted it and think, do you really care for him and what for? Even the drunkard guy had some character at one point when he rubs wrong with Priest, each character is half baked, no where building to anything worth rooting for. And the biggest issue is the lack story and genuine intent to tell a story native to the location. It all looks so fake trying to show off rather than be yourself! Sorry I said it.
The death of the head of the family doesn't have any authentic emotional impact to anyone of audience or for character to root of what anyone is doing anything. Though surely it's beautifully shot and kind of I want to shine show myself music moments, but it all feels ingenuine, as if someone watched few Iranian, European, Japanese films and took like I want these these shots, and these thriller elements style from movies and just muddled it all up. There is not a single character I was able to emotionally root for even say it's antihero or villain as such.
Though acting was pretty good. I have noticed this lately where a streak of "Influenced" films in recent times coming out from Malayalam and Tamil films which takes strong inspirations influence from many of foreign films and filmmakers just put it out there as if no one can catch it and think will grab the accolades. I mean nothing wrong is learning from foreign films, but have something genuine rooted for what the society itself offers. It's a pile of garbage if you keep just copy pasting what you learned. Same thing most Industries are doing lately. So did bollywood once and still does and they don't even get where they are making mistake as though like a sugar rush of not seeing the issue. Not to be rude, I just love Shakespearean works but using a play just to spark interest rather than giving genuine adaption to is tough. And societies, cultures, language, people change in different demography. One should understand this. I can't make films watching say Russian films throughout and just imitate say a family drama setup in Goa or anywhere in India. That would come across fake in context to world cinema. That's where many are heading towards.
The native story, the tone, the atmosphere we all live in India got it's own style, mannerism which surely can be shown to the world. Surely we can learn form world cinema but just don't copy paste it and call it as unique you know. You can see this nature not just in many recent films but just in cinematography itself you will see this turquoise teal colors and sort of a music which is completely feels not matching to the scenario. Many stories are as such. It's sure good for that time watching, but what are we really doing though? Think of it..
Forget all that, because what they tried with all that learning, you know what hurt this movie the most, they lost the sense to tell a compelling story. That's the biggest issue. Overall it's 7 you can give, but it's mostly 5 or 6 for world cinema.
If you just have this fan love for Fahaad acting and read Shakespearean work, plays than you might like it, but if you see it as a cinema itself as a whole, you might not really like it and might relate to what I wrote.
I did like the Grandpa character developed and expected more but it's all just style over substance. Even Joji , keep aside who acted it and think, do you really care for him and what for? Even the drunkard guy had some character at one point when he rubs wrong with Priest, each character is half baked, no where building to anything worth rooting for. And the biggest issue is the lack story and genuine intent to tell a story native to the location. It all looks so fake trying to show off rather than be yourself! Sorry I said it.
The death of the head of the family doesn't have any authentic emotional impact to anyone of audience or for character to root of what anyone is doing anything. Though surely it's beautifully shot and kind of I want to shine show myself music moments, but it all feels ingenuine, as if someone watched few Iranian, European, Japanese films and took like I want these these shots, and these thriller elements style from movies and just muddled it all up. There is not a single character I was able to emotionally root for even say it's antihero or villain as such.
Though acting was pretty good. I have noticed this lately where a streak of "Influenced" films in recent times coming out from Malayalam and Tamil films which takes strong inspirations influence from many of foreign films and filmmakers just put it out there as if no one can catch it and think will grab the accolades. I mean nothing wrong is learning from foreign films, but have something genuine rooted for what the society itself offers. It's a pile of garbage if you keep just copy pasting what you learned. Same thing most Industries are doing lately. So did bollywood once and still does and they don't even get where they are making mistake as though like a sugar rush of not seeing the issue. Not to be rude, I just love Shakespearean works but using a play just to spark interest rather than giving genuine adaption to is tough. And societies, cultures, language, people change in different demography. One should understand this. I can't make films watching say Russian films throughout and just imitate say a family drama setup in Goa or anywhere in India. That would come across fake in context to world cinema. That's where many are heading towards.
The native story, the tone, the atmosphere we all live in India got it's own style, mannerism which surely can be shown to the world. Surely we can learn form world cinema but just don't copy paste it and call it as unique you know. You can see this nature not just in many recent films but just in cinematography itself you will see this turquoise teal colors and sort of a music which is completely feels not matching to the scenario. Many stories are as such. It's sure good for that time watching, but what are we really doing though? Think of it..
Forget all that, because what they tried with all that learning, you know what hurt this movie the most, they lost the sense to tell a compelling story. That's the biggest issue. Overall it's 7 you can give, but it's mostly 5 or 6 for world cinema.
If you just have this fan love for Fahaad acting and read Shakespearean work, plays than you might like it, but if you see it as a cinema itself as a whole, you might not really like it and might relate to what I wrote.
Boring movie
manumanoj8 April 2021
Joji review
balakrishnamax7 April 2021
The finest film that was ever made !!!!
binukgb7 April 2021
I will keep this simple. Extraordinarily brilliant direction, exceptional background score and an actor on top of his game at the moment. Fahadh Faasil is probably the best actor in the world currently and not just in India. I am at a loss for words to describe his genius. I feel plain lucky to be born in his era and be able to witness this wizard at work. He is what Virat Kohli is to cricket, Lionel Messi to football & Mozart to music. Unreal guy !!!!
A Disturbing Account of a Criminal Mind
kumarorrakesh2477 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As I said it's a very intense and disturbing account of a twisted and sadistic mind, which won't stop at any cost. Fahad continues his paranoid character from "kumbalangi nights" but this time around his more nuanced in terms of emotions and the expressions are more refined.
The director has a unbeaten view of a household...and that slow piano BGM is haunting as hell. And adding to that Baburaj who played jomon is a welcomed in the dark world of Dileesh pothan cinematic world. He is astoundingly refreshing in his role. Such a breath of fresh air. Shami thilakan as manipulative doctor is convincing. And rest of the cast are amazing too. Special mention of Unnimaya Prasad as oppressed bincy is subtle and natural.
It has a unpleasant feeling.. and that's a compliment of watching a superior movie experience... Congrats to all involved.....and not mentioning Fahad Fazil is understatement since he is the movie, he holds you to the pinnacle of all human emotions.... in this case the vision of Dileesh pothen....take bow you both.🙌👍
The director has a unbeaten view of a household...and that slow piano BGM is haunting as hell. And adding to that Baburaj who played jomon is a welcomed in the dark world of Dileesh pothan cinematic world. He is astoundingly refreshing in his role. Such a breath of fresh air. Shami thilakan as manipulative doctor is convincing. And rest of the cast are amazing too. Special mention of Unnimaya Prasad as oppressed bincy is subtle and natural.
It has a unpleasant feeling.. and that's a compliment of watching a superior movie experience... Congrats to all involved.....and not mentioning Fahad Fazil is understatement since he is the movie, he holds you to the pinnacle of all human emotions.... in this case the vision of Dileesh pothen....take bow you both.🙌👍
Another classic from mollywood
azemillancy6 April 2021
Joji, the story of macbeth adapted into malayalam with the setting of rural kerala the movie is simply the best of this year!
The skilled writer shyam pushkaran's screenplay is so good in every way, from the entire construction to the dialogues and characters, it is on another level.
Director dileesh Pothan who had made his significance already in the industry has proved once again that he can do wonders.
Beautiful and catchy cinematography of the shyju Khalid plays an important role in making this film the best.
Music director Justin Varghese gave exactly what the movie wants, bgm is simply top-notch.
All of this combined with fine acting especially from Fahad Fazil and babu Anthony has elevated the effect which the movie can deliver.
Not just them the roles played by basil Joseph and other supporting actors are also very good!
Joji is the best malayalam film that I saw this year.
No notable mistakes are in this film, just an expression problem from Fahad in the end and also some minor dialogue delivery errors in the beginning, these can be neglected!
The skilled writer shyam pushkaran's screenplay is so good in every way, from the entire construction to the dialogues and characters, it is on another level.
Director dileesh Pothan who had made his significance already in the industry has proved once again that he can do wonders.
Beautiful and catchy cinematography of the shyju Khalid plays an important role in making this film the best.
Music director Justin Varghese gave exactly what the movie wants, bgm is simply top-notch.
All of this combined with fine acting especially from Fahad Fazil and babu Anthony has elevated the effect which the movie can deliver.
Not just them the roles played by basil Joseph and other supporting actors are also very good!
Joji is the best malayalam film that I saw this year.
No notable mistakes are in this film, just an expression problem from Fahad in the end and also some minor dialogue delivery errors in the beginning, these can be neglected!
Think Straight Ma*r*
chlorophyllus7 April 2021
Well another Pothettan's Magic this time on the small screen. While this is said as retelling of Macbeth but have close resemblance to case of Cadell Jeanson Raja which is also a revenge killing masqueraded as Satan worship.
Brilliant!!!
gaathakalyani17 April 2021
Pothan brilliance is distinctly visible. The most important thing is that the team could create the atmosphere solely with the piano bit. As always fahad fasil has done a great thing in the film. Unnimaya prasad needs to be given a big appreciation. Her performance is just out of the world. Baburaj has made a come back through jomon. Also Basil Joseph proves his versatility. They could create a mystery in all the frames of the movie which seems to be most suited for the thread of the storyline. Joji is a good example for the revolution going on, in the mollywood industry. Loved it!
Watchable for FaFa
Indian_Movie_Tracker23 August 2021
A very slow thriller. You need a lot of patience to watch and enjoy this. Though less than 1.5 hours, I found it too boring at places. Not many plot twists or turns either. Probably I read the reviews before watching the movie and expected too much to happen.
Good Watch
krutarthamusic6 June 2021
Sound Design: Top Notch
Ambience, Folley, Audio Narrative was Great
Cinematography: Aesthetically Pleasing
Music: Justin did very Great Job - Reality, Fear Track one of my Favourite
Direction: To pull of something from a simple story is commendable
Story: Could have been more intriguing.
Cinematography: Aesthetically Pleasing
Music: Justin did very Great Job - Reality, Fear Track one of my Favourite
Direction: To pull of something from a simple story is commendable
Story: Could have been more intriguing.
Modern Version of KG George's Irakal.
genisis_tp6 April 2021
This is strictly a personal opinion.
Fahad Fazil has gone on to become that actor that plays only a psycho personality in his every movie, he does it well but its just repetition.
Cinematography is good, music seems to be inspired from somewhere as im very sure of having heard this in some hollywood flick.
And lastly it does seemed to be some reworked version of Irakal(1985).
It is a good film but i personally didn't like it.
Might get some awards.
Fahad Fazil has gone on to become that actor that plays only a psycho personality in his every movie, he does it well but its just repetition.
Cinematography is good, music seems to be inspired from somewhere as im very sure of having heard this in some hollywood flick.
And lastly it does seemed to be some reworked version of Irakal(1985).
It is a good film but i personally didn't like it.
Might get some awards.
Fabulously crafted magical movis
juraijvuit7 April 2021
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