Sapthamashree Thaskaraha: The Humorous Confession Of A Thief

Sapthamashree Thaskaraha is a Malayalam film that released in 2014. It was written and directed by Anil Radhakrishnan Menon, whose first film was the National Film Award winning North 24 Kaatham. The film was edited by Manoj Kannoth and the cinematography was done by Jayesh Nair. With a cast of actors like Prithviraj Sukumaran, Asif Ali, Nedumudi Venu, Sudheer Karamana, Chemban Vinod Jose, the film does not fail to entertain with its brilliant performances.

As the title suggests (Seven Thieves), the comedy film revolves around the planning and execution of a robbery by seven men who meet in prison. The plot is set in Thrissur, and unravels through a confession by one of the thieves (played by Chemban) to a priest (played by the renowned film director Lijo Jose Pellissery). Beginning from the humorous relationship between the priest and the confessor, the film is sure to tickle our funny bones through and through. The confessor begins by narrating how these seven men had ended up in the prison by being cheated by someone or for some petty crime. Nobelettan (played by Nedumudi Venu) and Krishnanunni (played by Prithviraj) have a common enemy, Pius, who was a local politician (played by Joy Mathew). Since the need for money is the one thing they have in common, they decide to loot Pius. The twist lies towards the end of the film, adding to the possibility of the story being a dig on the solar scam of the Kerala government.

The film's success as a comedy lies in the creative interspersing of the comedic dialogues and scenes. Also, the depiction of the progress of the foolproof plan for the heist is realistic and inventive. Another amusing element in the film is the authenticity it has tried to retain to the setting, that is, Thrissur. The film employs slang and portrays iconic places like Thrissur Round, Vadakkunnathan Temple. The music by Sushin Shyam and Rex Vijayan blends perfectly with the film.

The film is underrated and has not received the due that it deserved in spite of its hilarious take. Apart from the grounded characters, the realistic mode that Sapthamashree Thaskaraha brings into play, gives an impetus to the connection that viewers feel. The film can be enjoyed undoubtedly by people from all walks of the society and belonging to all age groups, as it not only makes us laugh but also tries to open our eyes to the plight of our corrupt society.