Amid the cacophony of a high-octane yet monotonous background score in “Turbo” stands out the distinctive whirring sound of someone stepping on the accelerator. This sound effect plays every time ‘Turbo’ Jose (played by Mammootty) is about to plunge into one of his frequent brawls, serving as a forewarning of the mayhem he is about to unleash. While this sound attempts to build anticipation, it ultimately falls short, as the subsequent action sequences are built on such a weak foundation that one almost stops caring whether the vehicle hits top speed or sputters out.
Despite the shortcomings, it is essential to acknowledge that filmmaker Vysakh’s previous work, “Monster,” was significantly worse. In comparison, “Turbo” marks an improvement. The film works on the premise that the storyline only needs to be strong enough to serve as an excuse for showcasing action-packed set pieces, filling the gaps between them with just enough narrative to keep things moving. Screenwriter Midhun Manuel Thomas’s job here is to deliver exactly that. However, this approach means he misses the opportunity to reverse the downward trajectory of his screenwriting career.
‘Turbo’ Jose is introduced as an ordinary man from the high ranges, characterized by a penchant for getting into fights. The plot thickens after one such altercation when it is revealed that the goons were not targeting Jose, but rather his friend Jerry (Shabareesh Varma), who is infatuated with Indulekha (Anjana Jayaprakash). Jose’s attempts to assist his friend inadvertently result in complications, shifting the action to Chennai. Here, their paths intersect with Vetrivel Shanmuga Sundaram (Raj B. Shetty), a shady businessman seeking to gain power in Tamil Nadu through corrupt horse-trading schemes—an insidious practice much in vogue today.
The first half of “Turbo” is used by Vysakh and Midhun to establish the storyline clearly, without ambiguities or grey shades, setting the stage for the chases and lengthy action sequences that dominate the latter half. This straightforward setup, however, becomes one of the film’s drawbacks. Once the central banking scam is unveiled, the screenplay offers no further surprises, making the rest of the narrative feel flat and filled with clichés. Despite these pitfalls, Midhun manages to weave in a few intriguingly written scenes.
. Notable among them is Auto Billa (Sunil)’s Marlon Brando-inspired performance in a rundown mall, where Jose discloses his true identity to his boss, and Jose’s poignant narration of a traumatic childhood episode that explains his closeness to his mother (Bindu Panicker).
Yet, the few bright spots cannot overshadow the film’s overreliance on recycled tropes that have been part of this genre for ages. The reluctance to innovate or try anything new makes “Turbo” predictable and, at times, tedious. Adding to the predictability, the film concludes with a standard promise of a sequel, a common trend in contemporary cinema. The repetitiveness of this trope further dilutes the impact of the narrative.
Despite these drawbacks, it’s worth noting the level of confidence exhibited by the creators. It takes a certain audacity to believe in the potential of a sequel following a film that predominantly recycles old ideas rather than introducing fresh ones. This confidence is mirrored in the character of ‘Turbo’ Jose himself—a man who, despite his flaws, remains unyielding and assured.
“Turbo,” currently running in theatres, opens a window into the highs and lows of Malayalam cinema’s action genre. While it shines in moments where the raw performances of the actors break through, it is ultimately bogged down by a screenplay that fails to rise above predictable plot lines and genre clichés. The film serves as a reminder that even the finest actors like Mammootty can only do so much with a weak script. As audiences navigate through the choreographed fights and predictable sequences, one cannot help but yearn for more depth and innovation.
In conclusion, “Turbo” is a mixed bag. It offers action and drama but falls short of being a memorable film. For those interested in high-energy scenes and crisp dialogues, it might be worth a watch. However, if you are seeking something that breaks the mold and offers a fresh perspective within the genre, “Turbo” might leave you wanting more. This film, a step-up from “Monster,” shows that while Vysakh and Midhun Manuel Thomas have the capability to craft engaging action sequences, they need to invest more in narrative innovation to truly hit top gear.
