‘Minmini’ Movie Review: A Blend of Over-the-Top Melodrama and Moral Lessons

The first half of the story is set in a boarding school located in Ooty, focusing on the experiences of a group of students.

In the world of cinema that aims to spark meaningful dialogues with its audience, there’s a fine line between ‘trying hard’ and ‘trying too hard,’ where genuine effort can devolve into sheer desperation. Unfortunately, Halitha Shameem’s *Minmini* crosses that line with a level of self-indulgence that feels excessive. While the film boasts the charm of nearly a decade in the making, featuring actors who age on-screen, stunning visuals, and an intriguing premise, it ultimately falters due to its desperate attempts to engage viewers through poorly developed philosophy and didactic storytelling.

The first half of the film is set in a boarding school in Ooty, where we follow a group of students. Without any warning, the narrative shifts to the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas in the second half, focusing on two of the school kids, now grown up, as they embark on a biking adventure through the mountains. The first half comes off as somewhat amateurish in terms of both performances and filmmaking, yet it remains engaging. Paari (Gaurav Kalai), the beloved student, bullies the new arrival, Sabari (Praveen Kishore), but they eventually forge a friendship, which is a familiar trope. The subtle filmmaking details ensure that Paari doesn’t appear as a true villain, making their eventual camaraderie believable. However, the director leans heavily on Khatija Rahman’s music to amplify every emotional moment. While the soundtrack is largely enjoyable, it could have been more effective with a lighter touch from the director.

We already sense the evolving relationship between Paari and Sabari, but the film goes further to emphasize this through specific scenes, such as when Halitha fills the entire screen with…

The second half of the film showcases stunning visuals of the Himalayan range, providing a refreshing contrast to the earlier melodrama. This section delves into the central theme of how guilt connects individuals to their pasts. *Minmini* expresses its themes, philosophies, and life perspectives through the lens of Praveena. However, the philosophical insights often come across as overly simplistic, reminiscent of Tumblr-era quotes, such as ‘We are all stardust.’

Towards the end, Sabari reveals to a group of fellow bikers that he doesn’t have a specific destination in mind and is simply wandering through the Himalayas. The key difference between Sabari and the film is that he recognizes his aimlessness, while the film itself seems unaware. Despite this, *Minmini* stands out as a refreshing change from the barrage of hyper-violent films that have dominated recently. The setting, storyline, visuals, and even the leisurely pace create an inviting atmosphere, but unfortunately, the narrative gets sidelined in favor of heavy-handed lessons about life and self-acceptance.

Director: Halitha Shameem

Cast: Praveen Kishore, Esther Anil, Gaurav Kalai.