No.20 Madras Mail

Watch No.20 Madras Mail

  • NR
  • 1990
  • 2 hr 57 min
  • 7.8  (1,328)

No. 20 Madras Mail is a classic Malayalam language thriller-comedy film directed by Joshiy, released in 1990. The film features a stellar ensemble cast led by the iconic Mohanlal, and includes Maniyanpilla Raju, Jagadish, M.G. Soman, and Ashokan in significant roles, with Mammootty making a cameo appearance. The film has remained a fan favorite over the years, known for its blend of humor, mystery, and a gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.

The film opens with Tony Kurushingal (Mohanlal), along with his friends Kumbalam Hari (Jagadish) and Othaloor Sunny (Maniyanpilla Raju), embarking on a journey from Trivandrum to Madras via the train No. 20 Madras Mail. They are heading to Madras (now Chennai) to try their luck in cinema auditions, dreaming of making it big in the world of movies. The train journey, seemingly mundane and ordinary, quickly takes a turn when they cross paths with a popular movie star, played by Mammootty, who happens to be traveling in the same train. The star's presence on the train excites Tony and his friends, and they attempt to interact with him, leading to a series of humorous encounters.

Their jovial journey takes a dark twist when a co-passenger is found murdered in her compartment. The story then shifts into a suspenseful whodunit, with the train creating the perfect closed-setting for a mystery. All the passengers in the compartment become suspects, with the spotlight initially turning on Tony and his friends due to certain circumstances connected to the night of the murder.

Under the scrutiny of a diligent detective, Investigator Nambiar (M.G. Soman), the trio finds themselves tangled in a web of confusion and suspicion. They take it upon themselves to clear their names, embarking on a quest to find the real culprit. What follows is a hybrid of a comedy and thriller, with the protagonists getting into a variety of humorous situations as they try to piece together the mystery amidst the chaos and pressure from the investigative authorities.

The movie brilliantly uses the train as a microcosm of society. The confined space of the train compartments and the myriad characters aboard the train offer both a sense of confinement and a diverse array of suspects and potential narratives. This setting allows for character interactions that are both intense and comical. The dialogues are sharp and engaging, with moments of Malabar dialect humor that are characteristic of many Malayalam movies of that era.

No. 20 Madras Mail is not just a simple story of a murder mystery; it dives into the examination of human relationships and the psyche behind crimes, without becoming too dark or losing its entertainment value. The balance between the gravity of the investigation and the light-hearted camaraderie of the lead characters is masterfully maintained throughout the film.

Mohanlal's performance as Tony is widely regarded as one of his most charismatic roles. He effortlessly conveys the vibrancy and resourcefulness of his character, at times impatient and impulsive, yet empathetic and resolve-driven when it comes to proving his innocence. Maniyanpilla Raju and Jagadish offer ample support as Sunny and Hari respectively, providing comedic relief, but also with each character having his moment to shine in the plot's unfolding. M.G. Soman delivers a compelling performance as the investigator, serving as the foil to the trio's antics, adding to a sense of urgency and seriousness to the escapade.

The movie's direction by Joshiy is taut, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with well-paced narrative twists and character developments. The film, while heavy with suspense elements and plot twists, never loses sight of its comedic roots, often relieving tension through well-timed humor. The cinematography effectively captures the closed-in atmosphere of the train, adding to the claustrophobic feeling associated with classic thrillers.

Moreover, the music and songs in No. 20 Madras Mail, composed by the talented duo Ouseppachan and S. P. Venkatesh, complement the mood swings from light-hearted to suspenseful scenes, further enhancing the viewing experience. The songs were well-received at the time and continue to be appreciated for their melody and integration into the movie's storyline.

In conclusion, No. 20 Madras Mail stands out as a vintage piece of Malayalam cinema, expertly weaving together elements of comedy, mystery, and thriller. It showcases the brilliance of Mohanlal and the ensemble cast and is remembered as a benchmark film that combined entertainment with a gripping plot. Both critics and audiences alike have appreciated this cinematic ride, and it remains a memorable entry in the pantheon of Malayalam cinema.

No.20 Madras Mail is a 1990 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.

No.20 Madras Mail
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Where to Watch No.20 Madras Mail
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  • Release Date
    1990
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 57 min
  • Language
    Malayalam
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (1,328)
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