Director Muhammed Musthafa made his debut in the critically acclaimed Malayalam film, Kappela. The film, released on Netflix, stood out in terms of cinematography and social message. After four years, he is now back with an action entertainer, Mura, which stars Suraj Venjaramoodu and All We Can Imagine As Light-fame, Hridhu Haroon. Let’s see how the movie turned out.

Local gangster Ani (Suraj Venjaramoodu) is the right-hand man of tough businesswoman Rema (Maala Parvathi), who entrusts him with many illegal activities. Ani, who is in touch with many rowdy gangs in the locality, contacts Anandhu (Hridhu Haroon) and Saji’s gang regarding a high-profile robbery. Anandhu, Saji, Manu and Manaf are young men who grew up together and know how to escape from a crime scene.

When Anandhu and the gang plan the robbery with the help of local thugs in Madurai, it completely changes their lives. The impact of a crime on their lives and the act of revenge are told over two hours and ten minutes.

Mura by director Muhammed Musthafa is an ultimate revenge story. It does a great job of setting up the story by highlighting the gang politics and friendship between the four young men. As you get more invested in Mura’s world, it’s Anandhu and his gang who manage to hold your attention with their talents. These men are not random thug thieves. They are good runners and tactical attackers.

Here is the trailer:

When Anandhu and his gang plan the heist, you can’t help but be absorbed in their execution. Thanks to the performances of Hridhu Haroon, Jobin Das, Yedhu Krishna and Anujith, which were real. Director Muhammed Musthafa has provided many intricate details throughout the first half, which features an encore after the interval.

The action sequences are some of the best in recent times. They’re real, brutal and as bloody as they come. Musthafa had a perfect moment during the interval, but he stretched it and the film meandered. After the interval, Mura looks at the consequences that Anandhu and his gang face, and how they come to know the darkest secrets of the underworld.

The second half of Mura has several moments where the film could have ended. But every time the audience witnesses such a moment, the director stretches it even further, resulting in too much bloodshed. It’s in this post-interval phase that Mura stumbles. With a great first half in hand, they could have used it for the rest of the film as well.

A perfect revenge thriller has certain traits including action, betrayal, trust, and friendship. Mura ticked all those boxes and took a different turn in the second half, downplaying the high standard he had set before the interval. Suraj Venjamoodu’s understated performance as the gang leader is perfect, and it’s refreshing to see Maala Parvathi in a different role.

Not only the gripping action sequences, but Mura’s thrilling music by Christy Joby is its greatest strength. The same goes for Fazil Nazer’s cinematography, which beautifully showcases the distinct landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Mura has some very good moments, with disappointing sequences after the intermission.

2.5 stars out of 5 for Mura.