In the realm of cinematic brilliance, Raj B Shetty has carved a niche for himself with directorial masterpieces like “Ondu Motteya Kathe” and “Garuda Gamana Vrushaba Vahana.” His knack for seamlessly embodying characters and his directorial finesse have captured the hearts of audiences far and wide. However, in “Toby,” Raj B Shetty takes on a dual role, maintaining his storytelling prowess while passing the directorial baton to his longstanding associate, Basil Alchalakkal.
At the heart of “Toby” lies a poignant narrative that delves into the life of an orphaned and inherently aggressive child confined to a juvenile home. The turning point in his tumultuous journey arrives with the arrival of Father Iglesies, whose nurturing embrace reveals a previously unseen softer side of existence. Throughout the film, the protagonist embarks on a quest to embrace virtue, even as he navigates through a maze of challenges. However, the allure of his darker inclinations becomes increasingly irresistible, leading to a gripping battle between his conflicting impulses.
From a technical standpoint, “Toby” shines with brilliance. The cinematography breathes life into every frame, transporting viewers into the heart of the narrative. The art direction and costumes work in harmony to create authentic and immersive settings that resonate with authenticity. Complementing these visual elements is Midhun Mukundan’s masterful background score, which orchestrates emotional crescendos and keeps viewers at the edge of their seats. While the pre-release track “maari ge daari” found favor with the audience, the rest of the soundtrack, unfortunately, fails to leave a lasting imprint.
Raj B Shetty’s on-screen charisma once again takes center stage, commanding attention and delivering a performance that lingers in the memory. His presence is augmented by the remarkable talents of Chaitra J Achar, Samyuktha Hornad, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Deepak Shetty, and a young prodigy who portrays the younger version of Chaitra Achar’s character, Jenny.
The film’s dialogue, a masterpiece in itself, is expertly constructed to evoke a spectrum of emotions. As the plot unravels, viewers are taken on a tumultuous journey of emotional peaks and valleys, showcasing the meticulous development of characters. Each character, deliberately painted in shades of ambiguity, contributes to the narrative’s lifelike quality, blurring the distinction between right and wrong. However, while this narrative approach undoubtedly enhances authenticity, it intermittently challenges the audience’s ability to establish an unwavering emotional rapport. Moreover, the screenplay of the movie, despite boasting several captivating moments, experiences sluggish intervals that test the audience’s patience and necessitate absolute attentiveness.
In its entirety, “Toby” transcends traditional genre boundaries, seamlessly weaving together elements of family drama, action, crime, mystery, and mythology. The result is a cinematic mosaic that offers something for every palate. As we immerse ourselves in the world of “Toby,” we are invited to contemplate the multifaceted nature of human existence, where light and darkness coexist in a delicate dance.
