Spirit (2012 film)

Spirit is a 2012 Malayalam satirical film written and directed by Ranjith. The film primarily focuses on the increasing habits of alcoholism in Kerala but is altogether a take on all things contemporary with a satirical tint. It stars Mohanlal, Kaniha and Shankar Ramakrishnan in the lead roles while Lena, Nandu, Thilakan and Madhu play notable supporting roles. The film released on 14 June with positive results.
According to the director, "The movie does not, in any way, advocate or proscribe alcohol. Spirit discusses the subject and examines what happens when a person, however intelligent, falls prey to an addiction, any addiction for that matter.

Story

Raghunandan is an ex-Bank of England employee who resigned his lucrative job because he was bored with the rather sedentary nature of his work. Having lived in different parts of the world as a bank employee, he chose journalism as his next career and worked in different cities in India. He is now working on a TV news channel as an interviewer in a show named "Show the Spirit". In the mean time, he is writing an English novel too. He is essentially a loner but loves his pegs and has an expensive collection of vintage drinks at home.

It was his excessive drinking that resulted in his divorce some years back, but he shares a healthy friendship with his former wife Meera and her current husband Alexy. The couple has the custody of Raghunandan and Meera’s son Aditya aka Sunny, who can't speak or hear. Captain Nambiar is his next door friend. Raghunandan, however, is not really bothered about relationships and prefers to live life on his own terms. He rubs some of the mighty and powerful, who comes to his TV show, in the wrong way and never regrets it as well.

Raghunandan's fatal addiction towards alcohol takes a heavy toll on his personal and professional life. However, good sense dawns, albeit late, when he comes across a man who is worse than him because of his drinking problem. That is plumber Mani who is so drunk that he cannot distinguish between what is real and unreal. His character manifests all the worst characteristics of an alcoholic, including abusing his wife. Mani changes everything, bringing some meaning to Raghunandan's life.

Hit songs

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Boxoffice Results

The film was positively received by most critics. The movie was reportedly well received by the audiences who opined that it is a class affair with a fine script from the director. Most of them suggested that it gives a good message to the youth who is addicted to alcohol.

Nowrunning.com rated the film  and said, "Spirit is a turbulent watch that is bound to clamor for your attention. 

Malayalamnet.in gave the film a rating of  and said, "spirit is an advice to the community presented in a well manner".

The film received some negative review as well. 
Deccan Herald said, "There are too many characters and side stories, some of which are not relevant at all.Some ideas are introduced and left incomplete, which is a shame.

Sify.com said, "If you are not expecting a high voltage drama stuffed with the usual share of emotions, Spirit can turn out to be a nice experience.

Overall Rating: 3/5

Verdict: Hit