'Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse' review: Mammootty cannot save this outdated investigation drama

Gautham Vasudev Menon is well-known in the Tamil film industry for delivering many superhits. When such a name joins hands with one of the most celebrated actors of the Malayalam film industry, expectations are naturally high.

However, with Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse, he delivers an inferior film.

It is about a small-time private detective who takes up an investigation case on the request of his friend. This eventually spirals into a full-length murder mystery. The movie’s writing falters badly. The mystery would have kept us on the edge of our seats until 2010 but is not creative enough to create anticipation amongst today’s audience.

The director, on the other hand, follows a cliched mode of storytelling, with heavy usage of expositions. The editing also lacks flow. Performances by Mammootty and Gokul Suresh are mediocre, and the duo’s chemistry isn’t convincing. 

However, Sushmita Bhatt, the female lead, comes as a relief. The characterisation of Dominic is also unique — he is no hero. He gets carried away with situations and loses focus of the investigation at times. Moreover, he acts on shreds of evidence as opposed to other investigation thrillers that are driven by instinct. 

Aside from these positives, the film falls into the dilemma of pointlessness. Its music is passable and its background score is a hit or a miss. The film’s biggest flaw is how a sensitive topic has been dealt without nuance or empathy. Overall, the movie is passable.