Reghunandan is an ex-Bank of England employee who resigned his lucrative job because he was bored with the 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 Indian metros. Not satisfied, he quit the job yet again and is now writing an English novel. Captain Nambiar is his next door friend. So also is Meera and her husband Alex. Strange as it might seem, Meera was once married to Reghunandan. And then Manian the plumber enters Reghunandan`s relaxed and comfortable life and changes everything, bringing some meaning to his life.

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It is said that no art or artist can survive in a vacuum. It is only when the artist reflects on the happenings around him and creates something that holds up a mirror to society that his/her work assumes significance. 

Veteran director Ranjith has understood this and has come out with a number of films that have shown the churn happening in society in the recent past. He continues in the same vein in his latest venture, Spirit, with his favourite actor Mohanlal in the lead. 

This film shows how alcoholism has reached endemic levels with liquor shop in every nook and cranny, as these are a source of revenue for the government.

Plot 

We follow the story of Raghunandan (Mohanlal), who is typing an autobiographical novel on an old portable typewriter. He comes across as a restless person who had left a well-paid corporate job and dabbled in journalism before jumping into writing a novel. 

He has a weakness for drink and his day begins with one at home before he heads for his watering hole. The vice has wrecked his personal life too. He is divorced from his wife of seven years Meera (Kaniha), who has remarried their mutual friend Alexy (Shankar Ramakrishnan).

Raghu comes across as an arrogant intellectual who thinks he is in control of his habits and circumstances. He takes his divorce very lightly claiming it was a wise decision taken by two mature human beings who were incompatible as a couple but are still best of friends. Like every addict, Raghu is in denial mode.

Performances

Spirit belongs to Mohanlal who brings to the table a kind of vulnerability hidden behind the arrogant exterior. There are occasions when the mask of arrogance falls away and Mohanlal has the expertise to handle such situations with élan.

Kaniha as Meera has to be bold and she pulls it off.

Shankar Ramakrishnan (the scenarist of Urumi) makes a nice debut as an actor. Watch out for a fantastic performance from Nandu, who plays a plumber. Veteran actor Madhu gets a different look, which is quite nice.

Overall

All seen and said, Ranjith's Spirit is not flawless but is recommended as it makes an effort to make a social comment. Another reason for seeing it is Mohanlal.

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