Urumi is set in the backdropof the fierce warrior clans of the Northern Kerala in the sixteen century and focuses on the cult of a hero Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar (Prithviraj) - a man with an epic mission. His target and mission is Dom Vasco Da Gama, the Viceroy of Portuguese Empire in India.

The film is spread between the second and third visit of Gama to India and Chroniles a varied version of how Gama could have met a bloody death in 1524 AD. In the journey Kelu - the warrior has to encounter several conflicts and a warring Muslim warroir princess Ayesha (Genelia) of the famed Arackal Sultanate. 

Kelu has a forte, a legendary golden Urumi, specially made from the left over ornaments of the deas women and children who were burnt alive in the massacre of a Meeca Ship Miri. The ship was ordered to be set on fire and drowned by Vasco Da Gama during his second visit to Kerala in 1502 AD. 

Kelu is supported by vavvali (Prabhu Deva), his childhood friend who hails from a Muslim family. 

The film also has mystical characters like Makkom played by Vidya Balan, a deity in he oracle form. Kelu's creation of an organized revolt becomes the first of its kind movement against the colonial advance in India. The film takes the structure of a Ballad.

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Santosh Sivan’s Urumi is a miniature masterpiece of moods, emotions, anxieties ruled by a thirst for revenge. The film unfolds like a ballad and is a sweet and simple fairy tale. The 170 minutes film works to a large extent to its perfect casting, fantastic performances, soothing score and technical brilliance.

Santosh has made it like how a period drama should be made without too much talk about freedom struggle, no bombastic dialogues or playing to the gallery for heroism. His vision and concept gives this epic the feel of a Brave Heart or Gladiator.

Plot

The film starts in the present day with a modern don’t care youth Krishna Das (Prithviraj) and his friend (Prabhu Deva) having a jolly good time. A big corporate offers Krishna Das a bomb for his ancestral property in Kerala.

On his arrival in Kerala to sign the papers, he learns the truth about his land and ancestors, which is told in a flashback. A brave warrior (Arya), wants to kill Vasco Da Gama, the Viceroy of Portuguese Empire in India. But he is brutally killed by the invaders and his son Chirakkal Kelu Naynar (Prithviraj) is out to take revenge with a golden Urumi, that he makes with the ornaments of dead women and children who were burnt alive in a ship that was going to Mecca. It was set on fire and sunk under the instructions from Vasco Da Gama.

The film is spread between the second and third visit of Gama to India and chronicles a varied version of how Gama could have met a bloody death in 1524 AD. Kelu is supported by his childhood Muslim buddy Vavvali (Prabhu Deva). In the journey he meets warrior princess Ayesha (Genelia), who has her own axe to grind against the foreign invaders. Will they be able to kill Vasco Da Gama?

Performance

There are elements that are typical of a historical story; let it be secularist ideals or the 'unity in diversity' utopia aspired for. But they are not overplayed to hinder the flow of narrative in any way.

The only grouse we can have at the script level is the fact that some characters are underdeveloped or left in a lurch, especially Vidya Balan's much-hyped cameo and item song.

The major highlight of the film is the performances of its lead actors. Prithviraj as Kelu Naynar is dashing. You cannot take your eyes of him, it’s a difficult role and he has come out with flying colours especially in the climax scene. Prabhu Deva is there in as many frames as Prithviraj, and is a real treat to watch. He does comedy and romance with ease and the chat song with Nithya is a scream.

However it goes without saying that this is Genelia’s show. She has shed her bubbly image for an out of the world controlled performance and her Kalaripayattu action scenes are thrilling. Nithya Menen looks pretty and is a scene stealer, while Jagathy is outstanding. Amol Gupte, Alex, Robin and others are lifelike. There is also walk in cameo appearances by Arya, Vidya Balan and Tabu.

All in all Urumi is a super visual delight.

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