Kochi, India – Sci-fi films are a rare occurrence in the Malayalam film industry, and the subgenre of sci-fi comedies is even rarer. However, the novelty of the genre does not work to the advantage of Pluto. The film, directed by Adithyan Chandrasekhar and starring Neeraj Madhav, follows Vicky, a down-and-out man who befriends an alien, Pluto (Althaf Salim). Despite a promising premise, the movie sticks to familiar alien narratives and struggles to find its footing, offering only occasional light humor.
The film attempts to break alien stereotypes by giving Pluto no superpowers, except for two skills that are sparingly used. The alien’s design, due to tight budgets, is limited to a spandex suit and a human face, making it feel more like a familiar Althaf Salim character. The interesting touch in the screenplay is the similarity between Vicky and Pluto—both are considered losers in life. However, the potential to explore unconventional ideas and turn each other’s lives around is largely unrealized. The light-hearted, comic-book treatment, including characters in costumes reminiscent of Shikkari Shambhu and Kuttoosan, adds a touch of whimsy but fails to elevate the film.
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The film’s humor works only occasionally, and the friendship between Vicky and Pluto never feels thick enough to evoke the expected emotional pull. The relationship between Vicky and his girlfriend Meera (Aarsha Chandini Baiju) suffers from limited screen time, and the gang of thugs led by Tiger Thambi (Aju Varghese) serves only functional purposes. The lack of a stronger star cast also works against the film. Pluto ultimately remains a familiar, forgettable entry in a genre that Malayalam cinema rarely ventures into, failing to capitalize on its potential despite its light-hearted intentions.
