1744 White Alto

A character-driven caper set in a remote area of Kerala, 1744 White Alto follows the intertwining stories of two crooks on the run, an alcoholic facing a case of mistaken identity, and a noble policeman trying to put an end to the madness. But this is not a straightforward cat-and-mouse journey. Instead, filmmaker Senna Hegde’s latest comedic foray opens with a disclaimer – a daring critique of organised religion. Police officer Mahesh has a lot on his plate: he’s questioning his faith, dealing with a possibly unfaithful wife and a nagging mother under the same roof. He’s also tasked with leading a team to track down criminals driving a White Alto, responsible for a hit-run. The car’s owner, Vijayan, subsequently finds himself embroiled in a crime he didn’t commit, sparking a race to find the criminal duo responsible. Co-writing a quick-witted script with cinematographer Sreeraj Raveendran, with additional screenplay from Arjunan, Hedge takes you on a comedic ride filled with mishaps, merriment and a sprinkling of satire. A distinct colour palette and clever composition echo the aesthetic of a Western, all desolate background of land and sky. 1744 White Alto’s comedy of errors is stylish, cynical and a whole lot of fun. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)