Ring Master (റിംഗ് മാസ്റ്റർ)

Cast: Dileep (Prince), Honey Rose (Sarasamma aka Diana), Keerthi Suresh (Karthika), Mohan Jose, Kalabhavan Shajon (Dr. Muthu), Aju Varghese (Peter), Ranjini (Elizabeth), Suraj Venjaramoodu (Sravan), Sai Kumar, Guinness Pakru (Achankunju), Vijayaraghavan, Raffi (Ravi)

Genre: Comedy

Direction: Raffi

Production: Vaishak Rajan

Written by: Raffi

Cinematographer: Shaji

Editor: Shyam Sasidharan

Studio: Vaishakha Cynyma

Music: Gopi Sundar

Release Date: 12^th April, 2014 (Kerala) and 25^th April, 2014 (Delhi)

Language: Malayalam

Duration: 2 hours 34 minutes

Ring Master (റിംഗ് മാസ്റ്റർ) is the first independent directorial venture of Raffi (after Raffi-Mecartin duo splitting). It is the story of a dog trainer Prince (Dileep).

The movie begins with a ‘pretty long’ introduction of cast and crew with animations. Prince is the son of ring master (Vijayaraghavan) with whom he has turbulent relationships. Prince works as an assistant to his friend and a veterinary doctor Dr. Muthu (Kalabhavan Shajan). On Dr. Muthu’s request, Prince takes up the responsibility to be the caretaker of dogs at Elizabeth’s (Ranjini) house (who is travelling abroad for a few days). Elizabeth has given strict instruction to Prince to ensure that her favourite pet Lisa does not get pregnant. But Lisa gets pregnant with Toby, blind Karthika’s guide dog (Karthika’s role is essayed by Keerthi Suresh – daughter of Menaka and Suresh). Lisa dies during delivery giving birth to Diana and that is when Prince’s life takes a turn. He takes care of Diana like a baby of his own. Elizabeth on her return throws Prince out of the job on learning about Lisa’s death.

Peter (Aju Varghese), another friend of Prince and Dr.Muthu, a wannabe director wants to make a movie with Diana in the lead and all three of them goes to meet a producer Sravan (Sooraj Venjaramoodu, also an advocate by profession) and chart out the plan to bring out the movie.

Meanwhile, the movie also showcases the story of Prince and her ex-flame Sarsamma aka ‘Lady’ Diana (Honey Rose), daughter of a beggar and who rose to stardom in the glamour world with the unconditional support of Prince. We also get to see the bond between Prince and Karthika evolving.

Does the first movie of Peter become a hit ? Does the pet Diana become a star ? What happens when both the Diana (s) come face-to-face? Is Karthika’s life smooth inspite of her disability? Whom does Dileep choose - his ex-flame ‘Lady’ Diana  or the blind Karthika ?    

Is Raffi trying to project a philosophical message through this movie that ambitions are good but not at the cost of your valuable relationships (who stood with you through your thick and thin) ? Can relationships once broken be mended?

Probably children may enjoy certain moments in the movie where pets are shown.

One-Liner:

‘Ring Master’ just gives a few light moments, but Director Raffi’s efforts fail to tickle funny bones. …

Rating: 2 / 5 (Average)