A Humble Comedy With Underlying Potential
Rahul Riji Nair’s Flask (2025) is a Malayalam-language comedy-drama that walks the fine line between satire and sentiment. Starring Saiju Kurup as the well-meaning but clumsy police constable Jyothikumar and Suresh Krishna as the cold, bureaucratic judge Venkitesh Balaji, the film attempts to explore how empathy slowly blossoms in unlikely corners. Set against the picturesque yet politically tense backdrop of Wayanad, Flask follows the familiar arc of transformation—but does so with enough sincerity to keep you engaged, even if it doesn’t dig deep enough into its themes.
The title ‘Flask’ is a colloquial reference used within the police force to describe PSOs (Personal Security Officers), who are often seen carrying a flask as they accompany their assigned dignitaries—making the term a symbol of their role rather than a literal object. And that’s what Jyothikumar becomes after a careless mistake on duty lands him in a sort of bureaucratic purgatory. His punishment? Serve as the ever-present shadow of the stern judge Balaji.
Cast Performances: The Strength of Subtlety
Saiju Kurup as Jyothikumar
Saiju Kurup brings in his trademark comic timing and soft-eyed sincerity. His portrayal of Jyothi is layered with nostalgic charm—he’s a man still clinging to the dream of becoming a singer, now stuck opening car doors for a judge. At times, the character leans too much into buffoonery, which undercuts the emotional heft the film occasionally tries to build. But Saiju’s grounded approach keeps the character from becoming a caricature.
Suresh Krishna as Judge Venkitesh
Suresh Krishna’s portrayal of Venkitesh Balaji is controlled and convincing. Though the role is underwritten, he manages to make his presence felt with restrained expressions and a voice that seldom raises. The transformation his character undergoes during the second half—while predictable—is delivered with believable nuance.
Supporting Cast
Aswathy Sreekanth plays Jyothi’s supportive wife with natural ease, and Balachandran Chullikkad brings quiet weight to the role of Jyothi’s disappointed father. Sidharth Bharathan’s Maoist leader Ganeshan feels undercooked, and despite the heavy thematic potential, the role doesn’t leave much of a mark. However, Anand Ekarshi, in a limited role as a jailed Maoist, adds a momentary but notable spark.
A Tale of Transformation — But Too Timid
The storyline sets up a potentially powerful narrative: a common man and a symbol of authority forced to survive together during a Maoist abduction. This could have been a sharp political commentary or an emotionally profound journey. Instead, Flask chooses a safe middle lane.
The abduction sequence in the forest brings a welcome shift in tone. It’s during this stretch that the script breathes a little, allowing for a genuine emotional exchange between the two lead characters. There’s an understated beauty in watching them open up to one another, not through melodrama but through shared silence and small confessions.
But these moments are few. Flask skims over the politics it touches. The Maoist rebels, tribal settings, and larger systemic commentary stay on the surface—offering neither critique nor clarity. The final act, involving a predictable shootout, feels rushed and thematically inconsistent with the rest of the film’s gentle pace.
Craft and Technique
Jayakrishnan Vijayan’s cinematography finds quiet poetry in everyday settings—especially in the forest, where light and shadow do some of the emotional heavy lifting. The background score by Sidhartha Pradeep is modest and in tune with the film’s tone, though rarely memorable.
Editing by Christy Sebastian keeps the runtime tight, and the pacing works in favour of the narrative, even if some scenes feel like repetitions of earlier beats.
Missed Opportunities and Moments That Work
There’s a sense that Flask could have said more. Scenes that had the chance to deepen character backstories or comment on socio-political issues are treated with a feather-light touch. While this makes the film easy to digest, it also renders it forgettable in parts.
However, the emotional climax—where Jyothi begins to wear his uniform with new-found pride—does land. The transformation, though narratively simplistic, feels emotionally honest. And for a film that isn’t trying to change the world, that honesty goes a long way.
Final Verdict: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Flask is a simple, likable film that plays it safe. What it lacks in depth, it makes up for in heart. Saiju Kurup and Suresh Krishna bring charm and credibility to their roles, helping the film rise above its inconsistencies. With stronger writing and bolder choices, Flask could have been memorable. As it stands, it’s a warm weekend watch—pleasant, if not powerful.