"Hi, I am Tony"
is a psycho thriller based on happenings in a day in Bangalore. The film is
about Sameer (Asif Ali) and Tina (Mia) who decides to elope to Bangalore
against their parents' wishes to start a life together. They are helped by Achayan
(Biju Menon) to find a place to stay, which is a fully furnished flat. Their
life takes a turn when mysterious man Tony (Lal) enters their life.
The film begins on a high
and showed lot of promise initially but gradually the excitement sinks and we
are kept waiting for the torture to finish as early as possible.
Hi I am Tony' needed a
better actor to enact protagonist, one felt. Lal has done characters with
streaks of eccentricity many times over. His mannerisms as a criminally
inclined man with psychic disturbances look repetitive. Asif Ali tries his
level best, but his performances proves only average for most parts. While Mia
looks the part with her charming looks and subdued acting.
Backend Aspects
This is Lal Jr's second directorial venture after "Honey Bee" (2013), starring Lal, Asif Ali, Biju Menon, Mia George and Lena in the lead roles.
The music of the film is composed by Deepak Dev and the camera is handled by Alby. The film is produced by Siby Thottappuram and Joby Mundamattom under the banner of S J M Entertainments (SJME) in association with Sabir Jaseer of Ideas Inc. SJME has earlier produced "Honey Bee" and "Mannar Mathai Speaking 2."
Box Office Analysis
Released over 80+ theatres. The day that selected for release may not much good, its a government holyday but its a hindu devotional aspect day, that may affect the first day collection. But the treatment and high peak of commercial approach through marketing strategy is the big positive side that support the movie to catch more goals in box office.
Bottom Line
Critics reviewed the film as below average, but appreciated the film for its technical excellence, especially the sound design. The cinematography of the film is also appreciated as one of the positives of the film. Even though the film is said to be set in a good plot, the script fails to uplift the film. Performances by Asif Ali and Mia George as tortured couples are also appreciated.
Rating : 7 / 10
