'Da Thadiya' is pretty much above average stuff pulled off by Director - 'Aashiq Abu'. 'Da Thadiya' has to be appreciated because 'Aashiq Abu' had the guts to come out with such a subject where other Directors (exception - Director Renjith) would have simply doubted the scope for such subjects. I would personally love to see 'Director Renjith' deal with such a subject. But when you are going for an 'Aashiq Abu' film you tend to expect a bit more than usual, a different treatment in story setting etc. This time, treatment was very different but not totally effective.
'Da Thadiya' brings to lime light, the humiliation faced by obese people in society and the traps that these people fall in; to gain a perfect figure. 'Da Thadiya' talks about fatty 'Luke' (Sekhar Menon) who gets into a complex-insecure feeling that he is no good in society. 'Luke' decides to shed his excess weight on advice of his close friend 'Ann Mary Thadikaran (Ann Augustine)'. 'Luke' then joins 'Vaidhyar Clinic' run by 'Rahul Vaidhyar' (Nivin Pauly) for a 25 days weight lose program. Unable to cope up with the systems of the clinic, Luke drops his plans to shed the extra fat. Being on a insecure feeling of being excessively fat, Luke realizes its not a big deal to be fat, its all about who and what you are. 'Luke' steps up in his Grandpa's shoes for a political career and later on becomes the 'Mayor' of 'Cochin City'...
Casting for 'Da Thadiya' were very aptly done by 'Aashiq Abu'. Performance by 'Sekhar Menon' as 'Thadiyan' was pretty decent and infact much better for a debutant, who is Pro 'DJ'. 'Sunny a.k.a Shaddi (Sreenath Bheera Bhasi)' was the cheering factor in 'Da Thadiya' with his unique slang narration. Sreenath Bhasi's single in 'Da Thadiya' - 'My Love you are my Panjasara' was simply fun!. Nivin Pauly's performance as 'Rahul Vaidhyar' showed a different side of Nivin as a villain, was properly handled. 'Arundathi Nag (Luke's Grandmother)', 'Ann Augustine(Ann Mary Thadikaran)', 'Maniyan Pilla Raju (John Prakash)' & 'Edavela Babu (Jose Prakash)' were good in their roles.
Eventhough Da Thadiya's script were patchy in certain areas, the technical side gave a proper backbone for the script. Comedies were different and notably funny in the coarse of the film. Aashiq Abu's - Direction approach on a scale was quite refreshing that was supported by a fresh treatment. Cinematography was excellently handled by 'Shyju Khalid'. Locations were also complimenting the tone of the film. Music by 'Bijibal' were totally enjoyable - 'Allah Allah' & 'Enthanu Bhai'. BGM's were also good.
Overall 'Da Thadiya' had a good composition with a subsequent lacking script. Second half was the main drawback for 'Da Thadiya', making it an above average-hit stuff. But not bad!. Centralization around 'Rahul Vaidhyar (Nivin Pauly)' in second half was the major setback for 'Da Thadiya'. The climax fight between 'Thadiyan Luke' & 'Rahul Vaidhyar' could have been avoided.
So here goes the bottom line : 'Da Thadiya' is a one time watch that is fairly enjoyable'!.