Clint Story: The film is based on the real life story of the child prodigy Edmund Thomas Clint, who passed away at the age of six, leaving behind a treasure trove of critically acclaimed paintings.
Clint Review: Clint lived only for six years, but the little inimitable painter was a phenomenon in the world of art. Director Harikumar’s film, based on the life of the wonder kid, is also the tale of his parents M T Joseph and Chinnamma. Though Clint passed away at the height of his fame, one of the reasons why he still remains alive in our minds is as they did their best to preserve his works, memories and stories.
Clint starts off on a documentary mode, with Harikumar chatting with Joseph and Chinnamma. It soon transforms into a movie, in which you see a 5-year-old Clint who is ever immersed in sketches and colours. Though they aren’t different from the rest of the world on many accounts, his dad and mom are no ordinary parents. They stand by Clint’s wishes to spend his time drawing and painting, rather than going to school. Many ridicule them, but they believe in their son’s talent, alongside a handful of artists and writers who recognize his genius.
The film largely avoids the early life of Clint and spans between the age of five and his death, about one month ahead of his seventh birthday. Though narrated in a vintage setting, the film balances out the elements well enough to focus on Clint rather than the ways of the times. But more than anything, Harikumar deserves applause for the casting of the film, especially for the central character of Clint, played by debutant child artist Alok. He is a delightful discovery and has some awfully cute expressions and decent acting skills. Unni Mukundan plays one of his best so far in this film and what’s more, the daddy-sonny pair of Unni and Alok light up the frames whenever they are on screen. Rima fits into her role well and so does Vinay Forrt, who plays artist Mohan.
The movie is not without some flaws, such as many dialogues that are a little too dramatic. Especially when they are uttered by a six-year-old, they sound a bit awkward. One of the sad scenes involving baby Akshara and Clint also appear odd due to this factor. The song Thaaram Chenthaaram is picturised well, but it is not lip-synced properly. Also, the scene that shows the aged versions of Clint’s parents suffers from some real bad make-up. The interval punch could also have be improved and a tad less theatrical, which would have made Clint a better watch.
Watch Harikumar’s film to re-live the memories of the prodigious painter and appreciate his brilliance. But if you aren’t in a mood to shed some tears at the cinema hall, you might want to think again.
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