In the see saw ride that "Amar Akbar Anthony" poses, director Nadirshah creates a laugh riot with a fantastic ensemblecast but one feels the film could have stuck to one genre instead of leaping from its buffoonery and punchline gags to a serious melodrama which involves the sensitive topic of child abuse.The film in the post interval portions slips into a tearjerker and then resumes its comical spin in the climax after justice is delivered to the victim's near and dear ones.
The performances by the talented trio of Prithviraj, Indrajith and Jayasurya pack a punch.Prithvi looks handsome, Indrajith's singing moments are a scream and JayaSurya strikes an endearing balance as the physically challenged loverboy.Namitha Pramod as the leading lady is not given her due except for a few song sequences.The supporting actors playing the parents and family members of the trio are notable and invest sincerity in their parts.K.P.A.C.Lalitha and Bindu Pancikar as Amar and Akbar's mothers are a riot.Meenakshi playing the child abuse victim Fathima is a joy to watch and her song number on stage is mellifluous.Asif Ali plays an extended cameo.The music barring the child artiste's number is purely drowned in commerce and tangy beats.
All in all a decent one time watch.The comedy scenes earlier on in the pre intermission half will ensure the paisa vasool moments.