A well conceived movie with an ill conceived backdrop, Happy Journey, is an experience worth taking for the mere fact that someone wanted to do a movie with this theme. The two compelling negatives about the movie are
1. It's name itself - The producer us sure to make Dr Sperry turn in his grave with right brain issues
2. The useless game of cricket is used liberally across the whole movie. This game although perceived as a game that breaks down all the cultural and linguistic barriers in India, has been the single biggest reason for unfounded jingoism and unfathomable shame for the country as we Indians reflect our insecurities onto to the field. We would all be better if there are no more googlies and flat track bullies in the gullies of India.
Aaron, a wannabe cricket player loses his eyesight in a freak accident the day he was selected for an age group tournament. His mom (well enacted as usual by Lena), refuses to give up and brings up Aaron (Jayasurya) as a strong willed positive personality. The movie is about his struggles as much as it is about the struggles of an ex-player, coach and a self righteous man (Lal). Mired in the political landmines of cricket and corruption Lal with assistance from an erstwhile friend Lalu Alex and the positive Jayasurya. Sasi Kalinga, Sunil Sukhada , Seema G Nair etc as the supporting cast does a decent job.
Aparna Gopinath continues to be astonishingly charming with her bewitching smile underneath the bespectacled aura of confidence. Whether she would ever get enough movies to adequately display her talent in an evolving malayalam movie industry remains to be seen. Enjoy the charm while you can.