Bramayugam - Malayalam - Drama / Horror / 140 mins - SonyLiV
After a very bare 2023 (by their own lofty standards), Malayalam cinema is back with a bang in 2024 - thanks to this movie, the second among the 3/4 movies which good an excellent reception critically as well striking box office gold!
In the last 3 months, i have watched Mammooty as an angry ex soldier but lovely bear of a man in Kandukondein Kandukondein ( FYI, the full Tamil version is available on youtube from the producers ) - As a timid gay man who wants to just live a normal live (Kaathal, the core) - As a rational leader of a police squad (Kannur Squad) and now this role where he absolutely sinks his teeth into (literally as well!) in Bramayugam. Not bad for a 72 year old super star !!
This movie is directed by Rahul Sadasivan, whose previous work was the rather gripping Bhoothakaalam. Bramayugam is set in the 17th century and tells the story of a slave who has escaped (Thoran), looking for temporary refuge in the middle of the forest. Tired and hungry , he is stealing some food from a mansion which he enters, to be apprehended by the cook. The master Kodumon Potti (Mammooty) is delighted to receive a guest and offers him shelter.
If you read the title of this review, you probably figured the respectful pun on the Eagles classic - "Hotel California" - The last lyrics are "You can check out any time you like, but You can never leave!" . Enough said!
I watched Tumbaad only during the covid pandemic (i know i know!, i have rewatched half a dozen times now!). I always hold it as probably one of the most accomplished Indian movies in the Horror / Thriller genre - Bramayugam is almost there, but for the plot of Tumbaad being mind blowingly original! - Bramayugam dwells on lot of topics like caste, mythology, truth, lies, life and death! and yet as an execution has a few nods ( mentioning them would be a spoiler) to "The Lighthouse" (but way better and you get the answers at the end!).
Mammooty clearly has a LOT of fun playing Kodumon Potti. His eyes, the dialogue and the body language tell you how much his incredible performance elevates this movie - which could have otherwise been a couple of notches below. The other actors are good as well , but if a couple of seasoned actors like Jayaram, Suresh Gopi had played the roles, gosh, imagine the acting!
Technically this movie is an absolute GOLD standard. Incredible sound design ( i watched the movie on the big screen tv with noise cancelling headphones, you can hear every itch, swallow, trickle , trundle and snip!), Stunning production design (The Dilapidated mansion, the kitchen, the granary, the forest and "the room"). Excellent practical effects and visual effects as well.
But the real clincher is the world class Black and White Cinematography (an excellent choice to shoot this in 2:1 ratio - filling the screen in an attempt to engulf you!). This would have been an excellent way to reuse the Black and white IMAX cameras which Chris Nolan used in Oppenheimer! The background score is superb and succeeds in maintaining the mood of the movie.
I believe this movie will stand a solid chance for a few National awards in the coming year. i am also hoping over the years the film has a recall value just like Tumbaad does!. If you like slow burn psychological/horror movies (no jump scares! - promise!) - do watch!
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