Alamara' has an interesting thread that has not been developed to the best of its potential. Director Midhun Manuel needs to be lauded for whipping up such interesting premise. But the movie just about falls short of expectations. Humour of a good variety has been Midhun's forte and in 'Alamara' he has not gone all out to explore the situational humour that could have made the film more entertaining. He does dole out characters who are funny as with characters played by Saiju Kurup, Manikandan Achari, Aji Varghese and of course our lead hero Sunny Wayne.
The movie explores the idea of marital dichord and what makes a weded life tick. Arun (Sunny Wayne) is a Bangalore based professional on the look out for a suitable bride. Countless ways and matrimonial sites later he finds nothing really clicks. That is when finally he gets his girl - the Kochi based Swathy (Aditi Ravi). They have a typical arranged marriage with the going away gift from the bride's family - the alamara. The plot does take detours from the expected course as with the real estate sequences. Finally it meanders to a conclusion that lets the couple realise what marriage is and egos to be set aside in weded life.
There are situations in the movie that are relatable, especially the sequences involving the couple. The kind of banter post marraige, the silly fights and stress are all there in the narrative. It is these relatable details told in a realistic and humourous manner that makes 'Alamara' entertaining. But the movie is low on creative humour, rather it banks on fun built on dialogues and counter dialogues. Fresh moments are created through some of the characters in it. Saiju Kurup as Arun's friend is funny. So is the holy thread and sandal paste wearing Manikandan Achari. That beef scene was simply hilarious. Aju Varghese gets his typical role and he has done the expected. Wherever caricature and unrealistic scenes unfurls there is an unnaturalness.
Sunny Wayne, who seems to be a constant in Midhun films, as Arun is commendable. That droll humourous expression of his is enough to tickle your funny bone. His dialogue delivery is also natural. Aditi Ravi is one actress to watch out for. She has given a neat performance as Swathy in 'Alamara'. Indrans has been given a different kind of role in the movie and he has handled it with ease. Renji Panicker's father avatar as in 'Om Santi Osana' (Midhun scripted movie) is fresh. The technical part of the movie is neat with commendable camera, music and editing. Scripting is where the movie slogs it out here and there to be entertaining.
Midhun Manuel has once again explored a different and unique subject in 'Alamara' after 'Ann Maria Kalipilanu'. And he has handled it in his customary style bearing his signature. 'Alamara' sure is a watchable movie with some laughs thrown in.
