The biggest attraction in the posters of Bharathan was definitely the title of Madhu Muttom, who by creating Manichithrathaazhu, a decade ago has become a well known name in the circuit. But on seeing the film, the biggest of the flaws was also definitely the script which didn't workout as per its claims. And with subtitles like Myth meets science and the first science fiction, the film definitely must have created the cinematic envelope and bring a savvy freshness to Malayalam cinema, hitherto unexplored. But the film mysteriously titled Bharathan effect in the screens has not eyed anything exceptional other than the central plot, and would have worked better if it was promoted as a children's film!
The film has Biju Menon playing Bharathan, a genius inventor, who lives with his wife Geetha. He is always around inventions with little care on what happens around him. Living in a rented house owned by Karia, he spends most of his time immersed in his work in the lab attached to his house. He never sticks to any particular job, which lands his family in deep financial troubles. His wife Geetha is upset about all this, but little could she do to avoid his husband from becoming the laughing stock of many who don't understand him. The few people who come with helping hands are Thankachan, one of his students in the tuition centre and Peter, who goes around finding him new jobs.
Bharathan who tries to invent many new devices and gadgets creates one that could be used to clean and sweep the courtyard and also to pluck coconuts and fruits from palms and trees. Geetha, who usually is irritated by Bharathan's obsession with such things, is quite impressed by this invention.
One day, on the way to take classes, 'Bharathan' notices a paper rocket -- flown by some children -- staying midair for an unusually long period of time. He starts investigating it.
In the process, he loses his job and even his wife. But Bharathan does discover the reason behind the phenomenon as antigravity and claims that he can make flying objects that can be used by man to reach any destination without any fuel (suggesting on Hanuman's travel to lanka). With this theory of anti gravity he makes a small gadget which could fly without fuel, and he suddenly gets famous. At this point Madhu Muttam brings the Manichitrathazhu effect. Bharathan loses his memory about the project due to over concentration. Now government brings a psychiatrist to cure him. He finds that with some seemingly fatal interventions, Bharathan could be cured and he could make anti gravity to a workable reality.
Can they cure Bharathan and make his dream come true. Watch it to believe it, for it is a science fiction film, or the makers claim so.
Biju Menon is in his usual self, essaying Bharathan, with ease. Sudheesh as Peter. Jagathy Sreekumar as Karia gives some relief with good performances.
But almost all other actors tend to be over dramatic due to inept direction. Geethu Mohandas as Geetha doesn't show her usual spontaneity.
Suresh Gopi, who pops up towards the end in the role of a para-psychologist, has a very few scenes and does the act in usual terms to add to box office potential. In the technical aspects, little is worth mentioning. The three songs in the film are good,
Definitely a lot of home work needs to be done before attempting a science fiction and that is where the director falters. Anildas's direction doesn't keep you immersed in the entire proceedings, but offer more and more questions on your logical reasoning.
There could be more cinematic ways to make the audience believe of what you intend to make them believe.
And overall that's what you call cinema, no.
