Bramayugam Review

Bramayugam featuring Mammootty, delves into a deeply rooted narrative set in the dark ages of Kerala, specifically in the late 17th century. This supernatural thriller promises to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and historical setting.

Story:

In Bramayugam, Thevan (Arjun Ashokan), a courtroom singer from the lower strata of 17th-century society, finds himself in the sprawling mansion of Kodumon Potti (Mammootty) and his cook (Sidharth Bharathan) as a guest. However, his initially pleasant stay takes a shocking turn, setting off a chain of events that shapes the rest of the narrative.

Analysis:

Mammootty delivers a stellar performance, infusing his scenes with remarkable expressions, emotions, and body language. His screen presence is commanding, and he portrays a wide range of emotions through subtle variations in his eyes, adding depth and intensity to his character.

Arjun Ashokan shines as the singer, effectively conveying the character's plight, pain, and fear through his innocent eyes. Siddharth Bharathan, despite having limited dialogues as the cook, leaves a strong impression with his personality and mannerisms. Amalda Liz and Manikandan Achari also deliver commendable performances in their respective roles.

Rahul Sadasivan's storytelling in "Bramayugam" is simple yet impactful, thanks to his strong screenplay and direction. While the narration and pace are slow at times, Sadasivan manages to maintain the audience's interest throughout. The first half of the film ends on a high note with an intriguing twist, setting the stage for a gripping second half filled with intense elements that highlight the struggles for existence and societal differences.

Shehnad Jalal's cinematography is captivating, capturing the scenes in a realistic manner and showcasing the mansion in a visually striking way. The monochromatic grading adds depth to the visuals, enhancing their impact. However, Shafique Mohammed Ali's editing could have been tighter, as there are moments where the film drags, affecting its pace.

Christo Xavier's music, including a couple of traditional songs sung in Carnatic classical style, adds to the film's appeal. His background score is haunting and elevates the emotional depth of the scenes. The dialogues are simple yet effective, highlighting the themes of the caste system and societal differences. Overall, "Bramayugam" boasts good production values and is a compelling watch.

Verdict:

Bramayugam boasts a straightforward storyline, but Rahul Sadasivan's direction, coupled with Mammootty's commanding presence, elevates it to a higher level. Sadasivan skillfully utilizes the technical aspects to enhance the viewing experience, although the film does have some flaws in the second half. It's worth noting that those accustomed to watching Hollywood horror films might not find Bramayugam particularly frightening.

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