The Rainmaker

Movie : Veruthe Oru Bharya
Language : Malayalam
Date : 13th Aug,2008

Review
Somewhere I had heard that a successful script has something called a 'RASACHARADU'. I am not sure how to translate that in English.I think that would mean a sequence of entertaining events. The main thing with VOB is that sometime after second half, like 20 mins in to it the saw called 'RASACHARADU' breaks and from there on the movie doesn't remain the same as it was till then.

VOB is entertaining especially in the first half. At the end of first half, you may not feel over the top and overjoyed but still its fine.Script is tight and the sequence of events captivating enough. Performances are competent. But after the now famous 'Manji..' song the movie beginsto fall apart.

Direction is good.Akku Akbar has tried and succeeded to bring out the film in to its full form. The script and screen play are good except for the last 30-45 mins. How I wish they had taken a different route in the last 30 mins. Music is good especially the Manjil song. Cinematography is competent for the theme.

Performances:
Jayaram is good. His character is irritating at times. Sometimes it even makes u feel whether its too far fetched like when in the Amusement park. But still he plays it with élan that u leave ur logics with him and the director. But the script has been at fault again. The movie has shown him completely as a chauvinist and at the end when the Psychiatrist describes him as craving for love etc it becomes complete U turn.
Gopika is good. But if you ask me whether its excellent. Then the answer is No. Sangeetha in CVS and Manju Warrier anyday wud better this. Her complete absence after she leaves home leaves a vacuum at much desired portions. But over all she does good.
The actress who has done the daughter's role is also refreshing provided her dialogue delivery.Suraj is cool with his one liners.

About being preachy, its not that much of an issue. The movie indeed has a good message about 'Women being the security of a house'. But I felt irked about the 'internet' portion in Rehman's word of advice to parents. Coz thats not related to the story. Mobile misuse was the only issue there.At that point it looked preachy for a second.

There is no problem in the story getting serious towards the end but the way Jayaram's paranoic behavior is depicted is completely mishandled. There are sequences which may be hair raising for you. The climax is poorly handled. Suddenly you feel that the entertaining, family drama is turning in to a needles phycological and even horror movie.

But let me put this straight, VOB is not one of the best movies that you would watch this year. No where close but for the entertaining first half, theme and presentation it can be summed at best as an AVERAGE fare.I am really sorry to say this. Coz I really wished that this movie was good and entertaining and a classic revival for malayalam cinema and all. But sorry to say that it doesn't happen even with all the grace marks attached.

As someone summed it up during the return journey to home. It was a nice chance which was lost. It could have been superb, good etc but sadly its average.

Its 2.5/5 and AVERAGE rating for VOB.

Its worth a 'dekho' if you have the habit of watching most of the movies that get released.