The Rainmaker

Movie: Bhramaram
Language : Malayalam
Show : 01/07/09

Review
Some people are punished for their entire life. It’s difficult to relate to for many, but that’s the truth. By fate, by society and by the people, some are punished for the entirety of their lives. Blessy's latest movie, 'Bhramaram' shows the journey of one such person. Brilliantly portrayed by Mohanlal, 'Shivankutty' is one character on which the movie solely depends for everything.Taking the oft repeated revenge sagas as a backdrop, Blessy uses a never before seen approach, canvas, screenplay and technique to present one of the complex characters Lal has ever portrayed.

Mohanlal - Brutally Magnificent
From catharsis to revenge, from suspense to tender display of affection, from action to being eccentric, from the brooding silence to the maverick bordering lunacy, 'Shivankutty' is one character which Mohanlal can sure be proud of. It is a much complex character than may be 'Rameshan Nayar' in Tanmatra (though it was more relatable for the majority) and Mohanlal plays it with the ease and élan few in the world of cinema would have done it. When he suddenly bursts in to the fits of anger you shudder seeing the vengeance in his eyes. When he breaks down at the end, it makes your eyes moist. The ease with which he switches between these sudden changes of emotions is brilliant to watch. If there is one reason for 'Bhramaram' being a must watch its 'Shivankutty'.

Blessy - Brutally Brave
Blessy the most promising director over the last decade pushes the envelope this time with his 'Bhramaram'. Taking the wafer thin story line in to consideration, the screen play and the direction needs to be commended handsomely. Blessy uses a canvas which has seldom been seen on the Malayalam screen. The camera has been used near to perfection. Blessy succeeds to keep the suspense alive for almost 70% of the movie. Sometimes it’s so gripping and interesting that you find yourself leaning forward, all keen eyes. The entire suspense is created by the mystery surrounding the maverick 'Shivankutty'. It’s impossible to decipher what he is going to do next or which path he will take just like the Bee (Bhramaram). ‘Bhramaram’ will haunt you for days after you have seen it.
It takes immense bravado to make such a movie without any compromises. Blessy could have added more lighter moments in the first half and also created a more relatable plane for the audience. But he doesn't compromise a wee bit. So majority may find 'Kazcha' and 'Tanmatra' more relatable and likable but not 'Bhramaram'. May be becauase it was never meant to be so.

Other +ves
Bhramaram has one of the best cinematographic efforts that Malayalam may have seen for a long long time. Its technically a very superior movie apart from a few special effect glitches.Music is very competant for the movie. It goes with the mood. People are sure to hum 'Annarakanna vaa'. 'Kuzhaloothi' is good as well.Performance of Suresh Menon as Unni is competent.
Negatives
I feel that the most prominent negative of 'Bhramaram' is that only a mere 30-40% may be able to relate to it. Kazcha and Tanmatra were ones which majority could relate to. Otherwise you should be able to just hand the reins of your mind to the director and go along the journey which he takes. Don't think of the message or the eventuality at the end.Bhramaram is not meant to be a message driven movie. Its a journey of a curious character which may not be relatable to all. If you see it from that point of view, you will love it. But how many can do so is the vital question.
Bhoomika and the kid who plays Lal's daughter could have been replaced by better people. The movie could have been crisper by 10 minutes minimum.Lalitha's oft seen hue and cry could have been avoided. It looked cliched.

Conclusion
A few years back Sanjay Leela Bansali tested the bollywood audience with a brooding, cathartic journey of a teacher and a student to redemption and named it 'BLACK'. He literally tested the bollywood audience and thank god he succeeded as there was a sizable multiplex thinking audience by that time.Blessy with 'Bhramaram' has now thrown open a similar test for the Malayalam Audience.We need to await the results.
In short, Bhramaram is a treat to watch if you can let your mind follow the journey and not look for a message. After all, the journey is more important than the destination. Isn't it?
VERDICT : - 3.75/5 and ' Brutally GOOD' tag for Blessy's Bhramaram.
Bharamaram - Brutally Haunting!