Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Bhramam Movie Review: A Well-Crafted Remake That Has An Identity Of Its Own!
Bhramam, the Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer which is an official remake of the acclaimed Bollywood movie Andhadhun, has premiered on Amazon Prime Video. The movie, which is a black comedy, marks the Malayalam directorial debut of veteran cinematographer-filmmaker Ravi K Chandran. Bhramam is getting simultaneously released on the theatres overseas, thus emerging as the first Malayalam film to be released on both OTT and big screens, together.
Did this Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer live up to expectations? Read Bhramam movie review here to know...
What's Yay:
Comedy
Redefined narrative and characters
Visuals & Music
What's Nay
Artificiality in staging and dialogues
Plot
Rey Mathews (Prithviraj Sukumaran) is a talented pianist who pretends to be blind, in order to get more career opportunities. He meets Anna (Raashi Khanna) and begins a romantic relationship with her. However, things take a different turn after Rey witnesses the murder of yesteryear actor Udaya Kumar (Shankar), who is killed by his wife Simi (Mamta Mohandas) and her cop boyfriend Dinesh (Unni Mukundan).
Script & Direction
Bhramam can be called a more commercialised version of Andhadhun, that appeals to the sensibilities of Malayalam-speaking audiences. Despite helming an almost-faithful remake, director Ravi K Chandran has decided to take a different turn with this film. Especially with the detailing and references that can only be picked by a loyal follower of Malayalam cinema (the CID Ramdas dialogue and the nostalgia factor that is bought in by Shankar & Menaka's roles, for example).
There are quite a few scenes that evoke laughter in the audience (the dream sequence in the police station and dialogues about Unni Mukundan's character, for instance). Even though Bhramam is a film that can be called a mix-bag of genres, it is the comedy that takes prominence here. But, this Ravi K Chandran directorial might not appeal to the audiences who expect slapstick comedy.
The biggest issue with Bhramam is the artificiality in its staging and dialogues, which reminds us of a stage drama (especially in the beginning portions). There is a sense of ease that is missing in the storytelling, which dilutes the overall impact. This remake might not be a completely satisfying watch for the viewers who are familiar with Andhadhun. But, Bhramam will definitely appeal to the audiences who intend to watch a fun film amidst the plethora of realistic, intense films that Malayalam cinema is producing right now.
Performances
Prithviraj Sukumaran has played pianist Rey Mathews in his signature style and has excelled especially in both the intense and emotional scenes. Even though the actor visibly struggles to get the essence of his character right at the beginning portions, he is fantastic in some of the most crucial parts of the film.
Mamta Mohandas, who played Simi has delivered one of the finest performances of her career in Bhramam. The actress has portrayed the various shades of her character with absolute ease and has once again proved her expertise in handling humour. Unni Mukundan, on the other hand, is a revelation as cop Dinesh. The actor succeeds in evoking laughter and create drama alike, in this never-seen-before avatar
Raashi Khanna who plays Anna is just okay in her role (her lip-sync issues are quite evident). The rest of the cast including Shankar, Jagadish, Ananya, Leela Samson, Sudheer Karamana, Nandana Varma, and others have played their respective roles to near perfection.
Technical Aspects
Ravi K Chandran, the director himself has handled the visualisation of Bhramam. As always, the veteran cinematographer has created a visually enthralling movie experience, with his beautiful frames. Sreekar Prasad's effective editing has made the movie a totally engaging experience.
Jakes Bejoy, the music composer scores with the original songs (especially Munthiri Poovo) that have already emerged as chartbusters. However, it is the fantastic background score that emerges as the winner here.
Verdict
Bhramam is a well-crafted remake that succeeds in creating an identity of its own. Even though this Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer has its own flaws, it is definitely worth a watch.
