Mohiniyattam is Delightfully Charming
Sequels are nothing new to Malayalam cinema and it is often a herculean task for filmmakers to live up to audience expectations, especially when the first instalment is a big hit. Spin-offs are comparatively easier, but retaining the premise, plot and characters of the original while narrating their present story is quite challenging. Mohiniyattam, directed by Krishnadas Murali, accomplishes this purpose with finesse and the film is an absolute treat to watch. Set in the genre of dark comedy thriller, the film is a sequel to the 2024 outing Bharathanatyam by the same team, continuing the story of Sasidharan Nair and his extended family. Though I had heard many positive reviews about Bharathanatyam, I missed watching it in theatres and later had to resort to an OTT platform. The film was invigorating with an interesting plot, title, and scintillating performances by Saikumar, Kalaranjini, Sreeja Ravi, Saiju Kurup and many others. So, when Mohiniyattam considered Bharathanatyam 2 was released, I was eager to watch it on the big screen.
The film begins with the visuals of the Bharathanatyam drawing the audience closer to the characters and their story. Rukmini played by the renowned dubbing artist Sreeja Ravi and her son Ajay Ghosh (Jivin Rex) have moved to a new house at Sreekandapuram with the support of Sasidharan Nair (Saiju Kurup), his mother Saraswathi (Kalaranjini) and their family. The house is near to the renowned Aryankavu Mohiniswari temple which plays a major role in the narrative. The members of the family comprising Sasi’s sisters and in-laws are quite happy with the fresh beginning and they stay with Rukmini amma to set things right in the new place. The story takes a new turn with the introduction of Govindaraja (superbly portrayed by Suraj Venjaramoodu), a ruthless man who comes to meet Rukmini amma. He claims to be a close associate of Bharathan Nair, along with two others (Santhosh and Nishthar Sait). Through Govindaraja, the audience get to know another ‘Bharathanatyam’ (drama/play of Bharathan Nair) which is quite a shocking one leading to ‘Mohiniyattam’ (Mohini’s play). Govindaraja demands a hefty sum from Rukmini amma and her family to avoid defaming of Bharathan Nair pushing them into a crisis. From this point onwards, the film transforms into an edge-of-the-seat thriller, as the family tries to escape from the quagmire offering numerous moments to laugh, cheer and feel satisfied. As the narrative includes several twists and turns, I refrain from revealing further details.
Mohiniyattam has a strong story line well-written by Krishnadas Murali and Vishnu R. Pradeep and is ably supported by fabulous performances by the actors. The metafictional elements such as the references to the film Drishyam (indicating even the possibility of a fourth edition), the dialogues of the two ‘Subhashs’ (rapper Baby Jean and Abhiram Radhakrishnan), advertisements, news scrolls, etc. are particularly engaging. The film also takes a satirical jibe at the origin of certain irrational religious practices associated with various establishments which makes the film socially relevant. The animated sequence depicting the origin myth of the temple is an absolute show-stealer. The film ends on a real high with CI Parthan (Vinay Forrt) attempting to resolve the situation.
What makes Mohiniyattam watchable is its engaging storyline, witty dialogues especially the one-liners and the superior performances of the lead actors. Suraj Venjaramoodu is an absolute gem while Kalaranjini scores big with her subtle expressions (watch her close in the scene in which she carries a coconut shell in her hand) and dialogue rendition. Saiju Kurup also deserves much applause for his restrained performance, Eapen is safe in the hands of the veteran Jagadish who shifts effortlessly between seriousness and comedy and special mention must be made of rapper Baby Jean who convincingly embodies the second ‘Subhash’. He is confidence epitomized and I’m sure he will bag more meaty roles in the future. The supporting cast including Jinil Rex, Divya M. Nair, Nandu Pothuval, Swathi Das, Sruthy Suresh and others too have a brilliant job. The music handled by Electronic Kili offers a different mood to the film. Bablu Aju’s frames and Shafeeque’s editing perfectly complement the film’s pace. Thanks to Krishnadas Murali, the director and Lini Mariam David, Anupama B. Nambiar and Saiju Kurup for delivering a refreshing cinematic experience this vacation season.
Though I was reminded of Pedro Almodovar’s Volver (2006) and a host of other films, Mohinyattam is still a good one to watch with entertaining moments, compelling performances from the actors, a riveting climax and above all for its rationalist bent. So, watch Mohiniyattam if you wish to have a genuine laugh and I’m sure it will leave you with certain moments to think and enjoy.
Ranjith Krishnan
