Bramayugam is a horror drama featuring Mammootty and Arjun Ashokan, directed and written by Rahul Sadasivam. Let’s see how the film is
Plot
The movie unfolds in the 17th century, where a low-born Thevan (Arjun Ashokan) finds himself trapped in a vast forest. Desperate to return home, he stumbles upon an ancient mansion, encountering its cook (Siddharth Bharatahan) and enigmatic owner, Kodumon Potti (Mammootty). The narrative unfolds into a slow-poisonous survival drama within the eerie surroundings.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Mammootty delivers a solid and nuanced performance as Kodumon. His age aligns perfectly with the role, and his Gothic-inspired styling, evident in dialogue delivery and expressions, adds depth. Arjun Ashokan’s standout performance and Sidharth Bharathan’s fitting portrayal contribute to the film’s strength. Amalda Liz’s limited role leaves little impact.
The film’s reliance on background score over songs is well-supported by Music Director Christo Xavier. Shehnad Jalal ISC’s excellent camera work, Jothish Shankar’s impactful artwork, and contributions from sound designer Jayadevan Chakkadath and sound mixer M R Rajakrishnan enhance the film’s unique appeal.
Analysis
Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Bramayugam starts with a thin plot, gaining interest through its black-and-white tone. The abandoned mansion becomes a captivating character, and the first half, though slow-paced, maintains intrigue. The film’s unique appeal, solid performances, and suspenseful direction work in its favor.
The lack of layers in the minimal character drama leads to occasional boredom. While the buildup is neat, the film falls short of delivering a powerful follow-up. Mammootty’s character, well-built initially, loses impact toward the end, possibly due to the story’s limitations.
Engagement is sustained by strong performances and technical excellence, reminiscent of Tumbbad. Despite its uniqueness, Bramayugam doesn’t reach the iconic level of its predecessor. The slow-paced first half doesn’t fully pay off, making it more of an art film.
Verdict
Bramayugam offers solid performances and technical brilliance, providing a unique cinematic experience. However, its low engagement factor and a lack of focus on an intriguing narrative make it more of an art film than a compelling thriller.
Rating : 2.5/05
