The archetype of the all-sacrificing, long-suffering elder brother has long been a staple in the annals of Malayalam cinema. This character trope reached an apex with Mohanlal’s portrayal in the 2003 film “Balettan.” There, the character bears the burden of a secret his father confided to him on his deathbed, a secret that leads him to significant personal sacrifices and losses. Krishnadas Murali’s debut film “Bharathanatyam” draws inspiration from this enduring scenario but charts a distinctly different path, blending elements of humor within the familial drama.
In “Bharathanatyam,” the father’s secret is decidedly less fatal in its revelation. Bharathan (played by Sai Kumar) doesn’t die, unlike the father in “Balettan.” Instead, he lives to regret revealing a long-held secret about having another family to his son, Sasi (Saiju Kurup). The director, who also penned the script, deconstructs the typical melodramatic theme emergent from such a plot. There’s even a cheeky nod to “Balettan” when Sasi’s sister warns him against becoming too much like the burdensome elder brother. This clever reference is both an acknowledgement and a rebuttal to anticipated comparisons.
Where “Balettan” leaned into melodrama, “Bharathanatyam” endeavors to keep the atmosphere light and jocular, even in situations that might otherwise lend themselves to intense drama. Bharathan’s revelation spins an intricate web involving two families, lookalikes, and an escalating domestic comedy. Alongside this domestic saga is a subplot involving a temple committee of which Sasi is a part. A particularly inquisitive member of the committee suspects something amiss within Sasi’s family and sets out to unearth the hidden truths.
The real charm of “Bharathanatyam” lies in its depiction of a family striving to guard their reputation from prying neighbors. The discomfort from their compromising situation is less bothersome than their paranoia about “what people would think.” This cultural facet offers an insightful commentary on societal norms and the pressure they impose on individuals and families.
However, the film doesn’t fully capitalize on the comedic and dramatic potential of this enticing premise.
. It struggles with uneven writing and inconsistent craftsmanship, which prevents it from becoming a memorable cinematic experience. Despite its shortcomings, “Bharathanatyam” manages to salvage itself with a few standout moments. One notable instance is how episodes from Bharathan’s past unravel in casual conversations or through seemingly innocent vacation photographs, much to his chagrin. Another commendable aspect is the evolving relationship between the two families, particularly between two young boys from each side.
For Saiju Kurup, venturing into film production with “Bharathanatyam” was likely a gamble on humor carrying the film. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t deliver enough laugh-out-loud moments to sustain itself as a pure comedy. It lingers in a lukewarm space where it neither repulses nor truly captivates its audience. While it isn’t a film that drives viewers away, it doesn’t offer enough to reel them in wholeheartedly either.
“Bharathanatyam” is currently being screened in theaters, offering viewers a mildly amusing escape from reality, but it stops short of achieving cinematic greatness. Those interested in a fresh take on an old narrative with a humorous twist may find it worth their time, but those expecting a robust comedic experience might end up mildly disappointed.
The movie’s attempt to reinterpret the trope of the self-sacrificing elder brother through the lens of humor is commendable. It opens up a conversation about familial obligations and societal expectations with a light-hearted approach. Yet, it leaves much to be desired in both the breadth of its humor and the depth of its drama.
In conclusion, “Bharathanatyam” oscillates between being an amusing family drama and an unremarkable cinematic endeavor. Its moments of brilliance are fleeting and sparse, overshadowed by a general lack of compelling scripting and consistent execution. While it may not achieve the high drama or comedic heights one might hope for, it offers a slice of life’s complexities wrapped in a quaint, if somewhat unfulfilling, package. As the film continues its run in theaters, “Bharathanatyam” stands as a gentle reminder that even the most promising premises sometimes falter in execution.
