The archetype of the all-sacrificing, long-suffering elder brother used to be an oft-repeated one in the Malayalam films of yesteryears. Mohanlal’s “Balettan” (2003) happens to be one of the extreme cases, with the character forced to bear the cross that his father handed over to him right before his death. He goes to great lengths to protect the secret, even at significant loss of face to himself. Building upon this well-trodden path, Krishnadas Murali’s debut film “Bharathanatyam” riffs off (not rips off) on this peculiar situation, but it traverses an entirely different trajectory.
In “Bharathanatyam,” we encounter the father, Bharathan (Sai Kumar), who confides a long-held secret about having another family to his son Sasi (Saiju Kurup). Different from “Balettan,” Bharathan does not die but survives to rue his decision. The director, who is also the writer of this film, is conscious of the similarities between his film and “Balettan.” To deny anyone the satisfaction of pointing it out, a sequence in the movie sees Sasi’s sister warning him “not to be too much of a Balettan!”
While the film that served as its muse was intensely melodramatic, “Bharathanatyam” aims to maintain a lighter, more humorous tone even in scenarios that could lead to high drama. Bharathan’s revelation steers the plot towards an engaging domestic situation involving two families and even lookalikes. Parallelly, the drama unfolds around a temple committee of which Sasi is a part. A nosy soul within the committee grows suspicious of the family’s secrets and attempts to unearth more.
“Bharathanatyam” hence, narrates the desperate struggle of a family trying to protect its reputation from overly inquisitive neighbors, who revel in prying into others’ affairs. More than the discomfort wrought by their peculiar predicament, it is the persistent dread of “what people would think?” that troubles them the most. This mirrors the common societal anxiety prevalent in many communities.
However, the film falls short of harnessing the full potential of this compelling narrative. “Bharathanatyam” is not entirely forgettable, salvaged as it is by a handful of standout moments. For instance, the way Bharathan’s past unfolds through casual discussions or random vacation photographs, much to his discomfiture, is one such praiseworthy detail.
. Another highlight is the evolving relationship between the two families, specifically the budding bond between two young boys from either side.
Despite these sparks of brilliance, the film is encumbered by patches of weak writing and a lack of finesse in its craft. Saiju Kurup, who made his foray into film production with this venture, likely gambled on the humour to buoy the film. Unfortunately, the movie lacks many genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. “Bharathanatyam” is one of those films that you would not walk out of but neither would you be eagerly drawn into it.
The film teems with untapped potential. The premise of an unexpected revelation from a patriarchal figure, and its ensuing ripple effects on family dynamics and societal perceptions, offers rich terrain for emotional depth and comedic explorations. The movie dances delicately around these issues but fails to drive them home effectively. What could have been a poignant exploration of familial complexities remains an untouched canvas of missed opportunities.
Moreover, the character development feels somewhat superficial. Bharathan, despite being the catalyst of the whole situation, does not receive the depth or screen time that could have turned him into a more relatable and layered persona. Sasi, the responsible son bearing the brunt of his father’s choices, demonstrates potential as an engaging protagonist, yet he too, falls prey to the lack of robust scripting.
The supporting cast, including the temple committee’s nosy member, serves well in adding a layer of intrigue but again, the screenplay does not fully capitalize on their contributions. The village atmosphere and community interactions are depicted with a degree of authenticity, but times, they lean towards predictable tropes which diminishes their impact.
At its core, “Bharathanatyam” aspires to juggle humour with moments of family drama but ends up delivering a narrative that wobbles precariously between the two. While it offers a breezy departure from the overwrought melodrama of its inspiration, it also sacrifices potential emotional punches for a subdued, and at times, tepid comedy.
Currently running in theatres, “Bharathanatyam” invites viewers to a light-hearted cinematic experience but reminds them with every frame that it missed the bus to greatness, stuck at a crossroads of what could have been.
