Family Drama review: This family makes you root for them with their whims and follies

Akarsh HP’s directorial debut as a mainstream filmmaker with Family Drama deals with a dysfunctional family where everyone dreams of a good life with wealth.

Lakshmi (the matriarch), Divya (the English-obsessed daughter), and Abhay (who lives for his ladylove Shruthi) are all ready to deceive the other given a choice between wealth and family.

For a family like this, when a tragedy presents an opportunity for them to make money for a lifetime, they are ready to even kill to satiate their greed.

Will they succeed? How does Don Prakasha, who himself has two dreams, one to not succumb to suparis or contract killers and the second to find a life partner, find a place in this mad story is what the film is about?

Clever writing shines

Family Drama shines because the makers have stayed true to the genre—dark comedy.

The film has two parallel plot lines, there is a family of a mother and her two children seeking wealth on one side and the other sees a don Prakasha whose days are numbered as the aide Joji of his rival Joseph who was killed by Prakasha, is now looking for vengeance as his boss Joseph’s death.

How these two stories connect and the madness that follows gives way to an entertaining second half that includes a lot of laughter and gags.

The characters are quirky, and their conflicts are well thought out. The scene-building is commendable, and the story does have all the requirements that one seeks in a dark comedy.

In addition, another highlight that needs to be mentioned is the way the filmmakers have used physical comedy along with clever writing.

One does not see too much of the use of the actors’ bodies for comical situations and more often than not comedy is dialogue-driven. But this film brings back memories of some golden dark comedies of yesteryears, which is a delight.

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Technically sound

For a comedy to click, it is not always the writing but also the way the film is eventually constructed. In that sense, the scenes that are built in this film have been enhanced with some good cinematography, editing, sound and music.

Some of the scenes stay long after, one of which includes the climax where a wonder English track sung by Siri Ravikumar plays in the background of a fight, enhancing the whole experience.

Similarly, the construct of the whole world of Prakasha and his trusted right-hand man Toby is a treat, evoking a lot of laughter and entertainment.

Talented ensemble

Family Drama is an elevated experience in cinema halls also because of its formidable and talented cast. Every bit of the casting is spot on.

Rekha Kudligi as the matriarch shines and delivers a hoot-worthy performance. She is ably supported by Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy who is in terrific form.

Abhay as the lovelorn son is convincing and leaves a mark. Poornachandra Mysore as the don is a treat to watch. Ananya Amar is sincere in her debut. But one cannot miss out on Aashith as Toby, who literally steals your heart with his performance.

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Few shortcomings

While Family Drama is a wonderfully packaged product, it does have certain bits that could work against it for certain viewers.

While the love track between Shruthi and Abhay is neatly written, some portions could leave one feeling that they could have led the narrative to drag on a bit.

The two-and-a-half-hour narrative could have been a little more tightly woven for a more impactful experience one feels.

Final take

Family Drama is one of the more entertaining films to have come out this year. At a time when people try to present cerebral or thought-provoking projects, this is pure entertainment that is clever and captivating.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

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