Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal review: An intense family drama which has its moments throughout

There is no shortage of family dramas in Malayalam cinema and, Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is the latest addition to this category. With the format being tried and tested, there must be something new in the story to make it stand out.

However, debutant Sharan Venugopal has not taken a radically different approach to this aspect. The movie features a plot similar to Mammootty’s Arayannangalude Veedu (2000), where the family members gather at their ancestral home to be with their ailing mother, who is in critical condition.

This is one of the similarities between the two films, but there are many other aspects worth exploring. Let’s take a closer look.

Synopsis

Sethu (Joju George), Bhaskaran (Suraj Venjaramoodu), and Viswanathan (Alencier Lopez) are three brothers with their own ego issues and internal conflicts. Sethu, who is staying at their ancestral home in Koyilandy, Kozhikode district, is the one taking care of their ailing mother.

The story revolves around the reunion of these three brothers and their families after their mother falls into a coma. This is also when their families get to know each other. Sethu, who is unmarried, faces the usual social stigma against single people in rural India, which is also addressed in the film.

The crux of the story unfolds as the brothers reunite after a long time. Bhaskaran, the youngest brother, is married to Nafisa (Shelly N Kumar), a Muslim woman, and they are settled in the UK. Meanwhile, Viswanathan works in India. What happens next? Revealing too much would be a spoiler at this point.

The story primarily focuses on the inner conflicts between the brothers and their reactions to different situations. Sharan Venugopal effectively conveys the emotional dynamics within the family, making the film a compelling watch.

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Relatable story

The main attraction of the movie lies in its script, which is highly relatable to many people. Since the story revolves around a family, viewers can connect with various instances in the film from their own lives. The sibling rivalry and the gossiping within the family have been written very well.

Although the movie primarily focuses on the three brothers, the characters of Athira (Gargi Ananthan) and Nikhil (Thomas Mathew) are also well-developed. This is significant because the relationship between cousins isn’t often explored by filmmakers. While Bangalore Days (2014) delved into the dynamics of cousins, this film offers a fresh perspective on that relationship, which plays a pivotal role in the story.

The film is deeply rooted in the family dynamics of these three brothers, and their evolving bond amidst their rifts is conveyed effectively. While the story itself isn’t entirely new, the treatment and the outstanding performances are major highlights of the movie. The portrayal of Koyilandy, a small town in northern Kerala, and the depiction of local festivals also add an interesting layer to the film.

Additionally, the movie takes a progressive approach to modern relationships and doesn’t shy away from addressing the realities of society.

Technical aspects

Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal features cinematography by Appu Prabhakar, whose recent work includes Rekhachithram. It’s no surprise that the young cinematographer’s frames have elevated many scenes in the film.

The depiction of the Kaliyattam festival, the aerial shots, and the night scenes by the riverside were particularly impressive. The song sequence, which highlights the younger lives of the three brothers using a smaller screen ratio, is also a commendable touch.

The songs and background score by Rahul Raj enhance the movie and contribute significantly to its atmosphere. The sound design also plays an important role in the film, adding an extra layer of charm to several scenes.

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Performances

Joju George delivers an intense performance as Sethu, especially in the climax and when he’s scolded by his brothers. His subtle yet powerful portrayal stands out.

Suraj Venjaramoodu plays Bhaskaran, whose thoughts and emotions evolve throughout the film. His confusion at times and his interactions with Nafisa and his brothers are well executed.

Alencier Lopez portrays Vishwanathan, a crooked and feudal character. He effectively showcases these traits in his interactions with the other characters.

Shelley N Kumar plays Nafisa, Bhaskaran’s wife. She is practical and grounded, and Shelley’s performance suits the role perfectly.

Gargi Ananthan as Athira plays a frustrated daughter, a role relatable in many families. Her comfort comes from her cousin Nikhil (Thomas Mathew), and their scenes together are a highlight. Both deliver commendable performances.

Sajitha Madathil also plays a significant role as Vishwanathan’s wife, contributing well to the film.

Final take

Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is an emotional family drama without any exaggerations and conveys a genuine story. Performances and story are the major highlights of this movie.

(Views expressed here are personal, edited by Sumavarsha)