Neelavelicham review: A technical upgrade of 1964’s ‘Bhargavi Nilayam’

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By Arjun Ramachandran

20/04/2023

Director Aashiq Abu’s Neelavelicham (The Blue Radiance) is an experimental film. It is a remake of Bhargavi Nilayam (1964).

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It was penned by renowned writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer based on his own short story “Neelavelicham”.

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Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (Tovino Thomas) reaches Thalassery and starts living in a house that is haunted by a ghost — Bhargavi (Rima Kallingal).

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Basheer collects information about her from her mother and friends. But, as the story moves forward, the ghost herself tells her story to Basheer in different ways.

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The additional screenplay is written by Hrishikesh Bhaskaran. Neelavelicham has been shot by Girish Gangadharan. Editing by V Saajan helps the movie a lot.

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Making wise, Neelavelicham is technically perfect. The visuals of the well form an integral part of the movie.

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Sound design is given a new treatment and plays an important role in the film. The songs composed by Biji Bal and Rex Vijayan and have come out well.

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Unlike the old formula of giving more emotions while acting, the new movie has more character-driven performances.

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Tovino delivers a subtle performance. Rima Kallingal as Bhargavi looks more adoring than the original. They romance in a more realistic way.

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Rima Kallingal is impressive and Roshan Mathew is good, too. Shine Tom Chacho is perfect for the villain character (Naanu Kuttan).

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