Amrutham Malayalam Movie
Malayalam cinema, it seems, is into reviving family socials. Out of three films released for Christmas, two fall in this genre. "Amrutham" directed by veteran Sibi Malayil and starring Jayaram, is expected to pull the family audience to the theatre.
The film is a typical family entertainer with ample doses of sentiments, tears and humour - all ingredients vital to keep viewers glued to their seats. Add a dash of student politics, campus violence and an inter-religious marriage, and the perfect recipe is ready.
It is to the director's credit that he has used an age-old formula and made a taut film that does not put the audience to sleep.
The story of "Amrutham" is about two brothers, Gopi (Jayaram) and Dinesh (Arun). Gopi is a farmer who works hard to give his brother a good education after their father (Nedumudi Venu) deserts them when Dinesh is just a child.
Dinesh, now a final-year degree student, is involved with the daughter of the local teashop-owner played by Bhavana. Dinesh is also involved in college politics. On the other hand, Gopi is involved with a Muslim girl Sainaba (Padmapriya). All hell breaks loose when Gopi marries Sainaba and brings her home.
The natural treatment given to the theme ultimately wins the day for this film.
There is no excessive use of melodrama, which tends to ruin this kind of story. The relationships are handled deftly. Nothing seems to be over the top or out of place. The performance of the lead actors has also helped in achieving this.
Jayaram is his usual self, peppering his portrayal of Gopi with the requisite amount of humour and emotion. Arun, the controversial replacement for Prithviraj as Dinesh, gives a competent performance. He makes one wonder whether Prithviraj would have been able to give credibility to the character, which Arun has given.
Padmapriya is the surprise package of this film. She is natural as Sainaba. Bhavana has nothing exceptional to do in the movie.
The lead actors are ably supported by veterans like Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, K.P.A.C. Lalitha and Mammookoya.
The music composed by M. Jayachandran is melodious. The song "Ishtam" deserves a special mention.
If everything goes well, "Amrutham" can prove the surprise winner of this season.
