This is Bramayuga! The worsened form of Kaliyuga" thunders the character of Kodumon Potti (Mammootty) in the trailer which was released as a build-up for the monochromatic, horror thriller "Bramayugam". With never before seen look of Mammootty and a rocking musical score, this film raised expectations of being a niche cinema. Has that really happened? Let's find out.
In the 17th century of Malabar region, two renegades are trying to find a way out of the forest. One is Kaara (Manikandan) and the other is Thevan (Arjun Ashokan). The enigma that the forest is, it has its own charms and traps. Out of some dense woods, emerges a Yakshi (Amalda Liz) who seduces Kaara and ultimately kills him. Scared out, Thevan finds a staircase which leads him to an almost in ruins mansion. The owner of the mansion is Kodumon Potti who hears him out and offers shelter to him much to the disappointment of the chef of the mansion (Siddharth Bharatan). Little does Thevan knows that he has walked straight into the lap of Potti who does not let go off his guests easily. As he holds the key for their future and also their fate. Who is this Potti and how did he get the power he wields over the mansion and the lives of the inhabitants and his guests? What is the price does one have to pay to get Potti agree for their own freedom and survival? The answers to these questions are to be found in this layered narrative which gives an ultimate cinematic experience.
Analysis
Analysing a film like "Bramayugam" is a delight and also a challenge for guys like me. Its a delight as many facets of the story come to the fore. Its a challenge as we cannot discuss it in the open as anything revealed might lead to a discussion which may prejudice the future viewers. Still I would try to decode the plot and film without revealing much of the intricacies of the plot.
"Bramayugam" introduces a world which is thrown far away from humanity and a world which is waiting to be discovered. The wanderer, Thevan, discovers Potti's mansion and gets trapped in it. What lies in the mansion? The mansion is a maze with full of chambers holding dozens of secrets. What lies beneath? Audience wants to know the truth. But are we ready to accept the truth?
The plot of "Bramayugam" has a layered narrative set in the society of 17th century when the country is waiting at a great turning point in history. It is set in the period of feudal lords fighting amongst themselves throwing the lives of commoners into uncertainty. Amidst this backdrop director, Rahul Sadasivan tells a fantastical tale of mysticism, existentialism and fate. The three characters inhabiting the mansion represent the structure of the society. Through these characters, the director discusses various issues like caste divide, existence of God, and certainty of Fate and finally about the sway of absolute Power over humankind. "Bramayugam" talks about freedom and survival. There are many more facets to the story which the screenwriters, TG Ramakrishnan and Rahul Sadasivan have peppered in this delightful screenplay which can be understood by the audience. With this kind of subtle messaging the director plays not just on the senses of the audience but also on the subconscious of the audience. The audience is subjected to an experience which justifies the tagline, "The age of madness".
Coming to the performances, Mammootty as Kodumon Potti just hogs all the limelight. Accepting this character and transforming himself as Potti is a major decision which worked in favour of the film. He throws not just his star power into the proceedings, but also his immense talent as powerhouse performer. The glee with which he welcomes the wanderer in to his mansion and the usage of his eyebrow to chilling effect, the various tones of laughter to evoke different emotions mark the command Mammukka holds over his craft. In a way, Mammukka's performance can be showcased in acting schools as a lesson.
Standing tall and matching the great Mammukka are Siddharth Bharatan and Arjun Ashokan. They excel in their roles and add value to the story with their performances. Amalda Liz makes a big impact in her short role with her presence and powerful looks.
As a director, Rahul Sadasivan shows his craft which is of the highest level. He shot this film in Black & White which is a novelty for the viewers of this age. This decision proved to be a right call as it brought in the intrigue and eeriness which the plot demanded. The cinematographer, Shehzad Jalal perfectly captures the soul of the story with his amazing frames and lighting pattern which intrigues the viewer. The background score by Christo Xavier can be called as one of the best works on Indian screen. Added to the score, Sound Design by Jayadevan Chakkadath and Mixing MR Rajakrishnan is of highest quality and is best experienced on a Dolby Atmos set up. Production design by Jotish Shankar adds to the allure of the film.
The producers of this "Bramayugam", Chakravarthy Ramachandra and S. Sashikanth should be thanked for understanding the need for this kind of experimental cinema, trusting the director's vision and backing him up in this risqué production. An exceptional production needs exceptional level of backing which the producers gave completely to the director to fulfil his vision. Bringing in a star like Mammootty is no mean achievement and it speaks so much about the trust of the Producers had on the director.
"Bramayugam" can be classified as a rare breed of cinema which has found critical acclaim as well as commercial success. It has to be watched on a big screen with Dolby Atmos set up to relish.
Highly recommended.
Krishna Chaitanya Rallapalli.
In the 17th century of Malabar region, two renegades are trying to find a way out of the forest. One is Kaara (Manikandan) and the other is Thevan (Arjun Ashokan). The enigma that the forest is, it has its own charms and traps. Out of some dense woods, emerges a Yakshi (Amalda Liz) who seduces Kaara and ultimately kills him. Scared out, Thevan finds a staircase which leads him to an almost in ruins mansion. The owner of the mansion is Kodumon Potti who hears him out and offers shelter to him much to the disappointment of the chef of the mansion (Siddharth Bharatan). Little does Thevan knows that he has walked straight into the lap of Potti who does not let go off his guests easily. As he holds the key for their future and also their fate. Who is this Potti and how did he get the power he wields over the mansion and the lives of the inhabitants and his guests? What is the price does one have to pay to get Potti agree for their own freedom and survival? The answers to these questions are to be found in this layered narrative which gives an ultimate cinematic experience.
Analysis
Analysing a film like "Bramayugam" is a delight and also a challenge for guys like me. Its a delight as many facets of the story come to the fore. Its a challenge as we cannot discuss it in the open as anything revealed might lead to a discussion which may prejudice the future viewers. Still I would try to decode the plot and film without revealing much of the intricacies of the plot.
"Bramayugam" introduces a world which is thrown far away from humanity and a world which is waiting to be discovered. The wanderer, Thevan, discovers Potti's mansion and gets trapped in it. What lies in the mansion? The mansion is a maze with full of chambers holding dozens of secrets. What lies beneath? Audience wants to know the truth. But are we ready to accept the truth?
The plot of "Bramayugam" has a layered narrative set in the society of 17th century when the country is waiting at a great turning point in history. It is set in the period of feudal lords fighting amongst themselves throwing the lives of commoners into uncertainty. Amidst this backdrop director, Rahul Sadasivan tells a fantastical tale of mysticism, existentialism and fate. The three characters inhabiting the mansion represent the structure of the society. Through these characters, the director discusses various issues like caste divide, existence of God, and certainty of Fate and finally about the sway of absolute Power over humankind. "Bramayugam" talks about freedom and survival. There are many more facets to the story which the screenwriters, TG Ramakrishnan and Rahul Sadasivan have peppered in this delightful screenplay which can be understood by the audience. With this kind of subtle messaging the director plays not just on the senses of the audience but also on the subconscious of the audience. The audience is subjected to an experience which justifies the tagline, "The age of madness".
Coming to the performances, Mammootty as Kodumon Potti just hogs all the limelight. Accepting this character and transforming himself as Potti is a major decision which worked in favour of the film. He throws not just his star power into the proceedings, but also his immense talent as powerhouse performer. The glee with which he welcomes the wanderer in to his mansion and the usage of his eyebrow to chilling effect, the various tones of laughter to evoke different emotions mark the command Mammukka holds over his craft. In a way, Mammukka's performance can be showcased in acting schools as a lesson.
Standing tall and matching the great Mammukka are Siddharth Bharatan and Arjun Ashokan. They excel in their roles and add value to the story with their performances. Amalda Liz makes a big impact in her short role with her presence and powerful looks.
As a director, Rahul Sadasivan shows his craft which is of the highest level. He shot this film in Black & White which is a novelty for the viewers of this age. This decision proved to be a right call as it brought in the intrigue and eeriness which the plot demanded. The cinematographer, Shehzad Jalal perfectly captures the soul of the story with his amazing frames and lighting pattern which intrigues the viewer. The background score by Christo Xavier can be called as one of the best works on Indian screen. Added to the score, Sound Design by Jayadevan Chakkadath and Mixing MR Rajakrishnan is of highest quality and is best experienced on a Dolby Atmos set up. Production design by Jotish Shankar adds to the allure of the film.
The producers of this "Bramayugam", Chakravarthy Ramachandra and S. Sashikanth should be thanked for understanding the need for this kind of experimental cinema, trusting the director's vision and backing him up in this risqué production. An exceptional production needs exceptional level of backing which the producers gave completely to the director to fulfil his vision. Bringing in a star like Mammootty is no mean achievement and it speaks so much about the trust of the Producers had on the director.
"Bramayugam" can be classified as a rare breed of cinema which has found critical acclaim as well as commercial success. It has to be watched on a big screen with Dolby Atmos set up to relish.
Highly recommended.
Krishna Chaitanya Rallapalli.