While a funeral is often seen as an occasion of grief and sorrow both on-screen and in life, debutant director S. Vipin's ‘Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal’ delivers a more unusual and unique take on the sorrowful situation. The title, ‘Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal’, which translates to "relatives and friends with sorrow," masters striking a clear balance between humour and tragedy, offering a unique cinematic experience.
The film's plot is light yet entertaining. It revolves around the demise of Savithriyamma, played by Mallika Sukumaran, setting off a series of hilarious and chaotic events. As relatives and friends descend upon her home in rural Thiruvananthapuram, the “sad” scenario unravels selfish motives, petty fights, and funny quirks. The narrative unfolds over the span of a night as the family finds it challenging to organise a funeral for their late Savithriyamma.
The film's strength lies in its strong script combined with a well-performed cast. Director Vipin also masterfully wrote the screenplay, demonstrating his knack for observational humour. He manages to find comedy in the most difficult parts as well. The performances from all the actors, specifically Anaswara Rajan, Siju Sunny, and Mallika Sukumaran, are notable.
However, the film does not come without its limitations. While the comedy is consistent, the narrative does not tempt one to watch the film repeatedly. Although emotional elements are present, they don’t carry enough depth to stay in our minds once the credits roll. Some subplots and scenes seem slightly disconnected from the whole narrative. The title, while suggestive of the nature of events that unfold, may have hindered word-of-mouth publicity. But in short, the movie offers a one-time watch for those seeking a humour-laden experience.
(‘Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal’ is available for streaming on ManoramaMax)
