Malayalam film industry has, of late, found some wonderful scripts and casting that go beyond the
conventions it used to keep and follow. This change has a lot to do with the unorthodox performances of the newcomers in the industry and the comeback of talented film makers and serious scripts.
The film is an authentic assertion of the universality of love, compassion and empathy. It appeals both to the ordinary film-goer as well as the cognoscenti. It is
an unconventional film that stands out for thematic novelty and directorial skill. The film seems to have gone down well with the audience, tired of being fed
stale fares by the mainstream Malayalam cinema.
Mammootty play as Venu, who runs a business in Thrissur. Veteran actor T. G. Ravi plays the villain role after a long gap in this film. Ravi, who was known for
his villainous characters during the 70s and 80s in Malayalam, will appear as Manavalan Peter in
“Varsham.”
“Varsham” revolves around Venu and his struggles and rift with Peter. Asha Sharath and Mamta
Mohandas will also play the lead roles in this family entertainer.”Varsham” also has Sunil Sugatha, Sudhir Karamana, Harish Perady, Jayaraj Warrier, Irshad and
Sajitha Madathil in pivotal roles.
Director Ranjith Shankar has managed to get standout performances from the main characters. Mammootty essays the role of Venu with customary panache. Asha Sharath, who plays his wife is a perfect foil for the
hero. The rest of the cast have all done their roles really well but watch out for a sterling show from
Mamta Mohandas and Govind Padmasurya Sunil, Santhosh, Sajitha madathil etc.
Varsham also signals a successful directorial debut for Ranjith Shankar , His big break in films came through Passenger released in 2009, which subsequently won
accolades from critics and audience.In 2011, his next
film Arjunan Saakshi, starring Prithviraj, was released.
It was inspired by his real-life experiences and won positive reviews from the critics.His last movie, Punyalan Agarbattis starring Jayasurya released last
year and declared one of the biggest commercial hit of the year winning critical acclaim as well.
Special mention must be made of the camera work by cameraman, Manoj Pillai. The fabulous frames of Trissur add to the poignance of the film, lending it an
authentic touch.
“Varsham” is produced by Mammootty under the banner of Play House
The music of Bijibal is another plus point of the film.
The song “Koottu Tedi Vannoral ” rendered passionately by Sachin takes the cake. The Title Song Karimukilukal picturised on Mammootty has also become popular. The lyrics are by Santhosh Varma The film brings to the forefront a bevy of real talented actors from theatre, and resourcefully draws out astonishing performances from all of them.
Leading this cast is none other than Mammootty
himself who puts in a hypnotic act as Venu, yet another pitch perfect feat from the actor this year.
Mammootty totally and completely inhabits the character who is surely written to his strengths, one
must say.Varsham is an elegantly crafted piece of film which Mammootty and Ranjith Shankar can proudly hold close to their hearts.
A must see for all those who love good cinema.
Rating 4.5/5
