Review of ‘Bharathanatyam’: A Fun and Insightful Family Comedy

Though ‘Bharathanatyam’ may not offer a groundbreaking storyline, it presents an enjoyable experience with relatable characters and a concise runtime of just two hours.

Recently, there has been a noticeable decline in the light-hearted comedies focused on middle-class or extended families that were so popular in the 80s and 90s. Krishnadas Murali’s directorial debut, “Bharathanatyam,” fits into this category with its distinctly traditional premise and familiar conflicts often found in emotional dramas. However, the filmmaker manages to inject a refreshing comedic twist, consistently eliciting laughter. The film also cleverly utilizes its title, “Bharathanatyam.” While it shares its name with the classical Indian dance, here it cleverly plays on the actions of a key character, which is central to the story.

“Bharathanatyam” begins by introducing Sasidharan, affectionately known as Sasi, played convincingly by Saiju Kurup. The film quickly establishes Sasi’s role in the community and his responsibilities at home, where he manages the needs of his close-knit family within a traditional, dominant caste household. Sasi’s family includes his father Bharathan, his mother Saraswathy, his elder sister Santhi, after whom their home is named, his younger sister Sreelatha, and his youngest brother Arun. Santhi and Sreelatha’s husbands also reside in the same house, adding to the dynamics of the family.

The casting is excellent, with each character receiving sufficient screen time and most actors fitting their roles seamlessly, particularly in portraying the interactions of an extended family living together. Divya deserves special recognition for her nuanced performance.

The film certainly opens up discussions, especially regarding its portrayal of infidelity. Some might argue that it normalizes cheating by presenting Bharathan’s actions in a more relatable light and providing a somewhat straightforward resolution. However, it’s commendable that both Saraswathy and Rukmini (played charmingly by Sreeja Ravi) are depicted with respect.

In the second half, where most of the comedic situations arise, “Bharathanatyam” truly hits its stride. The film is packed with laugh-out-loud moments that frequently leave the audience in stitches. While it maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, the ending could have benefited from a more nuanced approach.

The abrupt emotional transitions and the resolution of certain character arcs, particularly for Saraswathy and Sasi, could have been better developed. Still, this minor flaw doesn’t significantly undermine the overall enjoyment of the film. The background score enhances the comedic scenes, but there are moments, especially towards the conclusion, where it might have been more effective if toned down to match the emotional shifts.

Though “Bharathanatyam” doesn’t necessarily break new ground in storytelling, its engaging treatment, relatable characters, and concise runtime of just two hours make it a pleasant watch. It wisely steers clear of excessive melodrama, which can often plague narratives involving family secrets.

Movie: Bharathanatyam

Director: Krishnadas Murali

Cast: Saiju Kurup, Saikumar, Kalaranjini, Divya M Nair, Nandu Poduval, Swathi Das Prabhu, Abhiram Radhakrishnan

Rating: 3/5