'Bramayugam': Mammootty's Tour De Force Anchors This Gripping Monochrome Horror | Movie Review
Mammootty reinvents himself in Rahul Sadashivan's Bramyugam. No ranking can adequately capture the megalomaniac's ability to push boundaries and take on amazing roles.
Mammootty essays the role of Koduman Pothi, an emaciated tantrik whose age hides the powerful magic boiling within him.
The film, shot entirely in black and white, creates an unexpected atmosphere with dancing shadows in every frame.
The stark beauty of monochrome amplifies the shadows, tricking your mind into something unseen lurking around every corner. The tension crackles, drawing you deep into the story, letting your eyes wander even for a fleeting moment. You will find yourself glued to the screen waiting for the next turn, not sure what will happen next. The film seamlessly combines elements of horror, suspense and folklore, with horror woven into shadows and sounds. Instead of relying on jump shots, the film creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, gradually building a sense of dread.
Arjun Ashokan plays the role of a ' panan ' who stumbles into a mana (a traditional Brahmin's house) in search of safety, where he meets Koduman Pothi, played by Siddharth Bharathan, and his housemaid. As the story progresses, Arjun's hero realizes that the situation is far from normal, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
For those familiar with Aishwarya Lakshmi starrer Kumari, Brahmyugam may feel similar despite the completely different plot. Bram Yugam follows a simple plot reminiscent of old fairy tales and evokes a sense of curiosity and wonder. In the first part, the mysterious events in Mana keep the audience guessing, while in the second part, the real mystery of the story is revealed.
However, problems arise with the film's ending, which feels somewhat clichéd and predictable. By the end, it seems like a struggle to tie up the loose ends, leaving some frustrations behind.
Mana adds another layer of intrigue to the film. Contrary to what one might think, it is overgrown with wild grass and looks deserted. Further exploration of this aspect would have added to the mystery, but unfortunately it seems to have been neglected in the film.
Performance-wise, Mammootty dominates the screen, giving the story its signature intensity and depth. His ability to effortlessly navigate characters with negative connotations shines again and makes him the undeniable driving force of the film. Arjun Ashokan's performance shocks you. her helplessness and fear are palpable. Siddharth Bharathan, on the other hand, exudes poise and delivers an equally impressive performance.
Director Rahul Sadasivani deserves credit for creating such powerful performances that allow each actor to reach their full potential. The background score is also undeniably effective.
Some sloppy endings and unanswered questions, especially about the character of Amalda Lees, may leave viewers a little disappointed. However, for fans of exciting stories that contain horror and folklore, this film is a must watch.
