The archetype of the all-sacrificing, long-suffering elder brother has been a recurring motif in Malayalam films of yesteryears. One of the most extreme instances is embodied by Mohanlal in the 2003 movie Balettan, where his character carries the weight of a monumental secret handed down by his father on his deathbed. The lengths he goes to protect this secret result in significant personal sacrifices and loss of face.
Fast forward to 2023, debut director Krishnadas Murali presents his film Bharathanatyam, an intriguing riff on this storyline albeit journeying along a different trajectory. Unlike the predetermined fatalistic drama in Balettan, Bharathanatyam introduces its own twist. Here, the father Bharathan, played by Sai Kumar, is very much alive and comes to regret his decision to reveal a well-kept secret about having another family to his son Sasi, portrayed by Saiju Kurup.
Murali’s script and direction acknowledge the familiarity of the scenario to Malayalam cinema enthusiasts. To preempt the audience’s comparison with Balettan, there’s a particular scene where Sasi’s sister half-jokingly admonishes him, “not to be too much of a Balettan.” This self-awareness allows the film to maneuver into lighter, more humorous territory, even when navigating through situations ripe for drama.
The narrative kicks off with Bharathan’s revelation, which sets off a chain of uncomfortable domestic ripples involving two families and even doppelgängers. Amid this familial turmoil is another subplot revolving around a temple committee where Sasi is an active member. A typical nosy committee member becomes suspicious of the goings-on in Sasi’s family, probing deeper into their affairs and almost barging into their lives, adding to the tension.
Bharathanatyam portrays a family’s desperate struggle to maintain their reputation amid a nosy neighborhood obsessed with uncovering what seems like a hidden scandal. The film deftly captures the prevailing fear not so much about the secret itself, but about the potential judgement from their community. This shared anxiety of “what will people think?” acts as a binding force among the family members and reflects a societal trait often seen in close-knit communities.
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Despite a storyline brimming with potential for high drama, Bharathanatyam does not dive deep into the emotional quagmire. Instead, it opts for a milieu replete with mild humor. The script, though not extraordinary, keeps the film from plunging into the realms of forgettable cinema, thanks to a few standout moments. One such highlight is the casual unraveling of Bharathan’s past via random vacation photographs and idle conversations, leaving him visibly uncomfortable. Another notable instance is the evolving bond between the two families’ young boys, providing a tender yet subtle commentary on innocence amid complicated adult lives.
Saiju Kurup, who chose Bharathanatyam for his film production debut, likely pinned his hopes on the film’s humorous undertones to drive its success. However, the execution falls short of delivering consistent laugh-out-loud moments. While the film does not repel its audience, it doesn’t quite captivate them either. It sits in a middle ground of mild engagement and moderate entertainment.
As Bharathanatyam unfolds, the realization dawns that the film dwells more on the social stigma associated with hidden truths rather than the secrets themselves. The suffocating impact of societal judgment coupled with the resultant fear keeps the audience pondering about the dynamics within most families striving to protect their social image. It leaves one reflecting on the timeless conflict between personal truths and public personas.
Currently running in theaters, Bharathanatyam presents a narrative that subtly critiques the invasive curiosity prevalent in tightly-knit communities. It shines a spotlight on the lengths to which families go to uphold their honor and privacy in the face of relentless societal scrutiny. The movie stands as a gentle reminder of the delicate balance between individual realities and collective perceptions, even if it doesn’t quite reach the acme of cinematic brilliance.
