The vibrant yet gritty world of Akarsh HP’s “Family Drama” introduces us to a compellingly non-stereotypical mix of characters, starting with the mother, younger brother, and sister of a lower-middle-class family, all of whom exhibit refreshingly grey shades. These characters, unlike the usual virtuous or villainous archetypes, are strikingly selfish about their personal growth and relentlessly chase financial security.
Abhay, played by Abhay S, is a case in point. This teenager, eager to make quick bucks and impress his girlfriend portrayed by Ananya Amar, dives headlong into the murky world of a gang of thugs. Meanwhile, his mother Lakshmi aspires to open a grocery store, symbolizing many middle-class dreams. Divya, essayed by the talented Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy who gained recognition with “Aachar & Co,” is a B.Com graduate grappling with the all-too-familiar struggle of job hunting.
Marketed as a dark comedy, “Family Drama” doesn’t start with a bang. In fact, the first half of the film feels somewhat aimless, with scenes that lack the punch expected of a comedy. The audience is left yearning for more explosive humor; save for a standout interview scene where Sindhu’s character struggles to communicate in English, the laughter is sporadic and somewhat muted.
It appears as though the director was aware of the potent twist awaiting viewers at the interval but was uncertain how to keep them engaged until that pivotal moment without diminishing the narrative’s energy. Establishing the backstories and motivations of the central characters needed to be done with utmost precision for the film to maintain a seamless pace.
The real magic of “Family Drama” ignites after the interval with the sudden and unexpected demise of the family patriarch, Prasanna, brought to life by Mahadev Hadapad. Thrust into a desperate struggle for survival, the remaining family members are tasked with the dangerous mission of eliminating a dreaded don, Prakasha, in exchange for a hefty sum of money. Poornachandra Mysore steps into the shoes of Prakasha with commanding aplomb. This character has a grim repute for over 30 murders and 60 “half murders,” yet he’s humorously depicted as a don vexed by his failure to find a bride.
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Injecting a buoyant sense of humor, Poornachandra’s characterization is nothing short of a masterclass. From his awkward attempts at romance to learning dance moves on TikTok in a bid to woo women, his antics spark numerous laugh-out-loud moments. Supporting him is Aashith, who plays the don’s steadfastly loyal right-hand man. His deadpan expressions and robotic dialogue delivery add layers to the character’s eccentricity, eliciting chuckles and applause.
As the narrative transitions into a thrilling second act, the performances of Abhay, Sindhu, and Rekha become increasingly nuanced. Their adept portrayal of their respective roles ensures that “Family Drama” maintains its cohesive drive towards an unpredictable climax. That said, the conclusion itself might come off as slightly underwhelming. The finale underscores the inherent challenge of blending comedy with chaotic elements to deliver a resonant punch.
Even as viewers eagerly anticipate the denouement, the film takes an introspective turn with a poignant conversation between Abhay and his girlfriend, where she underscores a philosophical truth—that money isn’t everything. This scene, highlighting the need for purpose, subtly suggests that the first half could have benefitted from more such impactful episodes, giving the entire film a more rounded development.
Despite some flaws, “Family Drama” is a commendable foray into a genre that is seldom explored in Kannada cinema. Chethan Ammaiah’s music direction is an outstanding element, particularly in the second half, infusing the film with a vibrant and quirky spirit. This dark comedy set in a relatable, middle-class milieu offers a refreshing and entertaining experience, gradually drawing the audience in as it unveils a tapestry of promising talents across various departments.
“Family Drama” is currently running in theaters and stands out as a novel cinematic experience that is well worth the watch. Its unique take on family dynamics, humor, and societal issues holds a mirror to our times while keeping viewers engaged with its idiosyncratic charm and relatable struggles. So, catch it on the big screen to appreciate its unconventional narrative and compelling performances.
