The archetype of the all-sacrificing, long-suffering elder brother has often been a recurring theme in Malayalam films of the past. One of the extreme cases of this trope is exhibited in Mohanlal’s “Balettan” (2003), where the central character is forced to safeguard a burdening secret that his father entrusted to him on his deathbed. This secret haunts him, compelling him to go to great lengths to protect it, even at the cost of his own dignity.
Drawing inspiration from this peculiar setup, Krishnadas Murali’s debut film “Bharathanatyam” explores a similar, yet unique, narrative. However, unlike the tragic tone of “Balettan,” “Bharathanatyam” veers off into a mildly humorous domain. In this story, the father, Bharathan (played by Sai Kumar), does not die but lives on to regret the decision of revealing his secret life to his son, Sasi (portrayed by Saiju Kurup).
Krishnadas Murali, who not only directs but also pens the screenplay, is acutely aware of the inevitable comparisons to “Balettan.” To preempt audience feedback, there is a scene where Sasi’s sister advises him “not to be too much of a Balettan,” acknowledging the classic reference. Unlike its heavily melodramatic predecessor, “Bharathanatyam” endeavors to keep the mood light-hearted and humorous, even when situations have the potential to escalate into high drama.
Bharathan’s startling confession sets the stage for an intriguing family drama that swirls around the lives of two families and their respective lookalikes. Concurrently, another subplot involves the temple committee, of which Sasi is a committed member. A characteristically inquisitive individual on the committee senses something amiss and attempts to unravel the family’s secret.
“Bharathanatyam” can be interpreted as a narrative about a family’s desperate struggle to protect their reputation from the prying eyes of nosy neighbors, whose curiosity compels them to intrude into the family’s private affairs. The film’s characters grapple more with the societal apprehension of “what will people think?” rather than their specific predicaments, underscoring the film’s focus on communal perceptions.
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While the film possesses a compelling premise, it unfortunately falls short in terms of robust writing and filmmaking prowess. It is not entirely forgettable, saved by a few standout moments. One such moment is the casual yet impactful revelation of Bharathan’s past through everyday conversations and random vacation photographs, which leaves him visibly uncomfortable. Another significant aspect is the evolving bond between the two families, particularly the friendship that develops between two young boys, each from one of the families.
Saiju Kurup chose this film as his first venture into film production, likely banking on the humorous elements to carry the narrative. However, the film does not offer many laugh-out-loud moments. “Bharathanatyam” sits in a peculiar space where it neither drives the audience away nor manages to pull them in with sufficient force.
In sum, “Bharathanatyam” presents itself as a family drama intertwined with humor, striving to depict the challenges of safeguarding familial secrets amidst societal scrutiny. Despite its promising premise, the film lacks the narrative depth and execution to fully exploit its potential. It remains a watchable film that many might find an agreeable, if not unforgettable, experience.
“Bharathanatyam” is currently showing in theatres, vying for attention in a competitive cinematic landscape. Whether it manages to carve a lasting impression or fades quietly into the annals of Malayalam cinema remains to be seen. For now, it stands as a testament to Krishnadas Murali’s ambitious yet imperfect foray into the world of filmmaking.
