Shriram Iyengar
Mumbai, 08 Nov 2021 14:40 IST
With a diverse cast of characters linked through a network of complicated situations, this cheeky little family drama is a well-crafted tale.
The Malayalam film industry is slowly growing into a finessed institute creating technically suave, narratively exciting filmmakers. Senna Hegde's Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam (Monday Engagement) is a fantastic, funny and dramatic story about a family and its internal chemistry that makes for an entertaining watch.
Vijayan (Manoj KU) is preparing for the engagement of his second daughter Suja (Anagha Narayanan) on a Monday. After the elopement of his older daughter Surabhi (Unnimala Nalappadam), he is adamant about stamping his will on this event.
His wife Lalitha (Ajisha Prabhakaran) is the pillar of the household. She is the one who balances out his frugal resourcefulness as well as chauvinistic approach to running the family.
Suja, meanwhile, is planning to elope with her childhood love Ratheesh (Arjun Asokan). Even as her father borrows and wheedles money and resources to make the engagement happen, a drama is bubbling under the surface. Then Surabhi and her husband Santhosh (Sunil Surya), who are looked down upon by the extended family, arrive.
It is hard to describe the multi-faceted story by Senna Hegde and Sreeraj Ravindran. A distinct flavour of the place, culture and ethos permeate the script. Whether it is the moneylender's habit not to argue with women or enter the house, or the bonding of the women and the men in the family on different levels, they are established naturally, seemingly with little effort. All this is done with a dash of understated humour. The laughs are chuckles but land perfectly.
The story is a complex network of human relationships, big and small, that create friction and drama throughout. The pining lover who thinks Suja is still waiting for him, the drunk uncle Ambu who turns the climax on its head, or the festering anger of the spurned Sreenath (Sajin Cherukayil) are examples that add texture to the drama.
The exploration of the underlying patriarchy and chauvinism takes place without becoming a sermon. The objectivity of the approach adds to the humour with which the characters are treated. The politics among the womenfolk, different from those of their menfolk and, sometimes, more vicious, add to the drama.
Taut, efficient and layered with emotion and reality, the plot is the film's strongest suit. Devoid of unnecessary elements, it keeps you involved throughout. Little disappointments fester, to explode at the right moment. Even the pettiest of characters is treated with sympathy, without turning them into villains. It is refreshing, like a well-written short story.
Then there is the technical proficiency seen throughout the film. Manoj KU as the chauvinistic, flawed Vijayan is thrilling. He is matched in performance by Ajisha, Unnimala and Anagha. The women emerge as a team in this sea of faces.
Sreeraj Ravindran's camera moves in close quarters, capturing nuances and gestures that heighten the drama. Mujeeb Majeed's music is wonderful and matches the tone and texture of the story, elevating the drama, the romance and the quiet moments. All this is balanced by Harilal K Rajeev's sharp editing, which is critical to this quick-paced drama.
Senna Hegde captures life, the simplicity of individuals and their complex flaws with a nuanced, objective lens. The result is an entertaining drama that is enjoyable as well as memorable.
Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam was premiered on SonyLIV on 29 October.