Kalyanism Malayalam Movie

'Kalyanism' is a letdown that fails to spell out right, what it sets out to achieve. Perhaps it would suffice to say that its one of those movies that means well. But sadly, it doesn't work that well. Mar 8, 2015 By Veeyen

'Kalyanism' vouchsafes the fact that a good intent does not make a good film. Irrespective of the kind of objectives that this project might have had, it fails to rise above the status of a middling film, chiefly on account of its flawed narrative.

Kalyani (Ananya) has an almost peaceful life in the Middle East, with her husband Sanal (Kailash) who runs a business, and their daughter. However, Sanal's fortunes go for a toss, and the family lands in dire financial trouble. Sanal struggles to keep their heads above the water, but soon ends up behind bars, leaving Kalyani to fend for herself in an alien land.

With the arrival of Kishore (Mukesh), who offers a helping hand, 'Kalyanism' takes off, but never quite reaches the point where it actually should have ended up. The result is a mixed-bag of a film that set out to make a few statements, but which had to be content with offering a few generalized remarks here and there.

I'm not sure if the USP of the movie that it has been shot 'entirely in Dubai' works in its favour, since 'Kalyanism' does not seem to be much concerned about capturing the middle east splendidly on its camera. The visuals do not retain an allure that lives up to its tagline, but otherwise are strictly adequate to narrate the story that it plans to tell.

There is also the suggestion that it's a woman centric movie that has to be further discussed before we reach at a conclusion. If a film that has a woman protagonist could be considered as 'woman centric', perhaps 'Kalyanism' fits the bill. If on the other hand, more pertinent women's issues need to be discussed for a film to be classified as 'woman centric', we need to think again, before this film could be slotted into the said category.

There are the blotches that are quite evident in the script and direction that does not let 'Kalyanism' evolve into a film with substance. As the screenplay clunks and clangs along a rutted route, the structure of the film's narrative gets shakier as it progresses towards the climax.

The solemnity that the film makers try to bring into the story is never really attained. The vague promises that it makes in the beginning are never realized as well, for the airless feel that permeates all around takes over the proceedings and never really lets it flourish into an engaging cinematic piece.

It should however be stated that the film does squander some talent, and could have benefitted much more with a bit more attention being paid to the basics. As such, some tremendous potential looks wasted in 'Kalyanism'.

Ananya is a fine actress, and she does well in 'Kalyanism' as well, though I'm sure she has already been offered much more challenging roles in her career. Kailash does a neat job of playing the husband and Mukesh is his usual self.

'Kalyanism' is a letdown that fails to spell out right, what it sets out to achieve. Perhaps it would suffice to say that its one of those movies that means well. But sadly, it doesn't work that well.