Drama Malayalam Movie

Feature Film | 2018 | Drama
Critics:
Writer-director Ranjith raises the age-old issue of senility: negligence by children. He also presents the extension of it by discussing how the NRI children ignore the last wish of their mother, who dies in a foreign land. Primarily, 'Drama' faces the serious issue of the lack of sensible and in-depth writing. The preachy and insipid events reveal the degree of superficial execution that has been lent to the plot.
Nov 2, 2018 By K. R. Rejeesh

Where To Watch:
DVD Release: Dec 18 2018

"How often do I have come across such a theme?" you repeatedly ask yourself. This passive feeling follows you even more heavily after the first half of 'Drama'. Albeit this family drama is set in a foreign premise, it is not well equipped with engrossing acts. Writer-director Ranjith proves right in giving an apt title to convey the pretence and selfishness of Rosamma's children even as the screenplay fails to offer any real insight into the conflict. So neither the satire nor the efforts to highlight the plight of an aged woman work out impressively.


Soon after establishing the premise of the tale, 'Drama' apparently flounders owing to lack of vitality in the treatment. One can easily make out the director's dilemma in taking forward the action rivetingly. Ranjith even hinges on the mannerisms of Mohanlal, who plays Changanassery-born Rajagopal Narayanan alias Raju, in vain to revive the dwindling fizz of energy in the narration.


Among the five children of Rosamma (Arunthathi Nag), four of them are settled in countries like the UK, Australia and Canada. While the eldest son Philip (Suresh Krishna) is arrogant, the soft-spoken Joe (Niranj Maniyanpillai Raju), the youngest, is looking for a job in Dubai. Hailing from Kattappana, Rosamma leaves for England to spend the rest of her life with her daughter Mercy aka Kunjumol and her husband Dr Mukundan Unni (Shyamaprasad). She cherishes the last wish that she would like to have her eternal sleep beside her husband's tomb at Kattappana, Idukki.


Unexpectedly, Rosamma passes away one morning at Mercy's home, forcing all her children to fly down to England. Since her Canadian-resident daughter Ammini (Subi Suresh) does not want the body to be kept in the mortuary till the cremation, they decide to keep the body with funeral service firm co-run by Dixon Lopez (Dileesh Pothan) and Rajagopal.


Ranjith exposes the greedy and self-centred children of Rosamma, including Benny (Tini Tom). Only Joe and Mercy want their mother to be buried as per her wish. But other siblings enter into an agreement with the company for a pompous funeral in the UK. Amidst this conflict, Raju and his aide Sindhu Kumar aka Podiyan (Baiju) create some forgettable moments. When Raju decides to help Joe in fulfilling her mom's wish, then the problem intensifies.


Raju's philosophical speech on life and his strange meeting with the deceased person simply trigger a lukewarm milieu. Mohanlal's charisma serves mediocre impact on the tale in the absence of a perfect emotional quotient in the plot. The detailing of Raju's life with his strict wife Rekha (Asha Sharath) is simply a passable event. Johny Antony as Ammini's hubby Anto, tries to be a comic relief factor in a few scenes.


Primarily, 'Drama' faces the serious issue of lack of sensible and in-depth writing. The preachy and insipid events reveal the degree of superficial execution that has been lent to the plot.


Alagappan's camera has beautifully captured the scenic beauty of the places in the UK. Bijibal is behind the background score, which fails to grab the attention.

K. R. Rejeesh

   

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