Vishesham Malayalam Movie
This feel-good drama takes a potshot at the feigned curiosity of society towards married couples regarding the woman's pregnancy. A few months post marriage, the typical question being faced by a woman from all corners would be "Are you in the family way?" Director Sooraj Tom presents a simple tale in 'Vishesham' by depicting the woes of a couple during their protracted wait for a child. Though a pesky question for the couple, it appears to be a customary query and the film speaks against it. In his acting debut, Anand Madhusoodanan, who has also written the script as well as composed music for the flick, plays Shiju Bhakthan, a divorcee. The premise is highly relatable; still the theme has been spread like a plain format despite its relevance.
There are limitations in the plot as the tale fails to explore intensely the prevailing ill-practices in In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The scenarist mainly focuses on the mental agony of the heroine, played by Chinnu Chandni, and the strong bond between the couple. Even in that aspect, there is little scope for the film to ensure a free flow and an effective impact in the end. Indeed, 'Vishesham' has its own moments by exuding a sort of innocence in its peripheral areas, mainly due to the refreshing combination of Anand Madhusoodanan and Chinnu Chandni.
Pestered by his mother and brother Subhash (Baiju Johnson), a depressed Shiju prepares his mind for a second marriage. As an online motivator and organic farmer, Shiju has a good number of students for his motivation class. Despite being a motivational speaker, this gulf returnee struggles to muster up confidence in life. Guided by his friend and matrimony website owner Saji (Althaf Salim), Shiju's second marriage is fixed with police constable Sajitha, played by Chinnu Chandni, who is also a divorcee.
With a simple tale Sooraj is able to create feel-good moments in the movie which also discusses the malpractices in IVF treatment and other pregnancy methods by various medicinal systems. 'Vishesham' attains its saturation point at one stage when the plot conflict faces a stumbling block with the scenes in the IVF hospital appearing to be a prolonged process; even in the name of triggering humour. The film intends to expose the unethical practices followed by doctors during pregnancy by exploring the dilemma of Shiju and Sajitha. The relatable narration works with the audience though it is devoid of intensity, besides the gravity of the situation has been treated in a lighter vein in an effort to evoke the feel-good vibes.
Anand excels in his acting debut and his exemplary confidence in decisive scenes instills freshness into the theme. Far from the concept of a conventional hero, he could bring about vivid and convincing emotions of an ordinary husband. It is delightful to watch Chinnu as an energetic performer with a keen observation on the extreme emotions of the character who is under severe mental conflict. The scenes where Sajitha unleashes her pent-up emotions resonate well with the pangs of women who have gone through such situations. As a childless couple, Anand and Chinnu complement each other well in 'Vishesham' despite its constraints in the tale.
The film also showcases the approach of society to people, who prefer second marriage after divorce. It becomes a burden on Sajitha to answer everyone regarding her pregnancy and she undergoes huge pressure. This movie is a quasi-social commentary on typical intrusion of society into the marital affairs of a couple who seek the help of IVF treatment when pressure mounts from outside. It accomplishes in generating the intended pleasant vibes with a simple and uneventful tale.
