
Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal Movie Review
Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal: A Funeral Farce Laced with Familial Bonds and Familiar Tropes
Despite a heartfelt central relationship and moments of genuine humour, Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal struggles to rise above sitcom-level chaos and predictable satire.In Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal, writer-director S Vipin explores a unique narrative setting-a funeral-to unpack the absurdities of patriarchal customs and deeply rooted superstitions. The film opens with touching glimpses of the close bond between Anjali (Anaswara Rajan) and her grandmother Savithri (Mallika Sukumaran), grounding the story in a warm intergenerational relationship. This emotional core adds depth to what is otherwise a chaotic, quasi-dark comedy.
Anjali, preparing for her engagement, grows increasingly suspicious of her fiance, Akhil (Arun), a policeman. Wanting to cancel the wedding, she confides in her parents Suma (Aswathy) and Murali (Azeez Nedumangad), but only receives support from Savithri. The narrative pivots when Savithri suddenly passes away, setting the stage for a frenzied funeral filled with small-town politics, rituals, and satirical farce.
Vipin transforms Anjali's home into a theatrical microcosm of rural hypocrisy and power dynamics. The local Karayogam president, Venu (Baiju Santhosh), asserts control, while others, including the Ward Member, bristle at his dominance. The funeral becomes a playground of chaos, especially with the arrival of Anjali's college senior Suhail (Siju Sunny), who harbours romantic feelings for her, and his quirky friend Shakthi (Joemon Jyothir). While these characters do provide occasional laughs, the overplayed mistaken-identity sequences-especially with Shakthi-veer into caricature.
There are entertaining moments, particularly the exaggerated entrance of a relative in an autorickshaw, portrayed amusingly by Reena Indrayani. The film pokes fun at gossipers, drunkards, and the performative rituals surrounding death, painting a satirical picture of village life. However, much of the humour feels derivative, often resembling stitched-together skits from a television comedy show.
Anaswara Rajan delivers a sincere performance, effectively conveying Anjali's internal conflict and emotional vulnerability. Azeez Nedumangad stands out with his restrained portrayal of a sensitive father, lending weight to his scenes. The use of authentic Thiruvananthapuram dialect and local characterisations does add texture, offering glimpses into regional life and attitudes.
While the film sets out to critique regressive customs with humour and satire, it lacks the narrative sharpness and originality to make a lasting impact. The premise holds promise, but the screenplay fails to evolve beyond well-worn tropes, leaving Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal a mildly amusing yet forgettable funeral farce.