A Darkly Comic Sequel That Dances Past Its Flaws
Living up to the phrase "back with a bang," Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam arrives as a noticeable upgrade over its modest predecessor, which flirted with satire and spoof. Writer-director Krishnadas Murali builds upon the foundation of Bharathanatyam, crafting a sequel that is more confident in tone and richer in humor. Co-written with Vishnu R. Pradeep, the film frequently lands its dark comedy beats, even if it doesn't do so consistently throughout.
The story picks up organically from where the first film ended, giving the narrative a natural continuity that works in its favor. The earlier film revolved around Bharathan Nair (Saikumar) and the shockwaves caused by the revelation of his second family. The sequel opens after his death, portraying an unusual yet peaceful coexistence between his two families.
Set in Sreekandapuram, the film shifts focus to Rukmini (Sreeja Ravi), Bharathan's second wife, and their son Ajay (Jivin Rex). Sasidharan (Saiju Kurup), Bharathan's son from his first marriage, buys a house for Rukmini and decides to stay there with his extended family. From the outset, the screenplay shows a refined touch, steering the story in directions that often defy easy prediction.
Trouble brews when Govindaraj (Suraj Venjaramoodu), an old associate of Bharathan, enters the scene with claims about the deceased's dubious dealings involving a temple. Initially met with skepticism, Govindaraj manipulates the family into believing him and demands compensation. His unexpected visit soon triggers a chain of events that drastically alters the family's fate.
The narrative turns gripping when Govindaraj mysteriously disappears, prompting his nephew Subhash (Baby Jean) to launch a determined search, suspecting the family's involvement. As suspicion tightens around them, Sasi ropes in his friend (Abhiram Radhakrishnan) to navigate the crisis, with the entire family caught in a chaotic web of confusion and fear. The director handles these absurd situations with finesse, extracting humor without exaggerating the characters' eccentricities.
Saiju Kurup, marking his 150th film, delivers a likable performance, though some moments could have used more emotional intensity. Kalaranjini adds charm with her expressive and often humorous presence, while Suraj Venjaramoodu stands out by infusing Govindaraj with a sly mix of greed and menace.
The central conflict bears resemblance to the premise of Drishyam, but Mohiniyattam opts for a lighter, more humorous treatment. Vinay Forrt's Circle Inspector brings comic relief, even as his investigative methods raise eyebrows. Jagadeesh, in a brief role as butcher Eapen, fits in neatly, and the film's playful use of religious and divine references adds to its satirical edge.
Overall, Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam is a charming blend of dark comedy and quasi-thriller elements. While it lacks high-intensity moments, it compensates with wit and clever storytelling, making it a more entertaining and well-rounded experience than the original.
