Bramayugam is a Rahul Sadasivan’s third directorial film. It unfolds within a once-glorious mansion, now a mere shadow of its former self, echoing a tale of decay and secrets. This Malayalam horror movie is ready to scare the hell out of us. The creepy setup and thought-provoking narrative bind us to its bone-chilling scenarios.
The Prey and The Predator of Bramayugam
The protagonist, Thevan, played by Arjun Ashokan, seeks refuge in this downtrodden house without realizing that it is haunted. Here, Thevan encounters Kodumon Potty, played by Mammootty, the aged patriarch. Despite the mansion’s barrenness, Thevan sees it as his only hope for survival and continues to stay there.
Dynamics of Power, Cast, and Game of Life
The story of Bramayugam features the 17th-century locales of South Malabar. It explores the dynamics of power, caste, and the intricate game of life. The movie cleverly intertwines mythology, introducing elements of dark magic and Chaathan, a character born to Lord Shiva and a Pulaya woman. The Potty family, portrayed as Brahmins blessed with Chaathan, exploits this power, drawing parallels to historical struggles where marginalized groups were controlled by those in authority.
Arjun Ashokan shines as Thevan, skillfully expressing the character’s details through body language and subtle gestures. Sidharth Bharathan’s versatile performance enhances the story, adding depth to the overall cast.
Mammootty as Koduman Potty
Mammootty’s role as Kodumon Potty is exceptional, highlighting his ability to portray dark characters brilliantly. In intense and disturbing scenes, Mammootty impresses with his dialogue delivery, expressions, and smirks, giving depth to the character. Potty can be compared to iconic evil characters played by actors like Mohanlal and Manoj K Sivan.
The Careful Portrayal and Details
The director impressively builds a gloomy atmosphere, surpassing his previous work in Bhoothakaalam. The careful details and black-and-white visuals add to the eerie feel, highlighting the characters’ depth. The film avoids clichés, presenting a fresh approach to horror, including a unique depiction of a female ghost (Yakshi).
The writing, along with TD Ramakrishnan’s dialogues, effectively portrays the complexities of this intricate world without overexplaining. Although the film sometimes ends abruptly at crucial moments, the script’s uniqueness and visual excellence make up for these minor flaws.
The Team Behind the Artwork
Shehnad Jalal’s camera work in Bramayugam skillfully captures its depth without using color, especially in scenes with characters experiencing delusions. Shafique Mohamed Ali’s editing helps us understand the world, and S George’s makeup for Mammootty and Ronex Xavier’s work for others enhances the visuals. Jayadevan Chakkadath’s sound design creates an immersive horror experience, though at times, the film relies too much on background music and sound effects.
Collectively, Bramayugam is a standout horror film, skillfully mixing mythology with a captivating story. Rahul Sadasivan’s directing and excellent performances make it impressive. Mammootty’s role as Kodumon Potty stands out, creating a memorable on-screen villain. The movie entertains with horror and also reflects on power and caste issues, connecting with today’s social and political concerns.
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