‘Aarkkariyam’ movie review: Biju Menon impresses, but film doesn’t fulfill its potential

A sure easy-going, calm environment pervades Aarkkariyam even in supposedly the extra tense moments within the narrative. A lot in order that near the interval, when a key character makes a moderately stunning declare, even that’s delivered in a cool, collected method, as if he’s talking about one of many dinner dishes. This in some way provides a chilling high quality to that scene, but this gentle remedy additionally limits the movie at different key factors.

Cinematographer Sanu John Varughese’s directorial debut is firmly set within the post-pandemic world, with the after-effects of the virus being part of the narrative. Shirley (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and her husband Roy (Sharaudheen), who’re settled in Mumbai, are returning residence to Kerala to be along with her father Ittyavira (Biju Menon), forward of the COVID-induced lockdown. Beset with monetary crises, Roy can also be trying to elevate pressing funds to repay his good friend, who helped him in want, whereas Shirley is devising numerous methods to deliver again her daughter who’s caught in one other state.

One of many spectacular issues about Aarkkariyam is in how a lot of it holds again, revealing simply sufficient data at each level, retaining the remainder for later. As an example, the actual fact that it’s the second marriage for each Roy and Shirley shouldn’t be revealed initially, however it turns into a key component later, as one’s earlier marriage turns into the central focus. This refined strategy to even probably the most severe of points is saved persistently. The temper of the movie is accentuated by the sunshine acoustic guitar strains within the background all via, even in moments when it does probably not match.

However the easy-going environment talked about earlier and the patchy nature of the script, holds again the movie from hovering even greater. That is particularly because the interval reveal held such immense potential as one thing to be constructed up on, resulting in a way more satisfying climax than what they handle to realize.

It has nonetheless to be mentioned that the movie makes use of the same old components of a household story to assemble a world, which makes one snug, whilst a viewer from the surface. This consolation lulls the unsuspecting viewer into trusting everybody on the display screen, till the rug is pulled from below their ft, revealing the darkish secrets and techniques mendacity beneath. Within the latter half, the movie focuses on justifying this darkish occasion from the previous with an ‘every part is for the higher’ message, with an additional dose of religiosity and hope, letting go of the chance of constructing a taut thriller.

Biju Menon aces the function of a 73-year outdated, making us really feel the load of the age in his demeanor and voice, whereas Sharafudheen and Parvathy too make their mark. In his debut, Sanu John Varughese will get fairly a number of issues proper, however Aarkkariyam winds as much as a moderately tame end regardless of having the fabric for extra.

Aarkkariyam is at the moment taking part in in theatres