Three Sons of Narayani

Rating - 4/5

A small beautiful family drama that resonates with the inner mindset within oneself.

The plot of the story revolves around 3 brothers and the family get together at their native house for spending some last moments with their dyeing mother,cherishing the childhood memories and the eventful insider tales within the closed doors of a family that unfolds forms the storyline.

Beautiful narration by Sharan Venugopal is evident through the intriguing screenplay and grounded dialogues where in the story could be well related by anyone within the immediate circle of family. Sharan has brilliantly portrayed some weird situations that would have crossed the minds at some point of our life so naturally. He has put light on the variance in how people among two generations move on from their past mistakes without a hitch. The director has placed the story in a way to decide who/what is right and wrong from varied perspectives.

Hats off to the filmmaker for bringing a handful of incredible actors for filming this wonderful story. Joju George,Suraj & Alencier has given an outstanding performances of their characters portraying the distinct layers in ease. Impressive performances by Garggi & Thomas of the characters leaving anxiety with their mischievousness. Sajitha Madathil & Shelly has made subtle performances of their characters.

Good Cinematography by Appu Prabhakar in lighting up the curiousness in the story and bringing the innocence & open minds of the villagers aptly onto the screen. Good cuts by Jyoti Swaroop Panda for keeping the family drama very well engaging. Rahul Raj's music & BGM's deserves appreciation for keeping alive the freshness in the story.

A good family drama that gives an insight on the varied depth in family relationships and values.

There is no plot in Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal (The Three Sons of Narayani). Instead, it's a narration of a few days in the lives of the three sons as they get together at the wake of their mother's imminent death, not without the ghosts of their private and shared pasts. I had a peculiar (in a good way) feeling watching Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, with its mellow, meandering pace, performances that make it look like they're living it, and subtle music. It hit home with me because I've seen such family get-togethers get heated up personally, so it was a terrific watch. Save for one major story arc that seemed unwarranted, this film was worth it.

Yes, the film is slow, and that is exactly what makes it special. Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten how to appreciate movies that take their time. We have lost touch with stories that feel real, filled with soft emotions, heartfelt conversations, and gentle storytelling. This movie is a quiet reminder of that.

It portrays the imperfections of life, capturing the layered nature of sibling relationships with subtle grace. It touches on the idea of forbidden love between cousins, though that is never the point. At its core, the film is about emotional drift - about how even the closest relationships can begin to feel unfamiliar, like something you once knew but can't quite hold anymore. It's a slow burn, carried not by grand events, but by warmth tucked between conversations, and the weight of what remains unsaid.

Loneliness is woven into the smallest of spaces. You sense it in Joju's character, who masks his ache behind bursts of wit and friction, in the girl who says she hates her mother but only ever wanted to be understood, and in Suraj's journey, shaped more by others' choices than his own. These moments never shout, but they linger long after.

The direction is beautiful, and the writing even more so. The film is filled with moments that feel genuine and unforced. The performances are strong across the board, especially that of Garggi Ananthan, who brings depth and honesty to her character.

In the end, the film leaves a soft sense of 'ranjish' in your heart. However, it does not hit hard, and perhaps that is why it struggled to connect with the theatre audience.

This movie had the potential to be a thought provoking family drama, but its unsettling romantic subplot completely overshadows any artistic merit it might have had. The film boasts strong performances and a grounded visual aesthetic, the choice to explore a romance between cousins is deeply disturbing and unnecessary.

The Good things first!

The actors, especially mention standout performances, delivered compelling portrayals.

The cinematography and background score create an immersive experience.

The film's initial setup of family conflicts had promise.

The Problem!!

Any positive elements are overshadowed by the film's questionable creative choice. The romantic relationship between cousins is not just uncomfortable but it feels forced and detracts from what could have been a meaningful exploration of familial bonds. It's a theme that adds nothing valuable to the story and instead alienates a large portion of it.

Final Thoughts - Good performances and direction can't save a film from a problematic narrative. Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal leaves a sour taste, not because it's emotionally powerful, but because it crosses a line many viewers won't be comfortable with. A film should challenge audiences, but this one does so in a way that feels unjustified and unsettling.

⭐ Rating: 1.5/5 - Could have been a great drama, but the storyline ruins it completely.

Narayana's Third Generation - A Family Story

This is a perfect drama-genre movie. It beautifully portrays the essence and sincerity of an ordinary family, showcasing different shades of love. The story revolves around family relationships, their small struggles, and how everything comes together in the end. The film feels very relatable, as it reflects events that could happen in any household.

The movie progresses at a slow pace, maintaining a steady rhythm. It doesn't rely on excessive comedy, but certain moments make you think.

Should you watch it in theaters? If you enjoy slow-paced movies, then yes, you can give it a try. Otherwise, it might not be the best theatrical experience.