Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil

I watched Aavesham just before watching this movie, so half my review might be rant on that garbage-fest (Aavesham) - hence I apologize for sounding elitist beforehand. But I consider being able to be especially good at detecting subtlety in humour a great quality in a person and I adore comedy movies that try to engage that subtlety-detection radar... and add in a nice dose of sarcasm and satire for good measure.

This, while not perfect by any means, is a far better movie than that crapfest "Aavesham", and while I see the raving reviews for that crapfest, I don't find the same enthusiasm in the reviews for this movie, which in my opinion, had genuine charm and humour. I re-emphasize my earlier apology for sounding elitist, but it is what it is. Aavesham was crap, this is not. This is an actual good movie.

Prithviraj was great, but Basil is a star. He can make you laugh with the silliest of expressions. The supporting cast did a good job too, and so did the screenwriter and dialogue writer, setting up all those nice little scenes. Of course, it ain't perfect, but it did its job, and made me chuckle, laugh, and feel good.

Guruvayoorambala Nadayil follows the path of so many great 90s family comedy movies of Malayalam and updated it for the new generation. The bRomance between Basil's and Prithviraj's characters is truly the highlight of the movie. When Basil says "Ente Aanandhettan" that's better than all the romantic movies I've seen recently. The comedy of errors in the last act wasn't perfect but it had enough things going on well, that it worked really great. Guruvayoor in Malayalam cinema couldn't be mentioned without Nandhanam and that part was really nicely executed. Non-Malayalis who started watching Malayalam films recently would totally get confused by some of the things at the end.

The Guruvayoor sets were incredible. If I didn't know it was a set, I would've believed it was the real temple where I've visited so many times. Seeing places near Guruvayoor that I know very well was nice too.

I wasn't really impressed with the songs but the way they were visualized was nice. The really sad thing is how underutilized the female characters are when there is space for them to do things. Both Anaswara and Nikhila could have done way more in so many scenes that felt unfinished. Especially Nikhila Vimal is wasted with showing such potential for the character with that intro and plot points. That intro she got was really awesome and a fan inside me was ready to watch her do something but alas, she got to do nothing. It felt like there might have been more that was shot but they couldn't really coherently put it together, so opted to sideline them instead.

But despite all the flaws it had, it was an entertainer from start to finish in a purely Malayali way. Having a houseful responsive audience really do help with these types of films.

Although some of the humor in the movie is slapstick or references to viral reels and class movies, the movie mostly evokes genuine comedy. It starts off quite well with a captivating plot and good writing but gets predictable once the plot points fall in place. Prithviraj and Basil are at their comedic bests. Basil excels in such roles where he comes across as a realistic character we meet in our daily lives. He may be naive at heart but is no way overtly pure or innocent. Prithviraj as Anandan feels like a character we have seen him play before and pulls it of with ease. Anaswara and Nikhila play their roles well if you exclude some of over and under acting respectively. Nikhila in particular has very few lines and comes across as stoic despite having a major role in the movies plot. This is not her fault as the character development is lacking for all characters.

Despite some subpar writing and forgettable songs,"Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil" is a good family watch for the weekend.

Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil" is a well-blended comedy-drama that delivers a hearty mix of situational humor, family sentiments, and unexpected twists, wrapped in a marriage-themed narrative rooted in Kerala's culture.

Vipin Das (known for Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey) keeps the tone light but meaningful. The screenplay by Deepu Pradeep is tight, with witty dialogues and engaging sequences.

Humor: The film doesn't rely on slapstick but rather thrives on situational comedy and clever writing. The family drama adds layers to the humor without going overboard.

Music & Visuals: The background score complements the story well, and the temple-town visuals of Guruvayoor add authenticity and charm.

The film starts off with an incredible bang, delivering a first half that is nothing short of a laugh riot. The initial setup is expertly crafted, replete with sharp writing, well-timed humor, and engaging character dynamics that keep you thoroughly entertained. The direction in this segment is tight, the pacing brisk, and the comedy hits the mark with consistent precision. This is the part of the film that I'd eagerly recommend to anyone looking for a good time at the movies. However, a word of caution is necessary: brace yourself for a noticeable dip in quality as the film progresses into its second half.

After intermission, the movie unfortunately takes a nosedive. The writing loses its earlier sharpness, giving way to a series of poorly constructed scenes that left me cringing in my seat. The once bright and engaging storyline becomes muddled and directionless. It seems as though the writers ran out of steam, resulting in a narrative that drags and feels aimless. The climax, in particular, is disappointingly stretched out, leading to an unsatisfying and gloomy conclusion. What started as a promising journey ends on a sour note, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

One of the most glaring issues in the second half is the underutilization of Yogi Babu. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and distinctive screen presence, Yogi Babu could have significantly elevated the film had his talents been properly harnessed.

Additionally, the introduction of too many characters mid-way through the film further complicates the narrative. Rather than enriching the story, these characters clutter the plot and detract from the central storyline. The focus shifts erratically, and the film struggles to maintain the coherence and charm that characterized its beginning. This overcrowding dilutes the impact of the main characters, making it hard for the audience to stay invested in their arcs.

In summary, this movie is a textbook example of a tale of two halves. The first half promises a delightful cinematic experience filled with humor and wit, making it a must-watch. However, the second half's weak writing, poor utilization of key talent, and an overabundance of characters derail the film, resulting in a frustrating and lackluster conclusion. If you do decide to watch this film, you might find yourself contemplating leaving at intermission to preserve.