Chithram

Chitram is the kind of movie that one can watch numerous times and not get bored. It's considered to be a Malayalam classic. Although it has melodrama, Romance and action, this movie stands out for its Comedy. Lalettans acting is top notch. I want to rate this 8.5.

Chithram (1988) : Brief Review -

A screwball Rom-Com of 30s Hollywood meets bitter facts of Life to form a Timeless Malayalam Classic. Chithram has been considered as one of the finest romantic drama of Mohanlal and Priyadarshan's careers by their fans but is it really a Romantic Drama? Or is it really even a Rom-com? The answer should have been No but seems like that Malayalam audience of 80s wasn't aware of 30s & 40s Hollywood Classics. Indian TVs wouldn't show those Hollywood films then so it was obvious and considering the regional limits of global cinema viewing makes this equation completely irrelevant. For me, Chithram is more easy film review in 2021 that too after seeing almost 1000+ old Hollywood classics because i understand those tactics and know those cliches which were formed almost 50 years before this film was released. I won't name any Old Holywood classic to avoid the comparison but i could feel that Screwball Formula all over while watching Chithram. A woman hires a stranger to pose as her husband because she doesn't want her ailing father to know that her fiance broke their engagement. Well, it doesn't end like those happily ended films to leave audience smiling. Instead, it brings some bitter facts and mistakes of life to leave audience with a stunning reality-check against the mainstream entertainers. The film is not funny actually, i don't know why people even call it a comedy. I'd better say it's an engaging rom-com with sweet and adorable cliches. Mohanlal, Ranjini and Nedumudi Venu are best performers in the film. Dialogues are decent, screenplay is very nicely shaped, music is good and direction is immensely dedicated. Priyadarshan dares to go for a climax which he would know that family audience may not accept but sometimes a gutsy attempt brings you more success than expected. Chithram is prime example of that. Overall, a Classic Drama with no expiry date.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

One the Best movie from malayalam movie industry. A Wonderful script from Priyadarshan and Crew. The story of the movie is Great.... All the actors in the movies also do a great work to Make movie as a great success.. Mohanlal is acting as a Prisoner for doing a crime.

But he got a chance to act as a husband for daily wages. The Songs in the movie is also one of the best.... A MUST WATCH MOVIE...

The climax of the film is unpredictable and is one of the best classical films of mollywood. Mohanlal sir's acting in the movie is superb. Everyone will bear tears after the climax scene. One if the best feel good movie of Malayalam

Chitram is possibly the biggest commercial success in Malayalam cinema having run of nearly two years at the box office. But more than its commercial success the movie remembered for two striking reasons - [1] The emergence of Mohanlal as a star and actor par excellence, and [2] The epoch of the golden era of Malayalam movies typified with excellent music and strong story lines.

To summarize, the movie is about Mohanlal a youth who is struggling in life and is dogged by fate. He agrees to be a makeshift husband to Renjini at the behest of Nedumudi Venu to keep Renjini's father happy during his last visit to India. The chemistry between Lal and Renjini is quite good and their squabbles make up a major part of the movie. The movie has twist in the end, which is best seen than described.

Lal is the fulcrum around which this movies revolves. He displays emotions and comic timing both with remarkable ease and his scenes with Venu are brilliant and endearing at the same time. Venu is an apt foil for Lal while Sreenivasan has a great comedy track. Sreeni also deserves credit for coming up with a script that keeps the viewer hooked throughout. Renjini is competent.

The highlight of the movie (besides Lal's path-breaking performance) is the fantastic music which is popular even after two decades. This was the first Malayalam movie in which original soundtrack was accompanied by the hero's voice-over. Chitram marks the beginning of an era of great Malayalam movie music.

Overall, a must-see for all Malayalam movie fans.