Madhuram

I have had a lifelong fear of hospitals and have always thought of them as giving off negative energy and a sense of dread. It is within those confines however, that director Ahammed Khabeer delivers one of the most heartwarming, feel-good stories in Malayalam this year in the simple but profound 'Madhuram'.

Weaving its story around a group of bystanders who find camaraderie in a government hospital, the director introduces us to myriad characters, each with their own joys and pain. Indrans is captivating as a retired postman, finding solace in the romance him and his ailing wife of 40 years share.

Joju George has a uncanny ability to make the audience feel and empathize with almost every expression he goes through on screen and the National Award winner revels as 'Sabu', a happy-go-lucky chef looking after his sick wife. His chemistry with Shruti Ramachandran is electric and is the best part of the movie.

Arjun Asokan picks up a brave role, a far cry from the usual characters he plays. Understated, diminutive and even submissive, 'Kevin' may frustrate you at times but his character development through the movie was a joy to watch.

Veterans Lal and Jagadeesh are both is terrific in short cameos while Navas Vallikkunnu keeps showing us he deserves full-length character roles, packing a punch with his presence in just 2-3 scenes. Jaffer Idukki continues to grow from strength to strength and is at his nuanced best as 'Kunjikka'.

The music of the movie contributes majorly in amplifying the experience and the emotions, especially the sensational 'Gaaname' , that will surely stay with you long after the movie ends. Hats off to Hesham Abdul Wahab for a fantastic new set of compositions after he enthralled us with 'Darshana'.

This does not mean the movie didn't have its downsides. Nikhila Vimal was given precious little screen time and dialogues to work with and her character comes across as one dimensional. Fahim Samar was inept as 'Thaju' and one cant help but think a better actor could have made that role more impactful and endearing.

Ultimately Madhuram' is a simple, heartwarming tale of coming to terms with what life throws at you, no matter how dire or seemingly unsurmountable the challenges may be. This, along with the delightful #Home (2021) is what feel-good movies should aspire to be rather than the preachy, melodramatic, template messes makers like Jis Joy keep putting out.

Recommended!

What is with Malayalam films and the slice of life genre? It is like a match made in heaven. The latest is Ahammed Khabeer's Madhuram. Ahammed reunites with Joju George and many others to give us a sweet film about love & it's numerous forms.

The film revolves around a group of people in a hospital's bystanders hall, who bond whilst waiting for their loved ones to recover. Front & centre are Joju George's Sabu & Arjun Ashokan's Kevin as they navigate through other vagaries of life as well. Indrans, Nikhila Vimal, Shruti Ramachandran, Jaffar Idukki & Jagadeesh co-star.

Madhuram is proof that you can find stories anywhere & everywhere. All you need to do is listen because everyone has lived and loved and each one has something unique to quote about their life. Joju George's Sabu steals the show (when has he not) as the man who offers a helping hand to everyone who needs it. His backstory is in the spotlight. His chemistry with Shruti Ramachandran's Chitra is refreshing. It is one of the sweetest love stories I have watched onscreen. For folks who have watched Churuli (also available on Sony Liv), will be happy to watch Idukki & Joju being all well-mannered.

Arjun Ashokan's story is something I couldn't relate to but it is interesting nevertheless. Indrans continues to play the wizened old man, who manages to leave a smile on your face everytime with his anecdotes & advice.

Madhuram is the sweetest movie you will watch this year. It may go unnoticed given the OTT platform it is on, but do watch it by hook or by crook because hands down this is the best movie to release on Christmas Day (in years).

Malayalam film start & end the year with a bang. From The Great Indian Kitchen to Madhuram; 2021 has been another excellent year for Mallu films.

Malayalam movies always surprises, you'll feel the complete 2hrs journey with love, performance from each of the crew is at peak and definitely an thumbs up to screenplay and direction dept, you definitely feel the music each second of the movie.

I laughed,cried & laughed watching this movie..😍 Joju George is impeccable, proved that he can do romance at its peek level.. awesome background score and music.. great movie..

Joju is the heart of this movie. After Joseph this guy has again shown that the pure element of love lies in accepting your loved one the way he/she is and sometimes we can't change fate, we have to change according to our fate to love our loved ones. Nice watch.