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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.

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.

The film Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is a cinematic work belonging to the family drama genre, and was directed by Sharan Venugopal.

The film's narrative is focused on the three sons of Narayani, namely Vishwanathan, Sethu and Bhaskaran. The narrative recounts the reunion of these three siblings following a 24-year hiatus. Bhaskaran's departure from his familial residence was precipitated by his matrimonial union with a Muslim woman, Nafeesa. The couple have two children now, Nikhil and Tanuja. The gathering occurred in anticipation of the imminent demise of their mother. The film then proceeded to depict the relationship between the three brothers and the various confrontations that arose over the matter of a share of the wealth. The prevailing sentiment was that the mother's demise should occur at the earliest opportunity. It is an inherent human tendency to desire the return of one's personal belongings. The subjects paused their activities in order to attend this gathering. Concurrently, a profound relationship developed between Nikhil and Athira, Vishwanathan's daughter. Subsequently, this results in a confrontation between the brothers. The film evidently portrayed the typical dynamics of familial relationships and their respective commitments.

The narrative was of a high standard, and the direction was also commendable. The performances are of a similarly high standard. Musical scores are notable. This is a valuable resource for individuals who wish to watch the film once.

This dysfunctional family drama treads pretty familiar ground, but the titular trio of leads (and their combined screen presence) makes it work. It's a slow-paced, unhurried film with a romantic subplot taking up a sizeable portion of the runtime; I believe the film should've stayed ultra-focused on the dynamic between the three sons over all else. The romance, while interesting in its own right, may leave you with a confusing aftertaste. Even when that's the case, the performances from the ensemble are downright solid (barring dialect issues). Appu Prabhakar's got a knack for capturing rural Kerala in all its glory. The music (by Rahul Raj) ranges between okayish to good. It's a good watch on the whole, and you'll remember the name Sharan Venugopal.

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.

This movie is like a bittersweet hug-it warms your heart but also leaves it a little heavy. It's about how people, deep down, are good and kind, even when life doesn't go their way. The characters feel real, and you can't help but care about them as they face their struggles and try to do the right thing.

The film shows that love can happen anywhere, even in the hardest of times. But it doesn't sugarcoat things-love isn't always enough to fix everything. The relationships are touching and real, whether it's between friends, family, or two people who care deeply for each other. It's beautiful but also heartbreaking, because life doesn't always give us happy endings.

The movie is simple but powerful. The pictures are pretty, the music is moving, and the story stays with you long after it's over. It's not a feel-good film, but it's honest and meaningful.

If you want a story that feels real and makes you think about life, love, and the goodness in people, watch this movie. Just be ready for some tears-it's not all sunshine, but it's worth it.

The movie shows physical relationship between a brother and a sister in the family. I felt it to be something ridiculous to show on the movie. What happened to the censor board of Malayalam movies ... The movie shows the relationship in the family to be so vain... We haven't lost our culture so badly to depict something like this... Please don't degrade yourself by showing something like this in movies...let us not deviate from the sense of togetherness we have in our family...No body is going to kill their parents for the sake of money and discomfort they give to their children in their old age...

I have been looking forward to watch Narayaneente moonnaanmakkal the moment i saw Joju in the cast but still kept my expectations low and didn't watch the trailer , according to movie critic and youtuber Ashwant kok,one of the success of a movie lies in its ability to draw the viewer into its universe and keep you there without allowing you to drift out ,i whole heartedly agree with this view but kok seems not to be impressed with this movie by the debutante director Sharan Venugopal ,myself on the other-hand was immediately draw into the movie's universe , the cinematography is beautiful ,nothing fancy but it has its warm feel just as the movie demands ,the music and background score compliments well,checkout the aching soulful melodies of 'viral thodum',since time immemorial man is always searching he/she is reaching out towards the other who can somehow fill the void and this movie is a meditation on these themes , on love/separation the movie also touches on social issues centering on behavior of people which is rooted in deep bias and hypocrisy leading to some funny exchanges but it also points out that all this is furthering the misery towards others and themselves .... maybe we are all like that fish trapped in that bowl looking for that grand emancipation...

In today's cinema world, where films are designed to entertain, challenge, and evoke emotion, Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal feels like an outdated relic. It offers no depth, no humor, and no engaging narrative. If you want a movie that keeps you interested and invested, this is definitely not it.

In conclusion, Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is a painfully slow, poorly executed film that fails to deliver in almost every aspect. The dragging pace, weak performances, and lack of purpose make it a forgettable experience. I cannot recommend this film to anyone-it's a waste of time. If you value your patience, avoid this one.

Somewhere in the middle of the movie, we see a frame frozen for a few seconds, depicting a typical Kerala house with three brothers sitting quietly and discordantly. This frame epitomises the entire proceedings of the film. Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, meaning "Narayanee's Three Sons" in Malayalam, is a film without a real story, a beginning or a typical end. It is just a slice-of-life portrayal that takes us through a few days in the lives of a discordant family. It feels as if Director Sharan Venugopal set up cameras and sound recording devices in and around the house to showcase the candid happenings there as a feature film!

An old mother (Narayanee) is in her final stages of life on a ventilator. Her three sons, along with their families, come together to be with her in her last days, attempting to bury their past hatchets, at least for the outside world. As their wait unexpectedly prolongs, relationships and intentions unravel. This type of narrative is not new to Indian cinema in general or Malayalam cinema in particular. However, Malayalam cinema excels in this genre by keeping it real, devoid of stars, drama, punch dialogues, lewd comedy, or loud music. This film has none of these elements.

As days pass, apart from the relationship dynamics between the three brothers, there are fleeting references to quite a few other issues-interfaith marriage and its aftermath, caste conflicts in society, adolescent love and breakups, the fraught relationship between a mother and daughter, small-town idiosyncrasies, and the rebellious streak of today's youth, among others. Every character, including the ailing mother who doesn't speak a single word in the film, comes in shades of grey and are as real as possible, thanks to some outstanding performances by the entire cast and impressive camera work.

I am certain that outside of Malayalam cinema, actor Alencier Ley Lopez is not very well known. However, as a character actor, he ranks among the best in the country today, in my eyes. In this film, Alencier, as the eldest son, feels as if he has stepped right out of real life. His performance adds to his already impressive filmography in Malayalam, including films like Thondimuthalum Drikshakshiyum, etc. Suraj Vencharamoodu and Joju George, as the other two sons, deliver equally effortless performances with their restrained portrayals. Even with this heavyweight cast, the ones who stood out for me were Garggi Ananthan and Thomas Mathew, who play the roles of the adolescent kids in the family. Garggi's charming face and her permanently moist eyes serve as a perfect foil for her character in this film. Thomas, as a representative of today's youth grappling with their parents, love interests, and life's purpose, is simply fantastic. Without the stellar cast, this film's straightforward and familiar narrative would not have resonated as effectively.

Director Sharan introduces a very uncomfortable sequence that touches on societal taboos, which could be explosive in a society like ours. He quickly shifts the focus to the core theme, which is the nature of relationships between the three brothers. The screenplay, which moves at a slow pace until then, suddenly accelerates towards the end sequence, which cannot be called the climax, as there is none.

The Director leaves the conclusion to the viewers' imagination, but it is not difficult to infer what might have transpired. At another level, the film echoes the essence of another fine Malayalam film-Ullozhukku (Read My Flash Review here). With numerous undercurrents, this film could easily pass as a sequel to that film, featuring a parallel set of characters!

Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, streaming on Amazon Prime, is a must-watch if you appreciate realism in movies, as I do.

"A Timeless Malayalam Classic That Deserves More Recognition"

It's rare to see a well narrated movie without twists and violence these days. It doesn't claim to be the top 10 malayalam movie but it's definitely worth watch it. Personally I felt like the more times you watch the more you'll love it.

I felt like I was watching a true classic malayalam movie. Sharan venugopal's brilliant direction brings all puzzles together-music, cinematography, casting, art, and acting etc balancing well. What makes this film stand out is its simplicity and honesty. It doesn't rely on unnecessary drama or exaggerated storytelling but instead focuses on genuine emotions and well-crafted moments. The characters feel real, their struggles relatable, and every scene is thoughtfully put together. It's the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you appreciate the beauty of good filmmaking.

It truly deserves more attention.

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.

Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal (2024) : Movie Review -

Sharan Venugopal presents a family drama that maintains traditional values while crossbreeding them with modern taboos. The film struggles to flow naturally, as the issues between the three brothers are somewhat relatable, but the romantic affair between cousins is inexcusable.

You can't expect me to appreciate a film that depicts a boy getting intimate with his cousin sister. Have the people of Malayalam culture really become so modern as to accept this immorality? If so, then Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is a must-watch; however, if you possess a sense of shame and acknowledge the moral correctness of relationships, this film will undoubtedly land on your hate list.

The story follows three brothers who reunite under one roof after years, as their mother is on the verge of passing away. The son of a brother returning from the UK is relatively unaffected before his arrival, and he finds comfort in his cousin sister. The girl, preoccupied with her self-ego, is also grappling with her own inner issues and soon begins to enjoy her cousin brother's company.

As their parents battle over property, the two cousins commence a romantic affair. When things start to smooth over, this immoral relationship ruins everything. Will they be able to reconcile? The resolution and situational arguments become painfully predictable. Yet, you might find it enjoyable for a while until your own moral values compel you to dislike it.

The film features commendable acting, with everyone delivering notable performances. Joju George, Suraj Venjaramoodu, and Alencier Ley Lopez anchor the film, and all three have done a fantastic job. Although I disliked their characters for endorsing a scandalous romance, I couldn't fault Garggi Ananthan and Thomas Mathew for their performances; they appeared quite charming at many moments. I just wish they had remained siblings and had not become lovers. Shelly Kishore and Sajitha Madathil provided fine support.

Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal is beautifully shot, thanks to the cinematographer. The locations evoke a natural ambiance, and some dialogues add an intellectual dimension as well. However, the film lacks emotional depth, particularly concerning death and past memories; it feels artificial, unlike recent sensations such as Meiyazhagan, which resonated as warm and heartfelt. Sharan Venugopal hasn't made any significant missteps other than misjudging the concept. A film depicting Hindu-Muslim marriage as taboo cannot reach such a ludicrous level. It could have been so much better if the modern understanding of moral romance hadn't been compromised.

RATING - 5/10*