Neelavelicham

I was expecting some interesting twists and turns it's the story. Not seen the original but even if that was linear they could have improvised here. Last 30 minutes were very disappointing. You were like ok this happens next and then this and then this like watching the replay of a game you know the result of and then game over, go to bed. Disappointed because it was a great premise with excellent camera work and direction. Only if the script were better. On the performances Tovino did well, rest were forgettable partly due to lack of character development. Movie could have been made tighter with lesser songs and shorter screenplay.

For some one like me who is not from south doesn't understand the language but have certain level of expectations from malayalam movie this movie does not reach to that level. I watched it with sub titles so it was not difficult to understand the movie. What i liked most about this movie is the location as far as the village near the scene i dont know if that was real or a movie set but it looked beautiful, its definitely not a horror movie but few scenes are little scary, the back ground score is good, the biggest fault is the script very poor, the climax action scene seems unnecessarily dragged and it look foolish to see the leading character trying to save the villian who murdered two people and was also planning to kill him.

We have been putting up with white saree clad ghosts who are always sad, singing and out to get their revenge in soulless movies for decades. Neelavelicham brings back the original white saree clad ghost. There is a back story which explains why she is what she is.

The protagonist's monologues addressing the ghost which he only half believes in is heart warming. Tovino brings to life the essence of Basheer. He is depressed from a recent break up, broke financially and still manages to crack jokes to himself. The master storyteller of Kerala was portrayed with lots of love and care.

Rima's Bhargavi is hated by most of the male characters in the movie. It beautifully paints the picture of a patriarchal society where a rebel young woman walked with her head held high. Her character arch and backstory were beautifully told.

Other actors like Roshan and Shine also did justice to their roles. The roles were portrayed a bit theatrically paying homage to the original. The recreation of songs was also well done. It has subtle differences from the original but the essence of the songs and the emotions are preserved. There are a few jump scares. Tovino's expressions when his character experiences the supernatural is the best thing with this movie. All blood drains from his face though he believes the ghost to be not malevolent is the best portrayal of human kind reacting to the concept of unknown.

In short, beautiful movie worth watching. Subtitles on Amazon Prime are decent, so non Keralites can enjoy it too.

Director shows a house with no electricity in the movie . Hero always carries a kerosene lamp. But the house has electric fan, switch board and electric lights shown in the movie . Why don't the director switch on those electrical device rather than giving a kerosene lamp to the hero. Director has gone to 1960 without giving any attention to minute detail and completely ruined the plot . The actress selection for the ghost also ruined the movie . It's a complete goof up in every sense , right from direction to casting. Tovino and shine tom has done a good job . Movie is boring , don't waste your time.

Film Review: Malayalam language film Neelavelicham streaming on Prime Video ( available with English subtitles!!)

Directed by Ashiq Abu, Neelavelicham tells the story of a writer, Tovino Thomas ( Basheer )who rents a mansion that is reportedly haunted by the spirit of a young woman who committed suicide after being betrayed in love . As he starts staying there and writing the tragic love story between Bhargavi ( Rima Kallingal) and Roshan Mathew (SasiKumar) he stumbles upon evidence that suggests something otherwise. Will Basheer uncover the truth & free Bhargavis soul ?

The film is based on Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's renowned short story and a remake of the 1964 blockbuster, Bhargavi Nilayam.

To watch or skip - cinematography is nice and the beautiful sleepy seaside village ambience has been captured beautifully. Lead cast including Tovino Thomas, Rima Kallingal, Tom Chako & Roshan Mathew have performed well in their respective roles!!

On the flip side the narrative might seem a bit slow especially in the first half. Some songs and flashbacks end up slowing the pace of the film bigtime. However we have to remember that this is a remake of a film from a bygone era and the reconstruction hits the mark perfectly!!

If u have watched Guru Dutt & Meena Kumari's Sahib Biwi aur Gulaam or Satyajit Ray's Monihara .... This film will remind you of the treatment given to these evergreen classics !!

I enjoyed it but be warned, this is a film devoid of any chills thrills and action ... Hence not everyone's cup of tea!!

Going with 3/5 for this one .. Adios 🙂!!

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