Bharatham

Bharatham is interpreted as a modern-day adaptation of the Ramayana from Bharath's perspective. How, in the absence of his elder brother, Gopinathan takes the responsibility of the family and hides his griefs is the core of the story.

On the centenary of Indian cinema in 2013, Forbes India included Mohanlal's performance in the film on its list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema

The posthumous narration device (a from-beyond the grave voiceover is always tricky but the director keeps a tight grip on it) makes it abundantly dear from the word go that the focus is going to be more on the bereaved couple than the deceased girl. Just as well. Aisha's story is too well-documented to bear repetition in a two-and-a-half-hour film

Comparatively less is known about how Aisha's slow withering away affected her mom and dad, Moose and Panda to her. Of the 25-odd years that the two have been married, 18 have been consumed by their single-minded mission to extend the life of their ailing daughter and make her final years as happy and fulfilling as possible

Niren and Aditi's story of falling in love, their courtship, Aditi giving up her South Delhi life for an East Delhi chhajja, Niren surrendering himself to an untameable tigress, which frankly, he enjoys and wouldn't want to change--all help build these two characters who carry the film on their able shoulders. And, adds the pink in what could have otherwise been a very dark sky. Full points to Shonali Bose for that.

Not always do we come across such wonderfully made emotional pictures. I was actually told very much about the movie by my brothers before I got the opportunity to see it myself. And when I experienced it myself, after all it was as good as they claimed, if not better.

In a happy family with music heritage, Nedumudi Venu is Mohanlal's brother and guru, and an excellent singer. He reigns in the family and in the society with his music. But because of his addiction with alcohol, he loses his control over the music and people start prefering his sishya and brother Mohanlal. Considering this as an insult, he starts hating his brother and strives hard to recover from alcoholism. Unable to accept his defeat, he sets to get out of his habit by going on a yatra. Parallely Mohanlal, getting to know that Venu is killed in an accident, is forced to conceal this truth because of their vocally disabled sister's marriage. Mohanlal's trauma is sure to cast down any viewer as a matter of fact thanks to his performance.

A good choice of actors and crew, with a good plot. Expressive Mohanlal befits the role. Music blends with the movie and Yesudas has given his best, Ramakadha Ghanalayam being the pinnacle. I am sure Yesudas enjoys singing for such movies and the his emotional singing adds value to Mohanlal's character in the songs. Choice of Balamuralikrishna for Nedumudi Venu and Yesudas for Mohanlal is just perfect.

Indeed one of the best movies I have seen. No let downs.

Bharatham (1991) : Brief Review -

A Classic Musical Drama. Yet another triumph for Sibi Malayil and Mohanlal's deadly combo. Bharatham has classical music as a central attraction and so it becomes poetic. Actually every film in India is Musical only, as to what Hollywood call Musical. Having 4-5 songs in the film means Musical for Hollywood but for Bollywood and other Indian language movies, it's a common thing and yet we have a different genre called 'Musical', a big bluff, isn't it? Anyways, let's call Bharatham a musical and go ahead. Bharatham is a tale of two classical musician brothers: while the elder squanders his life and talent away for his alcoholic addiction, the younger one fulfills their joint responsibilities towards their family and how he hides his griefs is the core of the story. It is a simple formula of jealousy turned into happiness, the similar which was invented by Hollywood's 'A Star Is Born'. Well, it was about bromance here, not male-female romance and the story goes past the expected things. Bharatham is more about its poetics gesture and performances than the story. The music is simply amazing. It has that traditional classical vibes in modern tones and it also expresses the situational atmosphere very well. Hence, the music is inseparable organ here, rather I would say it's the most expressive one. Mohanlal has nailed as Gopi. His expressions in those songs are so Marvelous, assuming that he didn't sing it and just acted on it (the playback thing you know). Other cast members have great job too. The camera work is notable, especially during the songs as i just mentioned those expressions. Sibi Malayil brings a tragic drama in Musical genre, which, i guess wasn't done before. Mostly Hollywood musicals were about happiness and amusement so this was quite different. Though, for Indian standards it wasn't anything new. Overall, a Classic.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

First, let me offer my own credentials. I grew up during the late 80s and early 90s with movies from the golden age of Malayalam cinema, many of which were exceedingly good. After Malayalam cinema by and large went the direction of mindnumbing superstar action flicks and slapstick "comedies" that made you wince, my interest in Malayalam movies waned. I have since almost exclusively watched non-Malayalam movies (except for the exceptional good movie, such as Manichitrathazhu (1993) and Desaadanam (1997)). I've watched a *lot* of non-Indian movies since, and my favorite directors include Kurosawa, Bergman, Lynch, and Sergio Leone.

Now, with that background, I can say that what sets this movie apart from other family dramas back then --- and even until today --- is the tautness, suspense, and credibility in the plot and the *stellar* acting. Trust me, this movie has some of the most believable acting ever; some characters reminded me of my own family members (for e.g., the inconsequential scene where Oduvil gives Lalitha a bouquet.) Mohanlal acts a little stuck up sometimes, but I believe that was the role. The supporting cast is phenomenal with Lakshmi (edathi) deserving special mention.

But that's not it; this movie also has a massive overload of carnatic music. The songs are ones that stay with you through your life. I haven't heard these songs for well over 15 years, yet the lyrics and inflections have stayed with me. Kaithapram's really gone to town with the lyrics; the lyrics of the 'Ramakatha' song are gloomily appropriate for the occasion where it is sung.

For non-Malayalees, this movie is a great example of solid Malayalam drama that isn't one of those "award cinemas" only connoisseurs can appreciate. Please have a Malayali friend verify your subtitles for you before you watch! For Malayalees, I expect you to have watched this movie, and you visited this page only to give this movie a great rating!