Bheemante Vazhi Review

Chemban Vinod wrote the screenplay for Ashraf Hamza's movie, which tackles a serious issue with a humorous twist. The protagonist is a flawed character, adding depth to the story.

Here are the cast and crew members of the movie "Bheemante Vazhi":

Director: Ashraf Hamza

Actors:

• Kunchacko Boban
• Chemban Vinod Jose
• Suraj Venjaramoodu
• Jinu Joseph
• Nirmal Palazhi
• Shabareesh Varma

Story

In the opening scene, two friends ride a motorcycle through a residential area on a typical morning trip in the movie "Bheemante Vazhi." The movie's title is displayed on the screen like a brown caterpillar. The goal was to create a path allowing neighborhood residents to access the road without carrying older individuals or climbing over fences. It wasn't a heroic endeavor where one person triumphs over the bureaucracy or fights for the rights of many. Although it tackles a serious problem, Ashraf Hamza's Bheemante Vazhi presents a humorous take on the issue of people being unable to access roads during emergencies. The main character is a flawed hero, adding to the story's complexity.

At the story's beginning, Kunchacko Boban is portrayed as a lazy person who tends to chase after women and talks about wanting a large dowry when he decides to settle down. Despite navigating through narrow alleyways and carrying his injured mother over fences on a rainy night, he doesn't seem to mind. He only becomes involved in the plot because of the urging of Reeta (played by Divya M. Nair), a local council member. However, the problem is that everyone else in the area is used to the congested route and has no interest in changing it, much like Bheeman.

Discussions and meetings in this movie are reminiscent of small-town gatherings, with many opinions expressed without lengthy speeches or preaching. Chemban Vinod, the script's author, also plays a lonely character Bheeman confides in. This film differs from Vinod's previous work, Angamaly Diaries, as it allows for excellent character development within the context of the traffic issue. As a result, only a few characters, including Bheeman and a small group of faceless figures, are prominently featured.

One man is known for always carrying a bird on his shoulder, another walks around shirtless but wears a mundu and a helmet, and the third is a young child who loves dressing up as a superhero. Suraj Venjaramoodu plays the endearing role of Binu Pappu, a kind-hearted alcoholic known as a "manyan." Then there's Bheeman's neighbor, who deeply cares for his dog Jack, feeding him a balanced diet and seeking permission before bringing him outside. While initially amusing, the humor may become offensive and inadvertently criticize those passionate about animal welfare.

The script also sheds light on human sexuality and depicts it as a normal condition of affairs without making a big deal out of it. The pet owner's daughter Blessy (Vincy Aloshious) and Bheeman are having an affair, and both are portrayed to be just interested in a fling?uncommon for non-villainous protagonists in Malayalam movies. Even though he feels the same way, the man finds the woman's lack of empathy offensive. When Bheeman asks Maharshi (Chemban) why ladies lack feeling in this way, Maharshi puts him in his place by pointing out that he is not any different. It's amazing how easily Kunchacko, who formerly had the reputation of always portraying the sweet young man, switches into these unpleasant personalities.

Similar to his previous movie Thamaasha, director Ashraf introduces a variety of woman characters. Reeta is your outgoing counselor, Blessy enjoys having a good time, Sita (Jeeva), and Anju (Chinnu Chandni) are reserved but have strong points to conceal. The Kannada railway engineer (Megha Thomas), who has the smallest number of eccentricities compared to all the other ladies, has a longer part.

Mostly unknown performers make up Ashraf's charming ensemble, which turns out to be a fascinating assortment of villagers. They do a wonderful job. The people of Chemban are not like the cliched small-town characters from movies. The men and women are shown to have no remorse about their inappropriate relationships. Even the adversary, the lustful and greedy Kosethep (Jinu Joseph), is more annoying than frightening. Since no region in Kerala is yet recognized for its curiosity in that regard, it is (pleasantly) unexpected that there is no act of moral policing, not even attention exhibited towards the concerns of neighbors or even their own family members.

However, despite the time and effort put into character development, the humor does not always land, and the story, while engaging, feels a little out of place.

Critic's Rating

Overall Critic's Rating 3.5 out of 5

Bheemante Vazhi Awards

1 Win & 1 Nomination

• Muhsin Parari has won Best Lyric Writer Bheemante Vazhi For the song "Oruthi...."
• Jinu Joseph has been nominated for the 2022 SIIMA award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Negative Role for his work in Malayalam films.