'Kunjiramayanam' is a breezy comedy

TWO DEBUTANTS TO the silver screen have weaved box office magic and remarkable freshness with Kunjiramayanam, starring Vineeth Sreenivasan, his brother Dhyan Sreenivasan, Aju Varghese, Neeraj Madhav and an ensemble cast of veterans and talented newcomers.
Director Basil Joseph and writer Deepu Pradeep, both experienced in their realms - one as a short film maker and the other a widely followed blogger and author - take cues from Vineeth's own style of writing to make a film that Kerala's youth could relate to. No wonder then that the film, which released in Kerala during Onam, amidst several biggies, has gone on to win at the box office.
Kunjiramayanam has been in the news for a long time for its novel marketing approach. Positioned as an unpretentious fun ride, the movie cashes in on what Malayalam film audiences seem to love most - nostalgia - and lace it up with humour.
Another film packaged for the youth - the largest and most influential movie going crowd right now in Kerala - the film could remind you of the 'golden age' of Malayalam humour that was defined by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan.
So we have Vineeth playing Kunjiraman, one of the very few from a fictional village, set circa 1980s/90s (the rather relaxed setting giving the writers and director even more reason to indulge in their fun ride without bothering about social realities).
For many, this village and the mannerisms of the protagonist - a Gulf-returnee - might ring a familiar note. After all, Kerala has thrived with expatriate remittances and Keralites have always given some allowance for the earlier generation of 'Gulfies' to show off a bit.
Kunjiramayanam is all about how Kunjiraman is seeking a bride while taking viewers through a village's desperate rush to address the sudden shortage of a brew that was once common at Kerala's breweries.
The film takes a big fat chance, if you may, with its weak storyline. It is how the characters are fleshed out and how situations unfold with smart speed that keeps viewers hooked to the movie and leave the theatres feeling if not elated, definitely not drained or utterly disappointed.
That is a big achievement in today's Malayalam cinema when veterans and newcomers are trying hard to keep the viewers engaged and balance out their expectations. Kunjiramayanam comes to theatres with little expectations other than being a breezy comedy - the style that has made Nivin Pauly the sensational hero of today - and audiences have warmed up to the movie that has reportedly made twice its production cost already.
The strength of the film, to a great extent, lies in its ensemble cast. Everyone from Mamu Koya to the few surprise guest appearances will make you smile, with actors such as Aju Varghese, as a local tailor, and Neeraj Madhav making the joyous ride more worthwhile.
Kunjiramayanam might not push any new frontiers or scale untapped horizons but for audiences that seek a rather good time at the theatres, it gives them a joy ride and they can return without feeling that the youthful team has taken them for a ride.