'Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam' Review: Saiju Kurup’s Compelling Slice Of Dark Humour

Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam emerges as an intriguing, if imperfect, extension of Malayalam cinema’s experimentation.

Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the film leans decisively into dark humour, crafting a narrative that oscillates between satire and suspense.

Spoiler Alert:

The film opens with a carefully structured recap of the events surrounding Sai Kumar’s Bharathan, whose death casts a long shadow over the story.

Then it expands, both narratively and emotionally, into the fractured lives orbiting his legacy. His two families, led by Kalaranjini as Saraswati and Sreeja Ravi, are brought under one roof, forging an uneasy domestic alliance that becomes the film’s emotional and moral core.

Saiju Kurup’s Sasidharan emerges as the reluctant fulcrum, caught between duty, deception, and survival.

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The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Suraj Venjaramoodu’s Govindan, a deeply flawed antagonist whose financial desperation and moral bankruptcy drive much of the conflict.

A temple built on corruption, both literal and symbolic, becomes the epicentre of the unfolding chaos.

The revelation that Bharathan had deceived an entire village through fabricated myths adds a layer of socio-cultural satire, subtly critiquing blind faith and systemic corruption.

This domestic drama soon spirals into a darkly comic thriller when an accidental death sets off a chain of increasingly absurd yet tense events.

The film’s tonal pivot here is striking. Director Krishnadas Murali embraces the chaos, allowing the narrative to descend into a labyrinth of panic-driven decisions, body disposal schemes, and moral compromises.

The influence of films like Drishyam is evident, though Mohiniyattam approaches its subject with far less restraint and far more irreverence.

Among the ensemble, Baby Jean stands out as Subash, arguably the film’s most compelling presence. Stripping away any vestiges of his musical persona, he delivers a brilliant performance.

Veteran actors such as Jagadish and Vinay Forrt, as a cameo Police officer, add further texture. Jagadish’s portrayal of a butcher reluctantly drawn into the family’s predicament is laced with dark irony.

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Technically, the film is well-supported. The music by Electronic Kili is particularly noteworthy, infusing the film with a distinctive sonic identity. Both the background score and songs elevate key moments, often compensating for lapses in narrative cohesion.

The cinematography by Bablu Aju captures the story’s tonal duality effectively, while Shafeeque VB’s editing ensures a largely engaging pace despite occasional narrative conveniences.

What distinguishes Mohiniyattam is its use of situational comedy. The humour emerges organically from panic and poor decision-making rather than constructed punchlines.

There are moments of slapstick, puns, and visual gags, but they rarely feel forced; instead, they are elevated by the performances.

The film also peppers in subtle and overt movie references, often using them as ironic commentary on the characters’ attempts to navigate their predicament, which adds a meta layer enhancing the viewing experience.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The screenplay frequently relies on contrivances that make complex situations resolve with improbable ease.

Characters agree to morally dubious actions with minimal resistance, diluting the stakes. While the humour is consistent, it seldom reaches a level of sharpness that leaves a lasting impact.

Unlike the biting satire seen in darker comedies such as Maranamass, the film opts for a more subdued, situational approach, which may not fully satisfy viewers seeking stronger comedic payoffs.

Yet, what ultimately works in Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam is its commitment to tone. It does not aspire to be a gripping thriller or an uproarious comedy; instead, it occupies a peculiar middle ground where absurdity and anxiety coexist.

The film thrives in its messiness, drawing the audience into a world where morality is negotiable, and survival often trumps conscience.

If you simply wish to watch, laugh, and not question every improbability, Mohiniyattam proves to be an enjoyable ride.

Timeline Verdict: A darkly amusing, chaotic family drama that thrives on strong performances.

Rating: 3/5

Cast
Saiju Kurup
Baby Jean
Suraj Venjaramoodu
Kalaranjini
Sreeja Ravi
Jagadish
Vinay Forrt

Crew
Director & Writer: Krishnadas Murali
Music & Background Score: Electronic Kili
Cinematography: Bablu Aju