Bougainvillea Review: Amal Neerad’s Turn To Psycho-Thriller Is Intense, Convincing As Story Leads The Way

There are hundreds of films in world cinema that delve into memory and how it influences narratives, with the Malayalam blockbuster Kishkindha Kaandam being a recent example. Now, Bougainvillea adds another gem to the genre of psycho-crime thrillers with a composed and brilliant adaptation of a story that was centre of artistic discourses for long in Southern Indian state Kerala. Despite earlier denials from the makers, the film, directed by Amal Neerad, is said to be based on Lojo Jose’s acclaimed Malayalam crime novel Ruthinte Lokam. Bougainvillea is not a regular crime-thriller movie, but it has all the elements of well-craft suspense, carefully done writing and mannered directing necessary for a psycho-crime thrillers. Above all, Jyothirmayi, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Sharaf U Dheen, Veena Nandakumar, Srinda, Jinu Joseph and Shobi Thilakan have upgraded the value of the movie with commendable acting.

The wait for Bougainvillea has been long, but the storytelling is well worth the patience. For those who appreciate films that take their time building narratives, this one feels like a marathon. However, the journey is engrossing, never leaving the viewer bored.

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At the heart of the film is Reethu, who suffers from retrograde amnesia—a memory disorder where individuals lose access to memories formed before the onset. Often caused by trauma or brain injury, the condition primarily affects recent memories, though older ones may remain intact. Recovery varies, with memories sometimes returning gradually over time and in the movie, skill fully crafted narrative brings the changes to her character. And interestingly, in the second half the movie is mostly about Royce, and there lies the most spoilers.

While the movie opens by focusing on Reethu’s struggle with her condition, it gradually expands into a broader narrative. As with Ruthinte Lokam, the story unfolds around Reethu’s complex world, her husband Royce’s dark, ambiguous life, and the mysteries surrounding their lives.

A question that lingers throughout the viewing experience is whether the film’s true highlight lies in its story or the performances—a dilemma found in all good cinema. This is a testament to the film’s depth, keeping the audience captivated until the very end.

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The novel ‘Ruthinte Lokam (The World of Ruth)’ is central to the story and that gives the confusion much wait because of the depth the novel conveys. Considered as one of the best crime novels in Malayalam, Ruthinte Lokam has its own fan base and all the anticipation surrounding the movie was worth the wait. As writer Lajo Jose puts it earlier in an interview, the novel deals with the story of Ruth who suffers from retrograde amnesia and is narrated through the perspectives of Ruth and her husband Ronald. He said that the reader travels with her and has to find out about her past and present.

In Bougainvillea, as many of the viewers got confused with the character details, about why the crimes are happening and who is doing it, the writers were able to establish a cinematic confusion during with the trailer, and that confusion helps the viewer to wait patiently till the end of the movie to digest what was actually happening and who was actually doing all those things. This treatment has enhanced the suspense and curiosity factor to another level, in other words, the script and direction of the movie kills the predictability issue.

In the movie, Ruth becomes Reethu and Ronald is Royce. Jyothirmayi as Reethu delivers a performance unlike anything seen before, far removed from her roles in Meesa Madhavan or Hariharan Pillai Happyanu. Her portrayal of Reethu is layered, nuanced, and nothing short of a masterpiece. Her two identities, one as the real Reethu who has little ideas of what is her past and present, and another as the one who can comprehend what is happening with her, is presented with proper care and in a composed manner.

Watching Kunchacko Boban will give you an idea how the talented actor decided to be part of the production. He once again proves his mettle, cementing his place as one of Malayalam cinema’s finest as a caring husband in the first half then turning a conflicting character in the second half. Dr Royce of the second half is a case study on the evolved Kunchacko Boban, in which he masterfully carries the nuances of a character that has a past. The way he executes the action sequences is another signal how the chocolate-good-dancer-lover-boy transformed into a holistic package.

Meanwhile, Fahadh Faasil, in an extended cameo, brings his usual brilliance to the screen. Others from the supporting cast, including Sharaf U Dheen, Veena Nandakumar and Srinda, are also help really well in the execution of a script that demanded persuasive performances.

As a director, no wonder, Amal Neerad’s foray into psycho-thrillers is refreshing and irresistible. He has been successful in making all the department work, and in the process each department — music, cinematography, editing — work in tandem to make his effort successful.

Timeline Verdict: Amal Neerad’s foray into the psycho-thriller genre, combined with Lojo Jose’s compelling writing and stellar performances by the cast, makes Bougainvillea a must-watch.

Bougainvillea crew

Direction: Amal Neerad

Writers: Lajo Jose, Amal Neerad

Cinematographer: Anend C. Chandran

Editor: Vivek Harshan

Music: Sushin Shyam

Cast: Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Jyothirmayi, Sharaf U Dheen, Veena Nandakumar, Srinda, Jinu Joseph, Shobi Thilakan