Bramayugam Review: Mammootty’s Age Of Madness Has Demons And Arjun Ashokan

After Bhoothakalam, when Rahul Sadasivan is venturing out with Bramayugam and Mammootty, there are several surprises. The biggest among all is Arjun Ashokan. The young actor, who has been part of some of the commercially successful movies in Malayalam, has bettered his range to one of the best in the industry. Then, there you have the story, a horror thriller. But, to have a different treatment to the folklores of the land comes as normal to Rahul Sadasivan. The treatment is another surprise the director confidently converges into the movie’s different narrative, which in a way surpasses the standards set in the versatile southern movie hub.

As usual, Malayalam’s the most ‘promising’ and ‘young’ actor has delivered again, and is at his best. Though it seems like the acting for the Malayalam great comes easier, it is not. He has changed the way of acting from his recent bests like Kaathal: The Core and Kannur Squad. His expressions to make the sinister look is standout feature in the entire movie.

Then you have actor-director Sidharth Bharathan, who has made his on and off presence in the films for last couple of decades, gives his career best. The character who starts as the sidekick changes his colours (obviously, in a black and white movie) to someone who holds the power.

The movie’s overarching narrative base is built on the ideas of power and its structures.

In “Bramayugam” or “Age of Madness,” Mammootty”s character exemplifies the dynamics of power and hegemony within society, reflecting broader social science theories. His control over the abandoned mansion symbolizes hegemonic power, where he dictates the actions of others to maintain dominance.

The character”s insistence that “it should be raining when he says it”s raining” illustrates the concept of ideological hegemony, wherein those in power shape and control the prevailing beliefs and norms. This manipulation of reality reflects the ability of dominant groups to influence perceptions and maintain authority, even in the absence of factual accuracy.

Moreover, Mammootty”s character enslaving people and compelling them to obey his whims embodies Michel Foucault”s theory of disciplinary power. By exerting control over individuals” behaviors and actions, he reinforces his authority and a hierarchical social order.

Furthermore, the notion like “if you are not listening to the master, they won”t like you” underscores the social construction of obedience and compliance. Through coercive tactics and fear of exclusion or punishment, the character reinforces the idea of obedience as a societal expectation, perpetuating the power structures in place.

Overall, “Bramayugam” offers a compelling exploration of power dynamics and hegemonic control, illustrating how individuals and institutions maintain dominance through manipulation, coercion, and the perpetuation of ideological norms.

The dialogues by writer TD Ramakrishnan is a testament to the fact that how the movie wanted to elaborate the notions of power structures in the society.

The black and white treatment proves to be the best call the makers did to make the effectiveness of a horror movie.

Bramayugam is a must watch for those who like horror genre. More than that, this movie is for all those people who wants to see composed and genius acting performances on screen.

Director, story: Rahul Sadasivan

Cast: Mammootty, Arjun Ashokan, Sidharth Bharathan, and Amalda Liz.