Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha Movie Review : A romance that is unique , with masterful narration

Story: Suresh and Sumalatha's love story deepens after her school dance performance on a rainy day. However, it is disrupted when Suresh unexpectedly slinks away with his great-grandmother's gold ring. Years later, upon his return for his great-grandmother's funeral, their love rekindles. Yet, the question remains: Will destiny and societal norms allow their 'happily ever after'?

Review: In an era where Malayalam cinema garners global acclaim for its narrative depth, Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval ventures into uncharted territory with a heartfelt narrative that defies conventional norms. Unlike many contemporary films, this offering transcends superficiality, reminiscent of the impact 'Andaz Apna Apna' had with its subtle comedy and thought-provoking dialogue in 1994.

Poduval's 2024 creation, devoid of star-driven spectacles, presents a multi-layered narrative beyond a simple love story, set in Payyannur. It boldly challenges stereotypes surrounding beauty, masculinity, caste, love, romance, and relationships. This film stands as a testament to the filmmaker's unique vision, distinct from his previous quirky works, as he ingeniously spins characters from his earlier film 'Nna Thaan Case Kodu' into a new, compelling love story. He emerges as a trailblazing director, fearlessly pushing boundaries and redefining the landscape of Malayalam cinema with his craft.

The film is a hilarious spoof mixed with clever comedy, impressive action scenes, catchy songs, and strong performances from the entire cast, particularly Rajesh Madhavan, Chitra Nair, and Sudheesh. The story revolves around Suresh and Sumalatha, childhood friends from Payyannur whose love story blossomed during their school days. Things take an unexpected twist when Suresh runs away with his great-grandmother's gold ring. Upon returning for her funeral, he decides to pursue Sumalatha and rekindle their teenage romance.

The narrative unfolds seamlessly across three distinct time periods, providing depth to the characters and their evolving relationships. From the nostalgic innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood, Suresh and Sumalatha's love story is beautifully depicted against the backdrop of Payyannur's changing landscape.

One of the film's highlights is its exploration of societal stereotypes and norms, challenging them with wit and subtlety. Through clever dialogue and engaging performances, the cast breathes life into characters that resonate with authenticity and depth. Rajesh Madhavan and Chitra Nair deliver standout performances, anchoring the film with their chemistry and emotional depth.

The director's masterful storytelling and unique vision shine throughout the film's duration. Additionally, the incorporation of theatre as a central motif adds layers to the narrative, symbolising both unity and division within the community.

Dawn Vincent's music serves as a soulful accompaniment to the story, enhancing emotional moments and enriching the overall cinematic experience. The inclusion of timeless songs like 'Aayiram Kannumayi' and music from classic Malayalam movies like 'Njan Gandharvan' further adds to the film's nostalgic charm.

While the ensemble of new actors delivers strong performances, Kunchako Boban's appearance as Kozhummal Rajeevan feels somewhat out of place, failing to resonate with the film's overall tone and theme. Despite this minor flaw, 'Sureshinteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hridayahariyaya Pranayakatha' remains a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.
- Anjana George