Bharathan

Cast: Biju Menon, Suresh Gopi, Geethu Mohandas, Jagathy, Innocent, Rajan P Dev, Sudheesh, Jayakrishnan, Punnapra Appachan, Kalpana, Ponnamma Babu, Sreelatha
Language: Malayalam
Director: Anil Das
Producer: K.M Suresh
Camera: Ramachandrababu
Story: Madhu Muttom
Screenplay: Madhu Muttom
Dialogue: Madhu Muttom
Lyrics: Kavaalam Narayana Panicker
Music: M Jayachandran
Year: 2007

The makers of 'Bharathan' have released the film with the tag 'The First Science Fiction Thriller in Malayalam'. But coming out of the theatre, you are bound to be totally confused especially as regards the intentions of the makers. Scriptwriter Madhu Muttam (who had earlier scripted the much acclaimed and hugely successful 'Manichitrathazhu') and director Anil Das perhaps seem to have been obsessed with the idea of making a science fiction thriller and seem to have forgotten that they have to cater to and satisfy an audience. You don't quite make out for which segment of the audience the film is made.

Bharathan, who lives with his wife Geetha in a rented house owned by Karia, has a rather inquisitive mind especially as far as scientific matters are concerned. He tries to invent many new devices and gadgets and never sticks on to any particular job. This lands him in deep financial troubles and many a time he is helped out by his friend Peter, who goes about finding him new jobs, among them as a teacher in a tutorial college. In the meantime Bharathan invents a gadget that could be used to clean and sweep the courtyard and also to pluck coconuts and fruits from palms and trees.

Geetha, who usually is irritated by Bharathan's obsession with such things, is quite amazed and impressed by this invention. Karia takes the gadget in lieu of the rent they owe him. One day, on the way to take classes, 'Bharathan' has a strange kind of experience that becomes a turning point in his life. This and a few other experiences lead him to a very spectacular invention relating to gravity. But people around him brand him a lunatic and that leads to many problems in his life. What follows forms the rest of the plot.

Biju Menon is okay as 'Bharathan', but neither he nor his character leaves a lasting impression on our minds. Geethu Mohandas as Geetha doesn't fare well. She falters at many points. It's a pity that such a talented actress is simply wasted, courtesy inept direction and loose script. The ineptness of the director and the writer is proved on many occasions like the scene when Thankachan (played by Jayakrishnan) raves like a mad man after seeing the wheel of a truck being lifted up into the air on its own. The young actor's performance seems like that of an amateur in a mono-act show. The characters of Thankachan's parents, played by Innocent and Kalpana and the character of the priest played by Rajan P. Dev leave much to be desired.

Sudheesh is just OK as Peter. Jagathy Sreekumar is good as Karia, though the character wouldn't remain in our memories for long on account of it being a typical Jagathy character. Suresh Gopi, who pops up towards the end in the role of a para-psychologist, is his usual self and has nothing much to do and has perhaps been put in to increase box-office potential.

There's nothing much to be said about the technical aspects. The songs are good, but may not get noticed, as the film itself is not likely to make any impact on the viewing public. The director, who has faltered for the most part, and the scenarist, who has tried to end the story in a fashion similar to his 'Manichitrathazhu', should have paid more attention to details as also to the totality of the film. A science-fiction thriller ought to keep you on the edge of your seat. But what 'Bharathan' succeeds in doing is elicit an occasional yawn from you. That's all there is to be said about the film.

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