Innathe Chinthavishayam

Cast: Mohanlal, Meera Jasmine, Mukesh, Innocent, Sukanya, Asokhan, Vijayaraghavan, Mohini, Muthumani, Kripa, Mamukoya, Baby Nivedhitha
Language: Malayalam
Banner: Aashirwad Cinemas
Director: Sathyan Anthikkad
Producer: Antony Perumbavoor
Camera: Azhagappan
Story: Sathyan Anthikkad
Screenplay: Sathyan Anthikkad
Dialogue: Sathyan Anthikkad
Lyrics: Gireesh Puthenchery
Music: Illayaraja
Distribution: Central Pictures Release
Year: 2008

Innathe Chinthavishayam, directed by Sathyan Anthikkad, has a topical message to convey that "it is easy to break relationships, but tougher task to keep them going", but the movie features no new story (Old wine in a new bottle) or presentation. So after seeing the preachy tone, one may well ask - Is this a feature film or a documentary?

Innathe Chinthavishayam, starring Mohanlal and Meera Jasmine, is based on the current scenario of increased divorces in modern-day Indian society. The movie tries to explore the multiple complexities of strained families where couples separate for trivial reasons, and why husband and wife should make extra efforts to stay together. In fact, many TV serials use the same theme to stretch their never-ending shows. Using this tried and tested formula in Innathe Chintha Vishayam, Sathyan Anthikkad has tried to attract family audiences.

The movie begins with a voiceover about three couples on the edge of separation. Dr. Murali Krishanan (Mukesh), a successful dentist, is more interested in chatting with other women on his mobile rather than spending the same time with his wife Teresa (Sukanya). He tries hard to hide his extramarital affairs from her, but is exposed. To escape from the resulting conflict, he walks out of the marriage, not even bothering about their daughter Lakshmi.

In the second family, the problems begin when the husband Pithambaran (Vijayaraghavan) returns home from the Middle East as he finds it impossible to stay away from his wife Premila (Mohini), even throwing away his lucrative job. He is so suspicious and possessive about her that he starts escorting her everywhere. The more he stays with her, the more he develops inferiority complexes which further complicates matters for Premila, eventually causing continuous fights and the couple eventually decide to split.

In the third family, lawyer Rehna (Muthumani) faces difficulties in her profession due to the orthodox attitude of her husband and his family. She too, walks out of her husband's home and starts working independently.

GK alias Gopakumar (Mohanlal), a garment exporter, enters the lives of these three ladies who are now living separately. He buys a house next to Muralikrishnan's residence. When Muralikrishnan tries to evict Teresa and his daughter from their home, GK explores new ways to unite the couple again. During his efforts, GK meets Premila and Rehna, who are Teresa's friends. The rest of the film is about how GK, along with his fashion designer Kamala (Meera Jasmine) and land broker Immanuel (Innocent), succeeds in getting the couples together again. Mukesh, Sukanya, Vijayaraghavan, Mohini, Innocent, Ashokan and Muthumani have done their respective roles well.

Mohanlal, one of the greatest entertainers in Malayalam cinema, does not have much to do in the movie other than playing the Good Samaritan act for the entire film. Is this a movie that really requires Mohanlal's talents? Meera Jasmine too has little to do as Kamala. The film is a bit stretched and drops tempo in the second half.

After the hit Rasathanthram, Azhagappan has once again done extremely well behind the camera, capturing the mood of the movie. Sai Babu, in charge of costumes, and Santhosh Raman, who has handled art, have undeniably added colours to the scenes. Songs by the Ilayaraja-Gireesh Puthenchery team are excellent. 'Kasthoori Pottum' and 'Kando Kando' are doing well on the music charts.

Despite its hiccups, Innathe Chintha Vishayam is still endurable since it generates genuine smiles throughout. Hence, the movie may not fail to bring applause and box office returns.

Malyalam Film News

Tamil Film News

Hindi Film News