Some movies stay put in your mind, not because the story was good or the cinematography was striking, but because the characters and the bond between them are just so chaotic and lovingly loud. They and their reactions become memorable in the most idiotic way possible. Bharathanatyam is one of those movies
Bharathanatyam (2024) – How the 1st Part Worked.
Directed by Krishnadas Murali, Bharathanatyam (2024) is a pack of family drama, humour, and slow reveals with delayed reaction. Starring Saiju Kurup as Sasidharam, where his fake puja scheme eventually blows up in his own face. The story shows the typical “what will local folks think?” in a complete brain-rot way. The characters, especially Subhash (Abhiram Radhakrishnan), are seen playing the role of society, wanting to poke their noses in Sasi’s family, who clearly aren’t interested. From showing how rigorous Sasi’s father is, to how “done for” and flabbergasting the acts he has committed in the past. The story goes through waves of laughs, emotions, and family love at unexpected times.
Everyone plays their characters so well that it becomes hard to blame even Sasi’s father. It was rather speechless seeing three people applying their brains over the mess created by the guy struggling to get out of the house, and ending up dying from the coconut. Even his death went in stunned silence and comical ways.
Love and Togetherness in Bharathanatyam
The bond and affection between them felt completely genuine. The moment Rukmini entered the house, I wanted her and Sasi’s mother to join forces and put Sasi’s father in his place. As the story unfolds, the family keeps its distance from Ajay and Rukmini. Yet the circumstances slowly bring Ajay and Arun closer. Their friendship gradually grows into true brotherhood. Arun took the first step. He offered friendship and support to Ajay and Rukmini when they found themselves surrounded by strangers in an uncomfortable situation. The gesture felt natural and sincere.
The ending tied everything together beautifully. At first, the family left Ajay and Rukmini alone with their grief. Later, they welcomed them in. What made the moment even more meaningful was that Sasi’s mother led the change. She chose compassion over society’s judgment and gossip. That decision gave the story a complete and heartfelt conclusion. The final scene was particularly moving. Sasi’s mother asked Rukmini to stay and live with them. Then the family gathered for dinner and served one another. The scene reminded us that family is not built by blood alone. It is built by love, care, and the bonds people choose to share.
Bharathnatyam 2 Mohiniyattam — Was That Even Needed?
Now, cut to the present — Bharathanatyam’s sequel came. To be honest, Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam was a little off track from the first part. Initially, it looked like the plot nobody asked for. The only thread connecting the two parts is Sasi’s dead father, which is too thin. But as the story continued, the family’s hustle-bustle and ruckus made it entertaining again. The Govindraja (Suraj Venjaramoodu) vs. family scene left me dumbfounded. And how humorously they informed Sasi about the deeds they had done, leaving everything for him to decide, as if he were the mastermind behind the murder.
What Works and What Doesn’t in Bharathnatyam 2 Mohiniyattam
Some scenes felt boring, stretched, and slow. Govindrajan’s partners in the fake temple scheme were especially irritating. I never understood why they got so much screen time. The story could have worked without them. Things became much more engaging when Subhash entered. From that point on, it was one clever move after another. That said, the film gave me plenty of laughs. Govindrajan’s wife, for instance, answered the police with complete nonchalance. Her reactions fit the film’s tone perfectly.
Moreover, fun peaked when Subhash (Baby Jean) teamed up with Sasi’s family to dispose of the body. I never saw their solution coming. It felt shocking and hilarious at the same time. Their frantic coordination, constant updates in the WhatsApp group, and the “Fahh” meme sound made the sequence even funnier. Then there was C.I. Pathran, whose ridiculous investigation style kept adding to the chaos. He remained determined to solve a case nobody had asked him to solve.
Further, the ending also made me rethink Sasi’s character. When he offered the temple money to his brother-in-law, he revealed a lot about himself. He panics when trouble appears. Then he starts calling people for help. Next, he forms a plan and puts it into action. Finally, he finds a clever way out, even if it means exposing the fake temple and the people behind it to C.I. Pathran. As for the remaining 10% of his brain, I’ll leave that to the future. After all, even Dettol promises only 99.99%.
Idiots, But Our Idiots
All in all, it was a good, decent watch. All its characters are alike — the whole family, even Subhash and Subhash. They are all messy and ridiculous, thinking themselves to be brain-full, then seeking help as if nothing happened, excelling at hiding and standing strong from the outside, but prone to making small mistakes and doing unnecessary mischief — yet somehow also loving and fun to watch. They were cursing Subhash in the first part but sought his help in the very next, knowing how only a scoundrel can handle a scoundrel — and later, everyone joined hands and became one. Scoundrels, all of them. Completely ours.
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