What is with Malayalam films and the slice of life genre? It is like a match made in heaven. The latest is Ahammed Khabeer's Madhuram. Ahammed reunites with Joju George and many others to give us a sweet film about love & it's numerous forms.
The film revolves around a group of people in a hospital's bystanders hall, who bond whilst waiting for their loved ones to recover. Front & centre are Joju George's Sabu & Arjun Ashokan's Kevin as they navigate through other vagaries of life as well. Indrans, Nikhila Vimal, Shruti Ramachandran, Jaffar Idukki & Jagadeesh co-star.
Madhuram is proof that you can find stories anywhere & everywhere. All you need to do is listen because everyone has lived and loved and each one has something unique to quote about their life. Joju George's Sabu steals the show (when has he not) as the man who offers a helping hand to everyone who needs it. His backstory is in the spotlight. His chemistry with Shruti Ramachandran's Chitra is refreshing. It is one of the sweetest love stories I have watched onscreen. For folks who have watched Churuli (also available on Sony Liv), will be happy to watch Idukki & Joju being all well-mannered.
Arjun Ashokan's story is something I couldn't relate to but it is interesting nevertheless. Indrans continues to play the wizened old man, who manages to leave a smile on your face everytime with his anecdotes & advice.
Madhuram is the sweetest movie you will watch this year. It may go unnoticed given the OTT platform it is on, but do watch it by hook or by crook because hands down this is the best movie to release on Christmas Day (in years).
Malayalam film start & end the year with a bang. From The Great Indian Kitchen to Madhuram; 2021 has been another excellent year for Mallu films.
