A clean entertainer
Yathrakkarude Sradhaykku
Starring: Jayaram, Innocent, Sreenivasan, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Siddique, TP Madhavan, Soundarya
Music: Johnson
Editing: K Rajagopal
Cinematography: Vipin Mohan
Story: GB Vijay
Screenplay, dialogues: Sreenivasan
Direction: Sathyan Anthikkadu
YATHRAKKARUDE Sradhaykku is a clean film, and thankfully, it respects the audience. In an era, when Malayalam film-makers have decided that Keralites are a nonsensical bunch who would laugh their heads off at any inanity, and since they do not have much choice they would flock to the theatres to see whatever trash they dish out, YS comes through as a welcome change.
Don't call the film great, and surely, even Sreenivasan would not have wholeheartedly approved a best-script award for the film (which is now the twist in the tale of the Kerala state film award controversy, with the so-called intellectual film-maker Sarath, who triggered the controversy-chain, suggesting that even he would have welcomed such an award). But, YS is a refreshing change, and its success is a reflection that Malayalam cinema can indeed return to 'normalcy.'
Ramanujam (Jayaram) works in Chennai, and meets Jyothi (Soundarya) on a train journey. She has just fetched a job in the city, and the turn of events force her to eventually share Ramanujam's apartment. Fine.
When Jyothi announces her engagement to Pradeep (Siddique), Ram is shattered for doesn't he discover that he is in love with her. However, goaded by his friend Paul (Innocent) to overcome whatever feeling he has for her, Ram travels down for her marriage, which is when things turn topsy-turvy. The film takes a new turn, and now the Ram-Jyothi relationship has acquired a new dimension, which taxes both of them.
While the story-line, in its essence, is not entirely fresh, the treatment is definitely novel. The settings, the straight-forward approach, and sincere performances from the actors make the film a delightful view. The characters have a clear identity, and they behave like normal individuals, who have their share of pains, sufferings and frustrations. Filmy situations raise their head at key moments, but Sreenivasan has handled them cleverly to convey a sense of reality.
The film greatly benefits from the superb performance of Jayaram. While the role of Ram is not exactly challenging for the actor, and he has done the act many a time before, he injects a certain freshness. Above all, he makes a jovial and sincere Ram, an essential in the build-up of the character.
While Soundarya delivers an impressive performance, her built is not exactly made for a young, unmarried girl who lands her first job. The oddity is aggravated by some clumsy costumes that give her the appearance of a rude spinster than a lovely maiden.
Innocent is adequate, and let us excuse Sathyan for under-utilising a horde of actors including Nedumudi Venu (who hardly looks the retired colonel, at best he is a retired head-master), Siddique and Sreeraman. Oduvil Unnikrishnan makes an impression with his Satyan's beedi bit.
And when it comes to the one who must have made all the impression, YS offers a disappointment. It's Sreenivasan, who conceived for himself an ill-etched role that is hardly an essential in the narrative. Sreenivasan, however, compensates it by some quick wit. The dig at Mohanlal and the general level of comedy are vintage Sreeni.
Pleasing songs, intelligent editing and a mood-based camera make the film as good as it goes.
YS marks the return of good cinema, and it happens to come from one of the finest gentlemen in Malayalam cinema. Who else but Sathyan?
