A lot has been spoken about the
magic of Sathyan Anthikkad - Mohanlal
films of yesteryears. But now, adding
feathers to their caps is a film
which unites them after 12 years-
Rasathantram.
Rasathantram, meaning 'chemistry'
did certainly worked out the chemistry
between the actor and director creating
another film for jubilation. Mohanlal
is back to his known, strong territory,
with effortless, effusing acting
styles and subtle humour. Sathyan
Anthikkad has managed to present
Lal in a more human, logical nextdoor
characterisation thus creating a
solid film to stand out as one of
the summer's highly admired family
drama.
The film is about sensitive individuals
enmeshed in cruel, social realities.
Openly and with sincerity, it relates
a story about entangled and difficult
relations of principal characters.
The film tells the story of a father
and his loving son, living isolated
from their bigger family in a remote,
picturesque village.
Effectively portrayed by Lal and
Bharath Gopi as Premachandran Asari
and Balaan Maash, in intense, passionate
sequences, the story builds itself
a new dimension with Premachandran
finding affection in a tamil servant
girl 'Kanmani'. Played by Meera
Jasmine, Kanmani's disheartening
fate and her struggles in the household
establish a sympathy in the minds
of Premachandran, who in the later
turn of events, is forced to rescue
Kanmani, for saving her life.
Kanmani is now camouflaged as a
male boy Velayudhankutty, and is
brought to the house of Premachandran.
Everyone admires the boy's vigour
in house keeping and his character
and Manikantan Moothassary (Innocent)
even hires him to help him in his
carpentry works., while the localpolice
is searching distances for the girl
who is mysteriously missing . The
rest of the film revolves around
perplexed chances for a new life
for Kanmani and Premachandran.
Eventhough Kanmani's character defies
logic in some sequences, Meera Jasmine
has displayed excellent performances
to present it with life. Innocent,
K.P.A.C. Lalitha, Oduvil Unnikrishnan,
Mamukoya,and Siddhique have raked
in good support to the lead pair.
Jagathy, Mukesh and T.P. Radhamani
appear in short cameo roles.
The major highlight of the film
is the cinematography by Azhagappan,
which brilliantly captured the florid
greenery of some of the most beautiful
Kerala villages of Moolamattom and
Kanjar. This visual plan of presentation
is evident in almost all scenes
which cut to wide shots frequently
to display graceful god's own country
.The film also has four good songs
crafted by Gireesh Puthencherry
and Ilayaraja.
The film is told in a slow pace,
but most characters shows integrity
and live through their contradictions
that is usually untouched by mainstream
cinema. Sathyan's script is soulful
but his launch into dialogue writing,
sometimes is tied to cliches. Overall
poised to become a sure hit, the
film highlights the dexterity and
fluidity in Sathyan's story telling
abilities. The film which extends
to a little more than 2 hours and
40 minutes is definitely a safe
selection for every family viewers.
