Pranayam

A poem on celluloid written in the signature style of Blessy

Achutha Menon, a retired man finds himself suddenly hurled back into the past, when he accidentally meets his former wife and lover, Grace in the apartment lift. The shock of meeting his wife forty years later takes its toll on the old man’s heart. Grace immediately admits him in a hospital. She is now caught in a quandary. On one hand is her husband, Mathews, whom she loves immensely and who needs her assistance for every little thing being wheel chair bound. On the other hand, her ties with her former husband often surface up with bobbing memories. She yearns now to bond with their son, whom she last saw as a two year old. But is greeted with animosity by him, a young man now working in the gulf. For he has grown up believing  his father’s words, that his mother had forsaken him for a new life. Deprived of a mother’s love, he holds onto a deep rooted anger towards Grace. Only one person understands Grace’s emotions, the juxtaposition of the past with the present, and that is Mathew. A former philosophy professor, Mathew’s zest for life is reflected in his saying, ‘Life is more beautiful than a dream. You just need to know how to live life.’ Trusting his wife, whom he loves very much and bonding with Achutha Menon, Mathew reveals the magnanimity of his heart. This love triangle breaks stereotypes with its sensitivity and poignant portrayal. Blessy’s in his inimitable style reveals the battle of emotions in Grace, who is torn between love and affection, often leaving a lump in your throat. 

Plus Points: Mohan Lal as Mathew, Anupam Kher as Achutha Menon and Jaya Prada as Grace essay a brilliant performance. It is hard to single any one actor as the best. The on screen chemistry between Mohan Lal and Jaya Prada is beautiful. Notable are other cast members for their impressive performance especially Anoop Menon as the son Suresh and Apoorva as the grand- daughter Megha. Music by M. Jeyachandran is melodious. I loved the song, “ I am your man,’ song by Mohan Lal. Several moments from the story linger in the mind, like the one where Achutha Menon takes Grace and Mathew across a stony incline to view a colony of butterflies.

Minus Points: The flash back sequences featuring a young Grace and Achutha Menon were quite melodramatic and uncalled for. 

Camerawork:  Satheesh Kurup’s work  is breathtaking. You have to see it.

Verdict: A clean family drama that tugs at your heart strings with its moving moments