Prithviraj and Nazriya are great company in ‘Koode’

By Mythily Ramachandran

Director Anjali Menon’s emotionally stirring family drama carries her signature- bold and beautiful

Family bonds are an intrinsic part of Anjali Menon’s films.
In ‘Koode’-an adaptation of Sachin Khundalkar’s Marathi film ‘Happy Journey’-Menon explores a less feted relationship in films-the sibling bond of a brother Joshua and his little sister, Jenny. 

Joshua-working in Dubai- arrives at his hometown in Ooty, for his sister Jenny’s funeral. We soon meet his family-father Aloshy, (director Renjith) a car mechanic and mother, (theatre artiste Maala Parvathy) a homemaker. Walking into Jenny’s roomwith Joshua we get to know Jenny through her creative work and drawings. Not to forget her companion, Brownie, the pet dog.And, it doesn’t take long to sense the aloofness of Joshua towards his parents. As we flit between the past and the present we understand the reason for his anger and a deep lodged pain. Joshua is a caring son and his resentment does not manifest aloud in actions or war of words, but sometimes he cannot help himself with his sarcastic jibes.

Having been compelled to leave home at fifteen to support the family with a job in Dubai, Joshua has missed out on several things-one of which is spending time with Jenny. Post her demise he gets an opportunity to know her better and unknown to the others around, the two bond over many things, while he discovers his real self and his love for Sophie, a crush from school days.

Menon’s writing is splendid-her characters are marked with a fervour. The casting has been perfect. Prithviraj and Nazriya share a great chemistry as Joshua and Jenny. Joshua- the little boy with a love for football and train models -and who adored his sister transforms into a man who bottles up all his feelings for the sake of the family. Zubin Nazeel Navas as young Joshua is brilliant on debut. Nazriya is back with a vengeance and her vivacity onscreen reminds you of her role from ‘Om Shanti Oshana.’ Prithviraj handles a wide spectrum of emotions with ease-Prithviraj is at his best in the scene when Joshua realises that Jenny is gone forever- that’s when the tragedy of losing her sinks in. 

Menon’s story is devoid of melodrama, yet the pain and sorrow is palpable. Her writing is powerful- her narration engaging. The characters are real and vulnerable. Apart from Jenny,they don’t waste words-still they leave a strong impact. Director Renjith is a wonderful surprise. His Aloshy wins everyone’s heart. With a mere glance here or a nod in another, Renjith’s act is a master class in performance. Maala Parvathy impresses as Joshua’s mother. Parvathy and Prithviraj play love birds once again.  Sophie-a victim of marital abuse finds her freedom through love again. Once again Parvathy reiterates the wonderful performer she is. Atul Kulkarni plays Joshua’s football coach, a sport Joshua enjoyed and rediscovers it later.

The narration is speckled with warm moments-young Joshua picking up a fallen nest and restoring it to its place. Jenny in all the family photos carries a framed picture of Joshua -a cute expression of her love for her brother.
There are moments that stay with you-when the adult Joshua finds his father working on his train model from childhood days, a long festering bruise gets its balm -the silence in their stares speaks out their hearts emotions. 

There is good humour too, especially with Jenny and her ways. My favourite is the condolence meeting in Jenny’s school where a boy in her memory decides to sing to the audience-‘Daddy Mummy vettililla’ -an inappropriate number.

Cinematographer Lil Swamp’s frames hover over the quaint town of Ooty- visually stunning. Celebrating the family and homecoming, Menon once again captures hearts with this endearing drama that talks about finding again life’s joys and living life in the now.

‘Bangalore Days,’ a complete entertainer

When cousins get together, inevitably it’s a riot.
And that’s exactly what happens when childhood playmates and cousins Divya, Kuttan and Arjun, meet up in Bangalore.  There is loads of fun.
Divya (Nazriya Nazim) arrives in Bangalore following her marriage to Das, (Fahad Faasil) a corporate executive. Kuttan, (Nivin Pauly) an IT professional works there.  So does the other cousin, Arjun, (Dulquer Salman) a graffiti artist and a motor bike racer.
Living in a new city with her husband, who barely talks and is mostly away on official tours, Divya’s companions are her two cousins.  And the trio has a blast together. But once the picnic is over, they return to their own lives where they confront reality.    
Divya's vivacity is a contrast to Das’ aloofness and that comes in the way of their building a new relationship.  Her curiosity is piqued when Das pointing to a room in their apartment that he keeps locked all the time, tells her, “It’s all old stuff.” 
Arjun’s anger is directed at his divorced parents and the pain of loneliness is a constant thorn hurting him. Crazy over bikes, he has pinned his ambitions on the race track.
Kuttan is the typical Malayali rooted to his native soil and very traditional in outlook. When his father is seriously ill, he takes a flight home and on board he falls in love with an air-hostess (Isha Talwar).  It’s amusing to watch the love smitten Kuttan going through a make-over with spiked hair and a wardrobe change as he tries to fit in with the glamorous and beautiful air-hostess.
Anjali Menon narration is simple and straight. The bonhomie of the cousins is believable.  Nazriya, Nivin and Dulquer share a great comfort level together onscreen. Menon’s little touches add freshness to the story.  My favourite is the scene where Das meets Divya at her home the first time. It is the traditional boy meeting girl ceremony.  After the family introductions are done with they are left alone to chat. Das tells Divya that he wants her to know that there has been another woman in his life. And he would understand if she was not keen on the marriage. Did she have anything to share, he then asks her. Looking bewildered, Divya reveals to him that the sweets placed on the table were not prepared by her as claimed by her mother, a while ago. As the duo break into a laugh, Divya’s puppy runs in and the next scene shows the two bonding over the dog, much to the delight of the parents who enter the room at that moment.
With a multi-cast, who fit snug into their roles, Menon presents a story that will appeal to viewers of all ages. Every actor has put in a commendable performance. Yet one pair that remains with you for long is that of Arjun and Sarah, the physically challenged RJ, whose ebullience on air wins the heart of the ‘I don’t care a damn,’ Arjun.
Dulquer’s rugged charm matches his performance and Parvathy Menon is just brilliant. She is one actress whose eyes express before the words tumble out. Kalpana as Kuttan’s mom will have you in splits. Nithya Menon is a beautiful surprise. I even liked the bit about the Tamilian maid who does not seem to approve of Divya as Das’ wife.
Go for ‘Bangalore Days,’ a light hearted entertainer with family and friends. And if your cousins are around, don’t forget to take them along.