Sanu Varghese crafts a slow-burn drama, with brilliant emotional payoff in Aarkkariyam
Genre: Drama
Director: Sanu Varghese
Cast: Biju Menon, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Sharaf U Dheen, Saiju Kurup
Release Date: 1st April 2021
Language: Malayalam
Synopsis:
Shirley and Roy move back to Shirley’s house with her father during the pandemic crisis and lockdown. The events that follow make Roy think that Shirley’s home is not what he thought it is.
Story:
A Malayalam movie, Aarkkariyam, marks the directorial debut of cinematographer Sanu Varghese. It’s clear that his knowledge of cinematography has informed his direction – the movie is a slow-burn atmospheric story. The pandemic was an outlet for a different kind of storytelling, relying heavily on dialogue and acting rather than flashy sets and intricate plots.
Aarkkariyam is one such story that rests entirely on the lead characters’ acting chops. The general premise follows the arc of Shirley (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and her husband Roy (Sharafudheen), who are both settled in Mumbai. damaged hard drive recover swf file They are returning home to Kerala to be with Shirley’s father, Ittyavira (Biju Menon), ahead of the COVID-induced lockdown.
What this movie does well is informing the audience of its pacing right from the first scene itself. The opening scene shows Roy gazing into his laptop while the credits unfold beside the frame. It pretty much encapsulates the mood in which the rest of the film unfolds.
Right off the bat, the movie adopts a slow-burn pace, stitching montages together in a way reminiscent of how we experienced the quarantine. It’s a slow-burn tension, even with the film’s revelations and plot twists. The soundtrack adds wonderful depth to the scenes. free software to recover files from sd card
The movie makes us feel as though we are part of the proceedings. There are no flashy lights or over the top performances. Nothing is overly stylized; it’s like we are viewing raw footage. It lends to a feeling of realness and authenticity. So, even when there isn’t much happening in the plot, you’re still part of the story.
Biju Menon plays a convincing role as a retired school teacher who lives with the burden of the past and the present’s physical ailments. Sharfudeen was terrific in his understated performance, while Parvathy was effectively subtle.
Conclusion:
Aarkkariyam is a meditation on what it means to know someone and have that belief challenged. It works well by giving us just enough puzzle pieces to see the big picture, but not with clarity. While it may seem like the film ends on a very tame plot point, it’s realistic enough to make you want to sit through it till the end. This movie is for those who appreciate the understated drama.
You can book tickets online.
