What Is the Story About?
Anupama (Priyamani) is a home chef who does cookery videos on Youtube. She also has an unusual interest in what is happening in the lives of the neighbors. One day, she tries to poke her nose when a husband and wife are seen fighting and gets herself into a deep mess. What is that? How does she come out of the mess? is the rest of the story.
Performances?
Priyamani is the heart and soul of Bhama Kalapam. She brings a lot of grace and intensity into the character. She effortlessly plays the role which has innocence and anxiousness initially and the latter part of the film needs her to stay still despite mounting tension. He does both parts very well. This role will open gates more opportunities for her in the future.
Saranya Pradeep, though a small-time artist is ensuring her presence felt. She played a good role as a supporting character to Priyamani in the film. Kancharapalem fame Kishore is perfect and adds a lot of freshness to the interesting character. Greeshma is decent as the investigating officer and the old man who played her subordinate has complemented well. The guy who played the baddie Nair is alright. The others in small roles are okay.
Analysis
Bhama Kalapam has a slow start initially with the religious egg story and the introduction of the antique egg. It gets interesting when Anupama is introduced. Director Abhimanyu springs into the story without any delay. The way Anupama’s start complaining. If this thread is handled well, it would have been even better. There is an unnecessary closure of a character towards the end. It is only meant to have a lecture towards the end of the film.inquisitiveness about neighbors is interestingly and neatly narrated establishing the motive for the real plot.
As the murder happens and the police investigation unfolds, there is a danger that the story can slip into boredom and repetitiveness. But then, the screenplay comes in handy and everything is narrated interestingly. There are no big bang moments but the director has small surprises every now and then.
The intensity is maintained all over and the interest of the viewers is held well with light humor and small twists. The background score that is extremely important for a thriller also helps big time. The actual killer part is the problem for the film. The director takes so many liberties right from the start but they are not a problem.
But this important part can be more convincingly handled. It is here the audience starts complaining. If this thread is handled well, it would have been even better. There is an unnecessary closure of a character towards the end. It is only meant to have a lecture towards the end of the film. Even with that, Bhama Kalapam is still a good watch as it holds the interest of the audience to a large portion of the film. The fact that it is made for a home watch makes it more comfortable.
Music and Other Departments?
The writing – the screenplay and the natural conversations are good. Justin Prabhakaran has scored the songs. They are bit songs and compliments the flow of the proceedings. Mark K Robin’s background score is excellent and helps the movie big time. Viplav Nyshadam comes up with slick editing. The camera work is also decent. The movie is shot in a single location. The fact that they chose a real location (an old apartment) helps the naturality and also, the budget. Even then, the production values can be termed appropriate.
Highlights?
Priyamani
Screenplay & Direction
Twists largely
Drawbacks?
Logics go for a toss at times
Villain Track
The revealing of the final twist
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Bhama Kalapam Movie Review by Binged Bureau