What Is the Story About?
This contemporary feature gives us a sneak-peek into the lives of a few people currently staying in the Bystanders Hall of a Government hospital. ‘Madhuram’ primarily focuses on two individuals, who are staying in the Bystanders Hall, Kevin and Sabu. They meet after Kevin’s mother and Sabu’s wife are hospitalized in the same hospital. While they strike up a friendship, with each other and those around them, their inner turmoil threatens to eat them alive. Will they be able to open up about their biggest troubles to each other? What will happen to their family members now?
Performances?
‘Madhuram’ is a contemporary film at its core. That means, the film depends heavily on their actors. And they deliver, in spades. Joju George and Arjun Ashokan portray the lead characters of this film and they both do a good job in carrying the film through their acting. Indrans has a slightly smaller role compared to these two, but he is just as important to this film as these two. While Joju’s character, Sabu, is the heart of their group and Arjun’s Kevin is the one who worries a lot, Indrans’ character Ravi is the glue that keeps them together – usually by being the funny one among them. The chemistry between all three actors is brilliant and it is a huge driving force of the film. Nikhila Vimal also deserves a mention for her work in the film as well.
But surprisingly, the best actor in ‘Madhuram’ is Shruti Ramachandran. True, the director and cinematographer has done some good work to accentuate her onscreen abilities, but she is one of the best things about the movie. Particularly, her and Joju’s onscreen chemistry.
Analysis
Simply put, ‘Madhuram’ is a Malayalam version of the Kalki- Naseeruddin Shah Bollywood starrer, ‘Waiting’. Both films primarily focus on the lives of two characters who have hospitalized family members in a hospital within Kerala. We are shown two parallel love stories in both films. Both films have a story about an older couple who have been married for over three decades. And a doctor has a problem with the older one. So, quite a few similarities. But, in reality, ‘Madhuram’ is much more complex than ‘Waiting’.
‘Madhuram’ takes place in a Government hospital, while ‘Waiting’ takes place in a huge private hospital. A Government hospital means that the bystander facilities are less and much cheaper than a private hospital. And that is how we are introduced to the film; a young man has to stay in a long dormitory-like room with other “bystanders”, while his father undergoes surgery. Since it is a government hospital, there are multiple delays in procedures and waiting periods are harsh, but the people there have formed a community of sorts and help each other out in times of need – bringing about a sense of camaraderie. That is particularly acted out well by Joju George and Indrans. This is different from the two-person-focus in ‘Waiting’.
The first half of the film is particularly brilliant. The cinematography, direction and editing is quite brilliant throughout, but they really shine during the first half of the film. During this half, we are shown how a Government hospital works throughout a weekday, and some of the camera work done is spectacular. The cafeteria food preparation scenes as well as the Biryani preparation scenes are some of the best visuals in this film and it will come as a surprise for many. The introduction of Shruti Ramachandran’s character, Chithra, is also another highlight of the film. The second half of the film is more raw and emotional, but somehow manages to not mess up the hard work done by the first half. Joju, Arjun, Shruti and Indrans are all amazing during this half.
The screenwriter also deserves praise. While the contemporary feel of the movie, the brilliant camera work, direction and acting might make many feel that the writer didn’t have to do much – it is quite the opposite here. True, we would have preferred to know more about Kevin and Cherry’s marriage before Kevin’s mother had to be admitted in the hospital – but with the message “Look to the future” being a primary force, we sort of understand why the film doesn’t want to give much of a look into the past. Which is ironic, since we see Sabu and Chithra’s courting, in multiple flashbacks on screen.
Overall, ‘Madhuram’ is a very beautiful film that mainly talks about love and loss. It is a very contemporary film – a current film, to be more exact. The film is something that needs to be watched for many to truly understand the story Ahammed Khabeer (the film’s writer-director) is trying to tell.
Other Artists?
Jaffer Idukki gets perhaps only half an hour of screen time – but he is so good, every time he comes on screen. Veteran actor, Jagadish, who appears for perhaps two, or even three scenes deserves a special mention as well. Also the actors who play Neethu and Thaju – Malavika Sreenath and Fahim Safar respectively, deserve a mention as well.
Music and Other Departments?
Ahammed Khabeer, the film’s writer and director has done some brilliant work – him and his editing and cinematography team. The music department deserves praise as well.
Highlights?
First Half
Depictions of Love Without Being Overly Cringey
Mouthwatering Depictions of Food
Joju George & Shruti Ramachandran’s Onscreen Chemistry
Acting
Drawbacks?
Slight Slow Pacing
Kevin & Cherry’s Marriage Isn’t Fleshed Out Enough
Did I Enjoy It?
Yep
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Madhuram Movie Review by Binged Bureau