Bramayugam

Attempting a big-budget black-and-white horror movie in Malayalam itself is laudable. But using it to unleash the devilish side of Mammootty is where this movie really shines. As expected, Mammootty hit it out of the park. In films like this and Rorschach, we can see that the devilish side is used in a way that is so powerful but also charismatic in a way only he can do. We are in awe and horror of the deeds but also can't help but love it. And the director knows this, so the framing and music also evoke the same. Here, the story itself is pretty simple and uses an exposition sequence to fill in all the blanks. So, it's the atmosphere created and the performances that really carries the movie. Thematically there are a lot of obvious aspects to it but it felt like the focus on certain things could have made more impact instead of spelling everything out. Besides Mammootty, Sidharth Bharathan surprised me with his performance. The production design and some detailing in makeup were all fabulously intricate. Editing on the whole felt not as good as all the other technical aspects, as there were many moments where it felt like it disrupted the flow rather than immersing us. The black and white cinematography worked well but I wish they played with it more. Rather than just the usual black and white, the use of some darker black and whiter white etc would've been great, but that's just my opinion. Overall, it's an incredible attempt at folklore horror rooted in Kerala mythology, even though I do think there was some room for improvement.

The fans association people were celebrating with a bandset and everything at the end, so the repetition of a dialogue at the end of the credits wasn't completely audible but that was a really nice way to end the movie.

This Malayalam film is a bold attempt to delve into the depths of Kerala's mythological lore. Shot entirely in black and white, the film creates a stark and eerie atmosphere that complements the chilling narrative.

The film's cinematography is a character in itself. The black and white palette is employed with masterful precision, creating a haunting and atmospheric visual language. The stark contrast and shadows add depth to the narrative, heightening the sense of isolation and dread. The choice to shoot in black and white is a bold one, but it pays off handsomely, elevating the film's horror elements

The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, building suspense through its atmospheric storytelling. Arjun Ashokan delivers a commendable performance as the protagonist, capturing the character's fear and vulnerability.

Mammootty's performance in Bramayugam is nothing short of exceptional. His portrayal of Kodumon Potti is a masterclass in understated menace. The actor completely disappears into the character, embodying the eerie aura surrounding the enigmatic old man.

Mammootty's screen presence is magnetic. His every gesture, every look, carries a weight of sinister intent. His character is shrouded in mystery, and the actor skillfully maintains this air of ambiguity throughout the film. Whether it's his chilling laughter, his predatory gaze, or his subtle manipulations, Mammootty's portrayal is a standout.

The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of dread and unease. The use of sound design and background score is masterful, creating a haunting soundscape that amplifies the horror. The cinematography is exceptional, capturing the bleakness of the setting and the characters' isolation.

While the film's pacing might be slow for some viewers, it contributes to the overall atmosphere of dread. The ending is open to interpretation, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

*Bramayugam* is a refreshing departure from the typical horror fare, offering a thought-provoking and chilling experience. It's a film that demands attention and rewards patient viewing.

An Aithihyamaala style masterpiece!! Had so much of expectation for this movie and it broke that expectation and soared past sky level. It was with awe that I watched Mammooka's performance. Lord of the rings needed VFX but here just the sheer brilliance of Mammookka on his acting made it exemplary. Arjun Ashokans career best performance and Siddharth Bharathans subtly master class acting. The decision to make it into a black and white release was perfect as it added all the desired effect on its dark theme and horror. Every shots were amazing and that inception style rotating room was just kidu. This year looks to be a bright one for Malayalam Cinema.

One of the epic movies by Mammootty. The great actor Mammootty is like a wine that gets stronger with age. Everyone else, including Arjun Ashoka, has acted well. It can be said that Bharamayugam is definitely a must-watch movie. What sets Mammootty apart from other stars is the way he chooses movies. His finesse in story selection has been evident for some time now. It can be said that the director has made this movie for us in such a way that we even forget that we are watching the movie on a black-and-white screen. Watch this movie with the confidence of not being afraid. Because when the movie is over, others will understand the fear in your eyes.

Bramayugam. Mammootty proves he is a flabbergasting ogre in performance. Review by M. Siraj

Bramayugam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, is a brilliant folklore horror thriller that explores power corruption and human greed, and Mammootty's standout performance versatile acting, and script selection make it a must-watch cinematic experience. In the 17th century, Devan (Arjun Asokan) runs away with his friend Kora in the thick forest, at night Kora is dragged away by Yakshi (Witch/Goblin) making him fall into a trap of enchantment as he enters into a nearby dilapidated Mana (mansion) to save his life from it. In the beginning he doesn't know the mansion belongs to Koduman Potti (Mammootty) who trapped him in the supernatural house of cruelty.

Movie is slow paced in the beginning and takes time to set up the plot, later goes fairly engaging with an extraordinary creepy and scary performance of Mammootty. Every scene goes elaborated with visuals and sound effects. The art work is excellent as the Mana (Mansion) and its surroundings are untidy, nature has reclaimed parts of it, with vegetation creeping up the walls and many roof tiles broken as the look itself screams, "visitors not allowed".

Mammootty excels as the role of a Villain in howling horror, as seeing his shadow comes the shudder that comes from seeing the shadow of Dracula, the horror effect he gives with his vision and voice while sitting majestically in a chair distorts the stomach of audience. Ogre

Hats off to Director Rahul Sathasivan for framing the story in Black and White with only 3 characters throughout the film, slowly narrates how Devan escaped from that Mana (Mansion) full of occult and ambiguities to become his prison. Mammootty has brought the character to life with his trademark voice, laughter with stained teeth and sitting posture, as well as the tone of the legend and nerve-wracking intimidating gaze. In some scenes, his voice, even his shadow, makes us convulsion to compensate for his presence. Cinematography is the backbone of the film, shot entirely in black and white, (Hats of the Director's courage) with a single ruined mansion (Mana) palace as the plot. Along with the lighting for black and white, his compact frames go hand in hand, transmitting horror and the supernatural in depth. In fact, every frame and angle of Mammootty replicates the voice of that Koduman potti character. Background music plays a pivotal role in the movie by transmitting to the audience many feelings of mystery, deceit, aggression and fear, vividly through a mixture of folk and Carnatic music giving boundary shots in horror scenes. Director's concentrated collage can be felt not only in the thrill scenes, but also in the scenes that show the mental state of the characters. Director Rahul Sadasivan made an absolutely terrific folklore horror with brilliant metaphorical layers on power corruption and human greed whereas Mammootty proves he is a flabbergasting ogre in performance.

There is a famous Dialogue by Mohan Lal in the Film "Manichitrathazh" as follows:

"Oru mano roga chikilsakanum sanjarichittillatha vazhikalil koodi gnan sanjarichu ennirukkum. (I may travel in any route which other Psychiatrist were not travelled) Oru branthanai pole. (As a mad man) Ente nakulanuvendi. (For my Nakulan) Avante bharyakku vendi. (For his wife) I am going to break all conventional concept of psychiatry".

Here Mammootty breaks all the conventional concept of a Hero. Even after 400 films in his credit, his quest for new roles, passion for acting never ends. Really, he is a mad man who had the courage to travel in different routes which other actors are not dare enough to try. He is least worried about his image, concentrating only for the Character he portrays.

Yes. Mammootty is a Mad Man.

Review by M. Siraj.