Madhuram movie review: Joju George is in sparkling form in this simple, sweet tale about hospital by-standers

3/5

Story: A group of by-standers at a government hospital form a bond, helping each other out during trying times. The most positive among them is Sabu (Joju George), whose wife has been admitted in the ICU. As he recounts his love story, he also helps those around him find hope and mend their relationships.

Review: What made director Ahammed Kabeer’s Rajisha Vijayan and Joju George-starrer June stand out was how delightful the movie was in its content and presentation. The filmmaker took the audience through the highs and lows of its characters, but never let the feel-good factor of the film dip even at its bitter moments. In Madhuram too, the director uses that signature style to tell the story of a group of by-standers at a government hospital.

The protagonist in the movie is Sabu (Joju George), a former assistant chef at a cruise ship who leaves his job to be with the one he loves. However, a few days into the marriage, Chitra (Shruti Ramachandran) gets admitted to the hospital, leaving Sabu to spend time with other by-standers that include Kevin (Arjun Ashokan), Ravi (Indrans) and Thaju (Fahim Samar) who are dealing with their own set of problems. As they come together and share their stories, they find hope and cheer themselves on. Through Sabu’s stories of how he found love, he also inspires others, especially Kevin who is going through a tumultuous marriage, to see the bright side.

Much like June, Madhuram is packed with moments that will leave you smiling. The best of these come during Sabu and Chitra’s flashback portions when the duo bond over their love for food. Both Joju and Shruti are in sparkling form in these scenes. While Joju’s intense character acts in movies such as Nayattu and Joseph are celebrated, the actor proves once again he can carry off the feel-good roles with as much ease. His brotherly presence also works wonders in terms of the bonding between the other by-standers.

Shruti is also a joy to watch, emoting with her eyes – especially in sequences when the duo exchange recipes of dishes. Considering the impact that Shruti makes with her short and sweet roles, you would wonder why she isn’t in a leading role. Jithin Stanislaus’ frames brightens the endearing movie filled with food and friendships. The songs of the movie by Hesham Abdul Wahab again elevates the feel-good quotient of the film.

Arjun Ashokan and Nikhila Vimal play a modern couple, who are yet to understand each other. While their thread adds an extra angle to the movie, it doesn’t quite get its due and isn’t as fleshed out as Sabu and Chitra’s bond to make it memorable.

This is also what works against the film. While Ahammed leaves his signature charm in tact – through the film’s narration, visuals and characters, Madhuram doesn’t quite have the impact that June’s writing had, partly because of how the makers insist of focusing on brighter side of things. Even as the movie touches upon the trying times of its characters, it doesn’t move you because the characters are all peachy, and deliberately so. The stories of Ravi and Thaju too doesn’t quite hit the mark, nor does the twist that comes in Sabu’s case.

Verdict: Ahammed Kabeer’s Madhuram is a welcome break from the thrillers and serious-genre movies that have been releasing on OTTs. The feel-good movie, which is just two hours long, is a breezy watch, filled with beautiful songs, visuals and some delightful moments from its lead actors.