PremiumMarivillin Gopurangal review: Indrajith-starrer is a standard feel-good fare; nothing more, nothing less
The script of Marivillin Gopurangal is structured in a way to show the changes that the four characters bring about in each of their lives, and this works well in the film
Last Updated: 05.53 PM, May 10, 2024
Marivillin Gopurangal story: Shinto and Sherin’s lives change after the former’s brother Ronnie arrives at their home with his pregnant girlfriend Meenakshi. The four help tackle the issues in their respective lives and also overcome their worst fears along the way.
Marivillin Gopurangal review: A feel-good film - which just sticks to a safe template without experimenting too much - is rather hard to come by in the Malayalam industry these days. Luca director Arun Bose’s latest film Marivillin Gopurangal, which has Indrajith Sukumaran, Shruti Ramachandran, Vincy Aloshius and Sarjano Khalid, does exactly that, without straying too far from what it tries to be - a light-hearted entertainer.
The film, which is scripted by Pramod Mohan, revolves around a family comprising assistant director Shinto (Indrajith), who harbours aspirations of directing a movie one day, his wife Sherin (Shruti), who runs an entrepreneurial venture, the former’s brother Ronnie (Sarjano), a chef who also has to confront his fears from the past, and his pregnant girlfriend Meenakshy (Vincy), who has to adjust to the new norm but doesn’t want to sacrifice her freedom. The different personalities of these characters and the refreshing casting choices elevates the movie’s story that doesn’t aspire to do or be anything more than what’s expected of it.
Also read: Indrajith Sukumaran on not being offered comedy roles and his challenges of doing a romcom
The script is structured in a way to show the changes that the four characters bring about in each of their lives, and this works well in the film, with each of them also getting their own subplot in the other’s story. While Ronnie’s storyline might be the one that feels given the most limited time, it’s also one that keeps the viewers hooked, so much that you would wonder if the makers had trimmed the other storylines further, it would have made for a tighter screenplay and an even more enjoyable experience. Right now, it feels uneven at times, especially because the script sticks to the template and takes a predictable route to get there.
Marivillin Gopurangal, however, will strike a chord with today's young couples - who wrestle between having to prioritise their dreams and careers over starting a family. It also paints a picture of how different people of the same generation can have different priorities, without being too preachy. The dynamics of a couple choosing to be childfree is shown well, and Arun and Pramod able complement this with an unmarried couple who have an accidental pregnancy.
As Shinto and Sherin, Indrajith and Shruti share a brilliant chemistry and their comic timing helps too. Shinto’s arc of an aspiring director short of confidence as well as his frequent squabbles with a child artiste on the sets of a serial, also shine light on the experience of people within the industry. A cameo of a leading actor adds to this element.
Vincy is a natural in comedy, and her subplot of tracking down the culprit behind the missing funds as Sherin’s company gets a hilarious payoff just because of her performance. With every film, Sarjano shows improvement as an actor as his character Ronnie gets a good arc in this.
Vidyasagar’s music in the film, however, doesn’t quite get the effect that it warranted and is rather flat. The visuals are apt for a film of this genre and make it a pleasing watch.
Marivillin Gopurangal verdict: Arun Bose’s latest directorial is a decent watch, if you just want to chill in theatres. But don’t expect to be moved by its emotions because in that department, it’s pretty flat.