Ouseppinte Osiyathu review: Dileesh Pothan, Kalabhavan Shajohn drive this understated, intense film

Ouseppinte Osiyathu plot

Ousep is an elderly yet shrewd man, who has quite a wealth to his name. His three sons - tehsildar Michael, cop George and Roy - all need money for various reasons. When an unfortunate incident happens, it leaves Michael and George scurrying to set things right, that puts a serious question mark on the concept of family and sibling bond, highlighting how money towers over everything.

Ouseppinte Osiyathu review

Fahadh Faasil starred as the titular Joji in the 2021 movie, which also had three sons, who were all ruled over by the dominating father. Both are set in remote central Kerala, and the desire for money drives the narrative that even claims a life. Incidentally, Dileesh Pothan, who directed the Fahadh Faasil-starrer, is seen in the role of Michael in Ouseppinte Osiyathu, who despite his calm exterior hides a gamut of emotions. But unlike Joji, which had brothers at odds or indifferent, Michael and cop George, for the most part, work together as they try to cover up an ‘ accidental mistake’.

For his debut directorial venture, Sarath Chandran takes time building his world with Ousep’s sprawling plantation, his three children and their life with their partners. The first half of the film moves along unhurried, and even when conflict points are introduced, it is with an air of understated quality. Writing by Fazal Hassan does not get loud or dramatic for the most part.

However, the turning point in the film looks abrupt and not very convincing, though it is crucial to everything that happens from then on. Fazal Hassan’s writing then slips in twists in quick succession as the equation between the brothers and the larger family goes for a toss, and the police, led by Kani Kusruti's Dhanya, enter the picture, adding to the tension.

After playing the lead in the recent Am Ah, Dileesh Pothan once again holds the reins in Ouseppinte Osiyathu, driving the narrative. He delivers a nuanced yet understated performance as the caring older brother, meek husband before his often grumbling wife, loving father and ultimately, a man who is seeking closure in life.

Kalabhavan Shajohn, who is known for his comedy characters despite serious roles in Mohanlal-starrers Drishyam and Lucifer, is convincing as George, who is cold-hearted yet human. The cop in Ouseppinte Osiyathu is a far cry from the thug in the recent Bromance, with Shajohn working his way through George’s quiet manoeuvrings and sudden outbursts. But viewers would feel distant from George, who doesn’t come through as Michael, or maybe that was the intent of the writer-director.

Hemanth Menon, Zarin Shihab, who shone even in a short role in Rekhachithram, Lenaa, and Joji Mundakayam deliver what is expected of them. Despite playing the titular Ousepp, Vijayaraghavan has only a limited presence in the movie but is perfect for the role.

In the technical department, Arvind Kannabiran’s cinematography lends a forbidding tone to the film even when capturing the lush greenery of the picturesque Idukki. Akshay Menon's background score also adds to the overall understated tone of the film.

Ouseppinte Osiyathu verdict

Dileesh Pothan and Kalabhavan Shajohn drive this film with their layered performances, resting hugely on Fazal Hassan's writing. Though the key plot point looks jarring and raises some questions, Ouseppinte Osiyathu quickly moves past it to deliver a fairly engaging film.