Varshangalkku Shesham: Melancholy and Humor in Friendship
Varshangalkku Shesham Review: A Blend of Melancholy and Humor in a Friendship Tale
Upon first encountering the song ‘Nyabagam’ from Varshangalkku Shesham, it seemed destined to linger in the minds of viewers, evoking a sense of poignant reflection with its melancholic visuals of Dhyan Sreenivasan and Pranav Mohanlal. However, upon viewing the entire film, it becomes apparent that its strength lies not in its somber moments but rather in the humor infused by Vineeth Sreenivasan, reminiscent of his earlier works like Thattathin Marayathu and Oru Vadakkan Selfie.
The story revolves around two friends, Murali and Venu, whose contrasting aspirations lead them on a journey spanning over 40 years. While Venu dreams of theater, Murali aims to pursue a career in music. Their divergent paths culminate in a move to Madras to chase their passions, setting the stage for the evolution of their friendship amidst numerous trials and tribulations.
However, the narrative’s weakness lies in Vineeth Sreenivasan’s rushed depiction of pivotal events, leaving the audience yearning for a deeper exploration of the bond between the characters. The fallout between Murali and Venu feels contrived, lacking the organic development needed to resonate with viewers.
Amidst the film’s promotions, anecdotes of the camaraderie shared during the Munnar shoot days emerge as the highlight, injecting a sense of vibrancy and levity into the narrative. The shift towards humor in the second half, coupled with banter comedy and meta-humor, breathes life into the storyline, providing much-needed respite from its melodramatic undertones.
The cinematography by Vishwajith effectively captures the distinct atmospheres of different eras, while Ranjan Abraham’s pacing ensures a smooth flow despite the film’s lengthy duration. The production design is commendable, complementing the narrative seamlessly.
Performances by the cast are noteworthy, with Dhyan Sreenivasan and Pranav Mohanlal delivering standout performances, particularly in their portrayal of the evolving dynamics between their characters. Nivin Pauly’s improvisational humor adds a layer of spontaneity to the narrative, eliciting laughter from audiences.
While Varshangalkku Shesham may fall short of delivering the deeply moving friendship tale promised by its promotions, it succeeds in offering an entertaining blend of humor and emotion, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction.
