Bhagyadevatha

Recently, in a discussion regarding malayalam films, one among the group told that the most luckiest director in the filed is none other than Sathyan Anthikkad. I also agreed with that opinion since I watched almost all the films directed by him since ‘Kurkkante Kalyanam’, which released in the early 80’s. One after the other, he is giving family subjects only; even that unique attitude doesn’t affect his films, majority of them are hits. Few exceptions like ‘Pappan Priyappetta Pappan’, ‘Lal Americayil’, ‘No.1 Snehatheeram Bangalore North’ etc are there. But, the image of the ace director, who is nearing his 50th film, among the family audience is so high that it might be helpful for a long run even in the case of an average film.

Sathyan Anthikkad’s latest film, ‘Bhagyadevatha’ has got Jayaram in the main role. The hit team started their journey together in ‘Ponmuttyidunna Tharavu’. They had given many good films like ‘Sandhesam’, ‘Mazhavilkkavadi’, ‘Thoovalkkottaram’, ‘Veendum Chila Veettu Karyangal’, ‘Manassinakkare’ etc. Both of them are teaming again. But, that too only after Jayaram has recovered from the downfall through ‘Veruthe Oru Bharya’. This is the fact that substantiates the very first sentence quoted above.

The story of ‘Bhagyadevatha’ has got Kuttanad as the background. It happens in a Christian middle class family where he has got mother, two sisters and grandmother. He runs a private cable channel. While struggling within the financial limits, his marriage is being fixed. What happens to his life when a new girl reaches the family in such a situation is the theme discussed here. Here the director has tried to communicate the story through the dowry issue and it’s after effects. The unnecessary rules and regulations implied by the village administrators on the common man, the strike done by the political parties against the rural development etc. are also shown.

Jayaram, who has acted in many such films have done the role with ease. After casting Meera Jasmin in his last 3 successive projects (all of them were heroine dominated films), now the director has tried something different by casting Kaniha here. She is comparatively a new face here even though she acted in films like ‘Five Star’, ‘God Father’ (both tamil), ‘Ennittum’, ’Pazhassi Raja’ etc. Narein, Innocent, Nedumudi Venu, Venu Nagavally, Mamukkoya, P.Sreekumar, KPAC Lalitha etc are there as supporting actors. Roles done by Venu Nagavally (professor), Nedumudi Venu (guide) and P.Sreekumar (priest) are true reflections of the society. The family background of the hero is also neatly portraited. It is an unusual thing to be noted here that the director had given chance for many new faces to perform.

Director’s favorite musician Ilayaraja has given three melodious songs in his style. Among them, picturisation of dream song, ‘Allippoove Mallippoove’, shot in Munnar needs special mention. Senior cameraman Venu works with the director for the first time and his work is colorful without gimmicks. The script is handled by the director himself for Rajesh Jayaraman’s story. We can’t say the storyline is extra ordinary here; but the director’s style in presenting it, holds the key.

‘Bhagyadevatha’ is a pakka family entertainer in Sathyan Anthikkad’s style.

Rating : 4 / 5