I started watching another film last night but decided to defer it to an afternoon as it seemed rather dark and intense for pre bedtime. I then chanced upon Kudumbasree Travels on Hotstar in orig. Malayalam w/ Eng. subs. so decided to give it a shot.
Kudumbasree Travels is a lighthearted, oftentimes slapstick film with several moments of good humour and a pleasing feel good flow. It is not intended to be intense, nor fine cinema; and sometimes one just wants out and out entertainment which is what this film is.
The plot revolves around Aravi's arranged marriage plans. Jayaram is the perfect Aravi, a renowned Chakyar Koothu dance exponent. He wants his to be bride to be well versed in Nangyar Koothu which is the female component of the dance form. The orthodox Brahmin household of the day is well depicted in the film with their strict observance of various rituals, dependence on astrologers and what have you. Eventually a suitable bride Awasthy (Bhavana Menon) is found and Aravi's family and friends from their rural area embark on a bus journey to Kochi for the marriage. The film nicely shows the social harmony with friends from diverse communities and religions also included in the marriage party. In fact a Christian marriage broker finds the bride for Aravi. The people in the bus all have their own little side tales adding humour and enhancing the plot.
A parallel plot is of Aravi's mama and his astrologer trying to foil the marriage and get Aravi to marry his mama's daughter who is shown in a romantic relationship with the bus driver !!! To add further convolutions err complications, yet another sub story involves a would be terror plot and kidnapping of the police commissioners daughter who joins the marriage bus gang.
Some parts of this film can easily be fast forwarded. I really wish this film had showcased more of the Koothu dance forms which would have immensely added value.
Overall despite it being slapstick, the film is quite delightful and leaves you with a smile on your face throughout. Definitely deserves more than the 3 imdb rating.
Kudumbasree Travels is a lighthearted, oftentimes slapstick film with several moments of good humour and a pleasing feel good flow. It is not intended to be intense, nor fine cinema; and sometimes one just wants out and out entertainment which is what this film is.
The plot revolves around Aravi's arranged marriage plans. Jayaram is the perfect Aravi, a renowned Chakyar Koothu dance exponent. He wants his to be bride to be well versed in Nangyar Koothu which is the female component of the dance form. The orthodox Brahmin household of the day is well depicted in the film with their strict observance of various rituals, dependence on astrologers and what have you. Eventually a suitable bride Awasthy (Bhavana Menon) is found and Aravi's family and friends from their rural area embark on a bus journey to Kochi for the marriage. The film nicely shows the social harmony with friends from diverse communities and religions also included in the marriage party. In fact a Christian marriage broker finds the bride for Aravi. The people in the bus all have their own little side tales adding humour and enhancing the plot.
A parallel plot is of Aravi's mama and his astrologer trying to foil the marriage and get Aravi to marry his mama's daughter who is shown in a romantic relationship with the bus driver !!! To add further convolutions err complications, yet another sub story involves a would be terror plot and kidnapping of the police commissioners daughter who joins the marriage bus gang.
Some parts of this film can easily be fast forwarded. I really wish this film had showcased more of the Koothu dance forms which would have immensely added value.
Overall despite it being slapstick, the film is quite delightful and leaves you with a smile on your face throughout. Definitely deserves more than the 3 imdb rating.
