Chettayees

Chettayees is an engaging Malayalam language film released in 2012 which beautifully spans the genres of comedy, drama, and friendship. This buddy movie stars Malayalam film industry veterans Lal and Biju Menon along with the enchanting Miya George. The film, directed by Shajoon Kariyal, delineates a heartwarming story of companionship, life's unexpected turns and the ensuing laughter and tears.

Set in the picturesque city of Kochi, Kerala, Chettayees proffers the audience with an appealing viewport into the lives of a group of friends. These Chettayees, as they call themselves, are a group of five friends who share an unshakeable bond of brotherhood and camaraderie established and nurtured since their school days. Our quintet comprises of Saravanan played by Biju Menon, Roopesh Krishna portrayed by Suresh Krishna, along with Pappan portrayed by Lal. Bava enacted by Sunil Babu and Kichu who is brought to life by P. Sukumar complete the tapestry of deeply interconnected lives.

Saravanan is a self-employed lawyer, who is known for his distinctive sense of humor, while Roopesh, or R.K, is a film director entranced by his dreams of making it big in the film industry. On the other hand, Pappan is a baker with his own little bakery, where his skills are as adored as his amicable persona. Bava is a manager in a company and embodies the essence of a responsible family man. Kichu, though a veterinary doctor, is also the steadfast peacemaker within the group.

Articulating a sense of immediacy and intimacy, the plot of Chettayees unveils itself around the anticipation of Saravanan's birthday celebration, falling on New Year’s Eve. This birthday cum reunion is an annual ritual, a tradition that the Chettayees unfailingly follow, covertly escape their daily humdrum of life and celebrate their perpetual bond. As the story unfolds, we get a peek into their personal lives, their struggles, their relationship blues and their diverse yet morally profound attitudes.

Biju Menon’s portrayal of Saravanan is commendable, as he completely embodies the joviality and the melancholy in moments so beautifully that the pathos are tangible. Lal also delivers a strong performance as Pappan, his friendship and bond with Saravanan forming one of the most crucial narrative arcs of the plot. Miya George’s character as an understanding, empathetic, and assertive woman provides a refreshing balance to this male-dominated narrative.

A significant hallmark of Chettayees lies in its screenplay, penned by noted screenwriter Sachi of Sachi-Sethu duo. The riveting script steers clear from inappropriate and slapstick comedy, making the audience erupt into real hearty laughter with its relatable lighthearted humor. The bouts of comedy are juxtaposed with emotional upheavals, which creates a rich tapestry of diverse human experiences and emotions, making the narrative both relatable and engrossing.

Chettayees is not just a story about friendship; it paints a full-bodied picture of life itself. It is about cherishing the past while dealing with the present, about navigating through personal and professional hardships, while making room for laughter and brotherhood, about supporting each other’s dreams and aspirations, about accommodating each other’s failures and success.

On a technical note, the cinematography of the film captures the different human emotions and the simplicity of everyday life effectively. The audio-visual elements are well-tuned to the overall mood of the film, capturing the scenic beauty of Kerala and the gripping essence of the story convincingly. It’s equally enhanced by Bijibal’s music and background score which adds effective layers to the whole movie.

In conclusion, Chettayees celebrates friendship, brotherhood and life amidst all its complexity, making it a poignant, humor-filled, wholesome film. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to watch a heartwarming tale of friends who have successfully transformed their friendship into an extended family. From its vibrant characters, intelligently infused humor, to impactful performances from the cast, Chettayees is a film that will leave you with a smile, a tear and a gratifying cinematic experience.