Haram

Haram is a 2015 Malayalam romantic drama film crafted with intriguing layers of human emotions, relationships, and reality. This film starred Fahadh Faasil, one of Malayalam's leading actors, and Radhika Apte, a talented actress known for her adept involvement in offbeat projects. S.P. Sreekumar, a well-known actor in the Malayalam film industry, also has an essential presence in the film. Directed by Vinod Sukumaran, the movie chronicles the complexities of love and marriage in the most real, unfiltered, and poignant manner possible.

The movie premises around the dichotomous relationship between a loving couple, Balakrishnan (played by Fahadh Faasil) and Isha (played by Radhika Apte). The couple's life takes a chaotic turn post their wedding, where their live-in relationship before marriage was marked by immense love, understanding, and companionship. “Haram” effectively charts the couple's effort to reclaim the love they once shared. The narrative clear-eyed examines whether love, the element that brought them together initially, is strong enough to survive the battles that they're forced to fight within their marriage.

Fahadh Faasil, renowned for his versatility and ability to imbibe the essence of his characters, gives an arresting portrayal of Balakrishnan, a man torn between different relationships and situations. Fahadh as Balakrishnan powerfully resonates the confusion, helplessness, and desire of a man desperately trying to bring back the love that he fears to lose.

Radhika Apte as Isha brings an impressive dimension to her character. She brilliantly manifests the trajectory of a woman experiencing the transition from a carefree love-filled relationship to a wedlock filled with issues. Apte’s display of raw emotion and striking expressivity draws us into the anguishing reality that the character faces. Her character forms the emotional pivot of the film.

S.P. Sreekumar also enhances the movie's narrative with his incredible performance. His character provides an additional perspective to the narrative, creating a compelling contrast to the main characters.

The movie attempts to weave in various chunks of life and its paradoxes within its plot. The audience witnesses the protagonists' struggle not just in their personal space but also in the larger social world around them. The film also focuses on themes like communal violence and societal norms and constraints, which form part of the issues the main characters have to face.

Haram beautifully captures the city of Kochi as it plays out to be more than just a backdrop for the movie. The city, with its buzzing streets, enchanting beaches, and vibrant culture, adds depth and richness to the narrative. Skillful cinematography and direction highlight the city’s mood and pulse, adding a distinctive flavor to the film.

The movie’s musical score is another commendable component. The music and songs harmonize with the film's narrative, reinforcing the emotional arcs and undercurrents of the story.

Vinod Sukumaran's direction allows the story to blossom gradually and delicately. His story-telling doesn't just focus on the characters and their dilemmas but draws profound attention to their environment. He deftly handles the many-layered narrative, heightening the film's appeal.

In a nutshell, Haram is a romantic drama that refuses to adhere to the conventional definition of the genre. It delves deep into the mosaic of relationships, society, and life at large. With emotive performances and a compelling narrative, Haram takes its audience on an emotional, thought-provoking journey, making it a significant film in the context of Malayalam cinema.