Maniyarayile Ashokan

Maniyarayile Ashokan is a refreshing, poignant, and charming slice-of-life movie released in 2020, under the banner of Dulquer Salman’s production house. Under the nuanced and adroit direction of Shamzu Zayba, the movie springs to life with its brilliantly etched characters and heartwarming storyline.

Jacob Gregory stars as the protagonist Ashokan - a character molded with relatable insecurities, charming vulnerability, and a simpleton nature that is easy to identify with, and roots for. Born and bred in the lush, verdant village of Maniyar, Ashokan is a man in his early thirties, working in a government office. He leads an unassuming, simple life, but his small world is thrumming with one major concern - his yearning to get married. In his quest for the same, he is faced with many hurdles – societal pressures, personal insecurities, and the complexities of human relationships.

Serving as an anchor in Ashokan's life are his doting parents, played by the talented actors Vijayaraghavan and Kalaranjini. They are the archetypal parents, who are seen worrying and devising plans for their son’s marriage. The chemistry and warmth between these characters make them very relatable and bring authenticity to their on-screen relations.

The plot of the movie unfolds in the picturesque backdrop of the village of Maniyar, its paddy fields, and humble households. It is a simple yet profound narrative, filled with warm, ordinary moments from the village life that resonates with the audience and immerses them into Ashokan's world. The cinematography of the movie beautifully captures the rhythm of rural life, thus making the scenery almost another character in the narrative.

Anupama Parameswaran, who plays the role of one of Ashokan's romantic interests, brings an intriguing twist to the narrative with her magnetic screen presence and commendable acting skills. Despite being a small part of the large ensemble cast, her character makes a significant impact on the story.

The supporting cast, including Krishna Shankar and Shine Tom Chacko, offer heartfelt performances that contribute to the simple and genuine story of this film. Their characters are an extension of Ashokan’s world and they beautifully depict the camaraderie, love, and complexity of relationships in a small community.

The simple but charming music is another standpoint of Maniyarayile Ashokan. With its nostalgic tunes and soulful lyrics, it harmoniously aligns with the movie's ambiance, making the cinematic experience even more heartfelt. The iconic voice of Shreya Ghoshal adds magic to the melodious background scores.

In terms of theme, the movie revolves around human desires and complexities, societal norms, loneliness, friendship, and romantic relationships. It never strays from its core - showing realistic issues with a touch of comedy. Its humor does not rely on absurd gags but arises from typical day-to-day scenarios and witty dialogues.

Maniyarayile Ashokan is candid in its storytelling, filled with deeply felt emotions and characters that truly come alive. It not only introduces us to the charming protagonist Ashokan but also takes us on his journey filled with love, yearning, friendships, humour, and life’s simple joys and desolations. Portraying a vivid canvas of human emotions with raw honesty, the movie serves as a pleasant escape into the enchanting rural life of Kerala.

In conclusion, Maniyarayile Ashokan is not a run-of-the-mill, commercial cinema with larger-than-life characters or over-the-top storylines. It is a poignant, evocative, and heart-wrenching portrayal of an ordinary man's extraordinary journey that is filled with unfulfilled dreams, joy, vulnerability, disappointment, and love. This movie is a must-watch for viewers who are ready to embrace a narrative that challenges conventional storytelling and derives its strength from its simplicity.