Mithunam

Mithunam is a beautiful 2012 Indian Telugu drama film, directed by the renowned Telugu actor and director Tanikella Bharani. This movie is an adaptation of a novel of the same name, written by Sri Ramana. The film is a two-actor film that revolves around the lives of an elderly childless couple living in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, India. Veteran playback singer and actor S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and renowned actress Lakshmi play these respective roles to perfection, their performances aligning and contrasting seamlessly with the backdrop of the story.

The film gracefully revolves around the simple pleasures and sorrows of life of middle-class retired couple, Appadasu and Buchchi. Mithunam, in essence, critically examines the urban-modern lifestyle and commends the simple rural life by illustrating the contrasting ideologies through its main characters. The title itself is a metaphor for the interconnectivity of relations, as the term 'Mithunam' in Telugu translates to 'couple' or a 'pair', which essentially is a nod to the togetherness of the two characters and denotes the essence of a pair that forms the central theme of the movie.

Appadasu (S.P. Balasubrahmanyam) and Buchchi (Lakshmi) are immune to the loneliness that comes with old age and childlessness. Despite the lack of direct familial connections, they find joy, companionship, and amusement in one another. Their relationship beautifully interweaves the facets of laughter, companionship, and minor day-to-day squabbles, thus reinstating the ideals of a holistic, healthy relationship which is sure to strike a chord with the audience.

S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s character 'Appadasu', a retired school teacher, is represented as a knowledgeable, open-minded, and playful individual who holds a deep love for his wife and a deeper respect for the life around him. On the other hand, Lakshmi's character 'Buchchi', a homemaker and a devout wife is the embodiment of an Indian woman who rejoices in her daily chores and finds bliss in providing for her husband.

Mithunam skillfully merges emotions, humor, and nostalgia to provide an insight into everyday human existence in a refreshing manner. The visuals and the music add to the depth of the narrative. The movie has no villain, no melodramatic emotions, or overwhelming background score, yet it grips its audience with its compelling narrative and extraordinary performances.

The essence of the story revolves around showcasing the essence of life and death, successes and failures, love and disappointment, all wrapped in the simplicity of everyday living. The narrative, while simple, is compelling and emotionally dense, filled with the kind of wisdom that comes with age and experience. It encourages viewers to appreciate the little moments in life and urges them to strive for contentment rather than chasing tangible measures of success.

Director Tanikella Bharani and scriptwriter Jonnavithula Ramalingeshwara Rao have done a commendable job of maintaining the emotional tone of Sri Ramana's well-loved novel, successfully translating the textual context into a visual dialogue that captivates the spectators.

Mithunam is more than just a film. It's a window into the lives of an elderly couple, filled with delightful daily chores, endearing conversations, and occasional disagreements that make their isolation bearable and life meaningful. It allows viewers to appreciate the simplicity of life, the value of companionship, and the importance of finding joy in the ordinary. The film offers a slice of life packed with innocent humor, age-old wisdom, and everyday philosophy.

The beautifully-crafted narrative and powerful performances of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi earned the film critical acclaim and a warm reception by audiences. The movie also won several awards and recognitions, notably the Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 61st National Film Awards. Mithunam is truly a heart-touching tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.