Ormayil Oru Shishiram

Ormayil Oru Shishiram is a deeply compelling 2019 Malayalam language period drama crafted by the skillful hands of director Vivek Aryan, and starring renowned actors Ashokan, Babitha Basheer, and Kavya Bellu. The film takes the viewer on a journey down memory lane, tracing the complex threads of love, friendship, nostalgia, and coming-of-age experiences that are so essential to the human life.

The film’s narrative foundational pillar is a nostalgic trip of its protagonist Nithin, performed impeccably by Ashokan. At the center of this story, Nithin is a successful film director who delves deep into his past while crafting his upcoming venture. The narrative of the movie carefully intertwines his current professional precipice with the intense emotional upheaval stirred by his past. Nithin's character is well fleshed out, and Ashokan's strong performance makes it easy for the audience to connect and empathize with his experiences.

Nithin’s past pulls one back to his college days, exploring not just that significant phase of his life but the many relationships that define it, including the most defining of all- his romantic involvement. The story of Nithin's love is more than just a display of youthful affection, and here's where Babitha Basheer (as Varsha) makes her substantial mark in the film. The emotional depth and maturity in Basheer’s portrayal of Varsha brings life to the layered narrative, further amplifying the overall impact of the plot.

Ormayil Oru Shishiram makes a significant statement on friendship and its influence on one's life. The film beautifully captures the essence of friendship's impact as a life-altering experience. Each character in Nithin’s friend circle is distinct, adding different facets to the narrative and making the journey as engaging as it is relatable. Kavya Bellu, as part of the amazing supporting cast, showcases her acting prowess, aiding in making this friendship saga, one that leaves an indelible mark on watchers.

Aryan’s apt use of nonlinear narration in Ormayil Oru Shishiram gives a unique flavour to the movie. As audiences, we see Nithin's present being shaped by his past actions and decisions, really adding depth to the storytelling. The screenplay’s unexpected twist and turns surprise the audience and link the different timelines seamlessly.

The cinematography deserves a special mention as it goes beyond the conventions of merely setting the nightly and daily moods. The film is set in a bygone era and the camera work, coupled with accurate set designs, ensures that the audience truly experiences the period in which the story unfolds. Specifically, the college days sequence has brought out precisely the aura and charm of the late 90s and early 2000s.

Ormayil Oru Shishiram also uses music to its advantage. The evocative Malayalam melodies are woven into the narrative, accentuating the emotional crescendos in the story. The soulful background scores lift the emotional scenes, while the engaging tracks lighten the mood during the frolicsome college sequences.

On the whole, Ormayil Oru Shishiram is a movie that revolves around nostalgia. It is not just about the characters and their stories but also about a time of life that everybody cherishes—their college days, their first love, and the friendships one makes during that time. It tugs at memories and experiences that are universal, making us reflect upon our own stories while connecting deeply with the film's characters and their journeys.

The gripping narrative laced with romance, drama, and the slice of life feel that this movie has to offer, gives it a unique charm hard to ignore. It takes the viewers on an emotional roller coaster ride and leaves them with a sense of joy, tearful smiles, and the warmth of nostalgia. Bolstered by powerful performances, excellent direction, and engaging storytelling, Ormayil Oru Shishiram is a highly recommended watch for lovers of meaningful cinema that tugs at the heartstrings.