Priyam

Priyam is a riveting Malayalam family drama, released in the year 2000 under the directorial prowess of Sanal. With a star-studded cast led by Kunchacko Boban, Deepa Nair, and Thilakan, the movie is no less than a roller-coaster ride of laughter, emotion, struggles, and unmitigated love.

The protagonist of the story, Bobby, played by Kunchacko Boban, is a jovial young man who is the favourite of everyone in his small coastal village due to his kind nature and excessive charm. The film begins by showcasing the simple yet fulfilling life of Bobby and his friends. It highlights their everyday escapades, thrills, and the joy of being young in a quaint village. Bobby is shown to be quite protective of his group of friends, willing to go to any extent to ensure their happiness and safety, which cements his position as a true friend.

Deepa Nair plays the role of the female lead. She is the coveted village belle, modest, poised, at the same time strong and assertive who stands her ground in difficult circumstances. As the story unfolds, a tender love story manifests between the two, which is presented in a breathtakingly sweet and innocent way that would make the viewers nostalgic about their first love experiences.

These characters are just the beginning of what is an ensemble cast including the veteran actor Thilakan who gives one of his finest performances in this film. He plays a critical role as the emotionally strong elderly figure who is a guardian for the young group. His performance adds a layer of depth, experience and wisdom showing a character evolving through personal grief and loss.

An essential undercurrent of this story is the theme of friendship. Unlike many other films, Priyam shines a spotlight on the strong bond that exists between friends and the length to which they would go to stand by each other. The interplay of friendship and the overarching theme of love lends an extra zing to the cinematic experience. In some ways, the film is a tribute to the pure, unadulterated friendships of the early adulthood years, which are often marked by shared dreams, tiny quarrels, and unconditional acceptance.

The movie is an amalgamation of heart-winning romance and seamless comedy. However, it doesn’t shy away from diving into the more profound existential realities. It talks about human struggles, ambitions, failures, and the never-ending quest for happiness. It walks the fine line between being entertaining and thought-provoking and sparkles with the beauty of simple yet powerful storytelling.

Adding to the charm of this film is the music, composed by Berny-Ignatius, which plays a significant character of its own. The songs are not just melodic but also manage to express the emotions and ethos of the story at different stages, making the audience resonate with the narrative on a deeper level. The underlying folklore and culture are brought delightfully to the forefront in the form of captivating tunes and dance numbers.

In brief, Priyam is a masterfully crafted narrative that holds love, friendship, and human values at its core, all this set in a beautiful village backdrop. The liveliness and authenticity of the cast only heighten its appeal, making it a must-watch for any fan of Malayalam cinema. While the movie is a family drama, it possesses universal reach. Therefore, one need not be a connoisseur of Malayalam cinema to appreciate the raw and relatable human emotions that Priyam delivers so beautifully.

Despite being released over two decades ago, Priyam's wholesomeness, its infrastructural simplicity, and the deep-rooted values it espouses make it an endearing journey worth revisiting repeatedly. The movie lives on not just as a beautiful story, but it encompasses a heartfelt experience that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.