Shavam

Shavam is a 2015 Indian movie set in Kerala that strikes a delicate balance between dark comedy and the demystifying of death. Directed by Don Palathara, this intriguing film features accomplished performances from Baiju Balan, Francis Borgia, and Deepa Divakar.

Essentially, Shavam is a slice-of-life movie that exposes viewers to the intricate and sometimes tense relationships that exist within a community. It tells a story of the life of a middle-class family in the aftermath of the demise of one of their members. It is a delicate portrayal of mourning, human instincts, filled with ironies and subtle humor that runs throughout the movie.

Baiju Balan, the main protagonist, plays a crucial role in the movie. He delivers a powerful performance as a grieving member of the deceased’s family, and his emotive embodiment of his character's complexities is a high point of the movie. His actions reflect a man grappling with the harsh realities of loss and the numerous practicalities synonymous with the funeral process.

Francis Borgia adds fuel to the narration with his exhaustive portrayal of a character torn between cultural norms and individual beliefs. He expertly injects traces of humor in a situation that is inherently gloomy, making his character memorable. The eccentricities of his character remind the audience that life and death can humorously co-exist, despite the prevalent cultural assumption that death is a solemn affair.

The female lead, Deepa Divakar, plays her part with subtlety and finesse. As an emblem of strength and stoicism, her character brings out the film's emotional aspects and highlights the strength people show during times of adversity. Her character’s resilience, the quiet acceptance of the reality of death and understanding its inevitable presence in the journey of life, gives the film an emotional layer that is hard to forget.

Don Palathara takes a less trodden path, focusing on the mundane activities surrounding a death, thus keeping the overarching theme both humbling and easily relatable. Unorthodox in his storytelling, he moves away from the typical tear-streaked, cathartic study of death and instead turns it into a dissection of the society's behavior when dealing with the topic.

The script of Shavam is both nuanced and bold. The shrewd dialogues combined with a keen sense of situational comedy give it an original touch. It is written in such a way that it does not seem forced or over-dramatic, which allows the story to unfold organically, accurately reflecting the raw humanity at the core of the narrative.

The cinematography is another noteworthy aspect of Shavam. It beautifully captures the essence of Kerala, the bustling alleys, and the intimate familial interactions, all while silently observing a family coping with the loss. The cinematographer’s ability to maintain the balance between the traditional aspects of the culture and the peculiar visual aesthetic is truly commendable.

The background score of Shavam is impeccably chosen. It aligns well with the movie's overall theme and enhances the viewer's emotional engagement with the story. The use of local folk tunes helps to ground the narrative further into its cultural context, emanating a sense of deep-rooted authenticity.

Overall, Shavam can be categorized as an unembellished exploration of the universal theme of death. It does not shy away from portraying the raw, ordinary episodes often tied to the harsh reality of human demise. It brings to light the series of mundane activities and rituals that follow a death, removing the unwarranted veil of taboo from this inevitable aspect of life. The movie is incredibly gripping due to its no-frills approach and realistic representation of human emotions. The brilliant performances by the cast and the compelling direction make Shavam a must-watch for anyone seeking to partake in a thought-provoking cinematic experience.