Sullu

Sullu is a captivating psychological thriller that was released in 2019, directed by Vishnu Bharadwaj. The film sheds light on certain societal flaws and uncovers a riveting suspense, delineating a terrifying story of a boy and his obsession with school in a completely new and unique perspective. The film features notable award-winning actors like Vijay Babu, Anumol K. Manoharan, and is centered around the lead character performed by a talented young actor, Vasudev Sajeesh Marar.

The plot focuses on a seemingly normal seven-year-old boy, Vasudev, who has an extraordinarily vivid imagination. His make-believe games and fantasized stories are depicted as so real that they confuse, frustrate, and annoy his parents. It takes the viewer through the family's distressing journey as they deal with Vasudev’s overambitious imagination. Vasudev gives an intriguing performance showcasing the innocence yet intensity of his character.

Vijay Babu and Anumol K. Manoharan play Vasudev's parents and their screen performances reveal the depth of the narrative. They highlight it as an emotional journey of parental pressure, societal expectations, and the tense environment it creates for a child. In the foggy gray-area between reality and fantasy, the viewer is threaded into the chilling turbulence of a child’s psyche.

The film also subtly hints at how the society's educational system can sometimes destroy a child's mental balance. It stirs a powerful debate on the daunting consequences of ignoring a child's mental health. The movie questions the conventional parenting norms where dreams and aspirations are enforced on children at a very tender age, and the harsh repercussions of it. As the plot progresses, the film skilfully straddles different genres like drama, suspense, and social issues.

The story is compelling and goes beyond the usual narratives of Bollywood cinema, which focus majority on romance and action. It has mystery to unfold on every turn and keeps the audience at the edge of their seat. It also intelligently blurs the line between imagination and reality, and fiction and fraction; making it a captivating thriller.

Sullu is not just a portrayal of a child's imagination but also encapsulates the shifting dynamics of a middle-class family in India. It digs deep into the microcosmic world of a child and the macrocosmic world of social expectations around him, in a gritty and gripping story-line.

Vishnu Bharadwaj, the director of the film, uses his innovative narrative style, and successfully binds high-grade cinematography, a compelling script, and exemplary performance from the cast to craft a movie that questions societal norms and expectations.

The background score of the film is well suited to its genre and adds to the nail-biting suspense that the film inhabits. The cinematography is brilliant and sets the tone for the film by capturing the nuances of a child's world and the grim reality around it. It provides a deep insight into the pressure cooker environment that contemporary urban Indian lives face.

In totality, Sullu is not just a psychological thrill ride but also a social commentary on the education system and the importance of mental health. It indicates the vital need to pay close attention to the psychological needs of children. Remarkably, it also presents a stark contrast between the black-and-white world of adults and the multicolored one of a child's imagination.

In conclusion, Sullu is a potent mix of storytelling and social commentary. The film deeply resonates with the audience due to its exploration of issues that are extremely relatable and real. It is a revealing journey into a world seen through the eyes of a child, making it an absolute must-watch for parents and educators. Although set in an Indian milieu, its themes are universal, making it an engaging piece of cinema for viewers across the globe. It's a film that would leave you with thought-provoking questions and lingering feelings of empathy.