Varane Avashyamund

Varane Avashyamund is a heart-warming 2020 Malayalam-language family drama directed by Anoop Sathyan, making his impressive directorial debut. The film features an ensemble of well-loved actors and actresses including Shobana, Suresh Gopi, and Kalyani Priyadarshan. Accomplished and popular actor Dulquer Salmaan not only plays a crucial role in the movie but also serves as the producer, making it even more anticipated by fans.

The underlying theme that permeates throughout Varane Avashyamund, just as in life, is the unpredictability of fate and the interconnectedness of lives, which is portrayed through the lives of the main characters all residing in the same apartment complex. Seemingly haphazard happenings cascade into meaningful connections as characters' paths cross and intertwine in unexpected ways.

Shobana, returning to the silver screen after a break of nearly seven years, weaves her magic through her portrayal of Neena, a single mother and a French teacher balancing her commitments to her job, her feisty daughter Nikki, played by Kalyani Priyadarshan, and her own aspirations. Nikki retains a rebellious streak and longs for a sense of adventure, dreaming of a romantic love story for herself similar to the Korean dramas she adores watching. Shobana skillfully aesthetizes Neena's character into an elegant, independent, modern woman who is juggling her personal and professional lives with grace and dignity.

Suresh Gopi, who returns to the cinematic world after a hiatus, plays the role of Major Unnikrishnan, a retired army officer. With his disciplined nature, regimented routine and curt demeanor, Major Unnikrishnan is very different from Neena and Nikki’s fun-loving, vibrant world. His character brings in a different dynamic to the narrative and offers a significant contrast against the lighter, more carefree backdrop of the other characters.

The charm of Dulquer Salman is skillfully used by debut director Anoop Sathyan as he portrays the role of a young man named Bibeesh, who interestingly earns the nickname 'Fraud' due to some quirky twists in his life. A man with many layers and a heart of gold, Bibeesh brings another fresh dimension to this multi-layered story.

With its central theme of kinship and relationships, Varane Avashyamund illustrates how each of the four main characters, despite their individual life situations and different generations, is searching for their own version of happiness. The movie takes us through life-changing events, humorous instances, dramatic turns, and explores the little-shared moments and sincere connections that can unexpectedly emerge to create life's beautiful mosaic.

An enriching and relatable storyline coupled with soulful music makes Varane Avashyamund a wholesome family entertainer. The background score by Alphons Joseph and songs composed by the popular M. Jayachandran adds more depth and emotion to the narrative, while the cinematography provides an appeal that is serene and soothing to the senses.

The film skillfully blends romance, comedy, and drama to explore the nuances of relationships, the idea of love, loneliness, dreams, and second chances. Although the movie spirals around serious themes, it remains a light-hearted watch filled with moments of laughter and joy. It reinstates the innate human longing for camaraderie and companionship and shows us that often, family isn't about being blood-related but about those who accept you for who you are.

Varane Avashyamund is a delicate blend of refreshing comedy and poignant drama, maintaining a fine balance that keeps the audience engaged. The compelling script, characters that are relatable, and excellent performances by the lead cast indeed make it a must-watch. It is a film that reverberates with warmth, humor, and wisdom while offering an entertaining and heartfelt spectacle for viewers of all ages.