Megamalhar മേഘമൽഹാർ
Watching a 2001 movie has its dissuading aspects numbered in dozens, especially if it is a soft-paced romantic drama starred by some of the last names you would associate with this genre. (Yes, Biju Menon was a romantic hero back in the day.) You might have to recalibrate your notions of romance, let alone the romantic hero stereotypes, to see him in that light. So it was with the right expectations that I watched ‘Megamalhar.’ Unlike the self indulgent and bloated movies of the genre in that time made for award seasons and pretentious movie critics, it was a moving story. I must say, the movie struck me in ways only few other movies did.
It was hardly the work of an auteur director who deeply cares about the subject matter, and could hardly boast of top-notch performances or cinematography. But amidst the endless tidal wave of romantic movies that I had to torture my eyes with lately with concocted plotlines and strong, independent characters impulsively jumping at the first opportunity to flex their emotional opulence, Megamalhar was a refreshing experience; an experience akin to watching Casablanca except appropriated for the sensibility of a different audience.
It’s mature, reflexive and presents an interesting story to chew on with characters interacting with each other in measured and restrained manner as opposed to how watching some of the latest romantic movies would make you wonder if the characters had just jumped out of a high school. The atmosphere of slowly building intimacy and the shared past of the main characters which precipitates that warmness can leave you nostalgic and pensive. The theme of love explored in the movie is deep, mellowed and graceful. Most interesting of all is how the characters are accepting of the circumstances that constrain them from acting on their emotions; and the dejected, wistful state in which it leaves them at the end is poignant, to say the least.
JJR