Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil Movie Review: Prithviraj and Basil Joseph’s Humorous Bromance Loses Steam Halfway Through
Credit: The Hindu News
17.05.2024: “Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil,” directed by Vipin Das, offers a mindless fun ride, largely driven by the charismatic performances of Prithviraj and Basil Joseph. Despite its strong start, the film eventually loses momentum, resulting in an average cinematic experience.
Plot and Performances
At the heart of “Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil” is the unique relationship between two prospective brothers-in-law, Vinu (Basil Joseph) and Anandan (Prithviraj). This unusual bromance is the movie’s central appeal, providing a fresh dynamic rarely explored in cinema. The over-the-top portrayals, while feeling contrived at times, effectively serve the film’s comedic tone.
Vinu, still reeling from a breakup five years prior, finds solace and companionship in Anandan, who becomes his brother, friend, and mentor. Anandan, despite appearing level-headed, is also facing personal turmoil, particularly with his estranged wife Parvathy (Nikhila Vimal). Vinu’s efforts to help Anandan lead to a series of hilarious situations, showcasing Vipin Das’s knack for humor, reminiscent of his previous work in “Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey.”
Humor and Screenplay
Scripted by Deepu Pradeep, known for “Kunjiramayanam” and “Periloor Premier League,” the film features laugh-out-loud dialogues and delightfully silly moments. Prithviraj, not typically known for his comedic roles, pairs well with Basil Joseph, whose natural comedic talent shines. However, the focus on their bromance limits screen time for female leads Anaswara Rajan and Nikhila Vimal, who nonetheless make their presence felt.
Supporting characters, played by Siju Sunny and Saafboi, deliver expected performances, though Yogi Babu’s role is minimal. The film is filled with references to classics like “Nandanam,” “Godfather,” and “Grihapravesham,” adding a nostalgic touch. Notably, the popular 1990s song “Azhagiya Laila” is used cleverly in the narrative.
Weaknesses
The film’s central conflict is revealed early, which undermines the suspense and struggles to maintain audience interest in the latter half. Despite a series of gags and comedic mixups reminiscent of Priyadarshan’s films, the story falters as it introduces new characters and subplots that don’t always pay off.
“Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil” starts strong with its novel bromance and humorous exchanges but ultimately becomes an average fare as it loses steam halfway through. While the film delivers on its promise of mindless fun, it fails to sustain the initial excitement, making it a decent watch but not a standout.
Source – The Hindu