Nadanna Sambhavam

It dropped on OTT with no noise at all, and the same was the case in theaters too. As there were no other good options, I gave it a go with minimal expectations, only to be surprised by how much I liked it.

A new couple relocates to a posh colony where the husband befriends all the women due to his happy-go-lucky nature. This doesn't sit well with the other husbands, and an incident eventually leads to the police station.

Biju Menon as the friendly husband is a treat to watch, performing with the perfect balance of charm, making it neither awkward nor creepy. Suraj Venjaramoodu is in his element as well, shining in his role as the insecure husband. Lijomol Jose is a surprise, delivering an earnest performance that makes her presence felt. Sudhi Koppa has an interesting role, which he justifies to the fullest. Johny Antony, Shruti Ramachandran, and the rest of the cast nail their respective parts.

The thread of the story is simple, yet it engages you right from the word go. Kudos to the captain of the ship, Vishnu Narayan, who delivers a splendid experience for viewers, showcasing his excellent directorial skills. It proves that a simple story can be engaging when executed well.

The screenplay is airtight and leaves no room for distraction. The dialogues are funny and relatable, as are the various couples portrayed, making the whole story feel like it's unfolding right outside your window.

In all its glory, this is a film that should be watched without a second thought. Expect a light-hearted family drama, perfect for a good time.

#pranureviews #NadannaSambhavam #NadannaSambhavamReview.

In the heartwarming yet mysterious tale of The Arrival, director Sarah Bloom introduces audiences to a quaint residential association where a group of family and friends find their lives irrevocably altered by the arrival of a peculiar new tenant. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque neighborhood, the film explores themes of change, acceptance, and the unearthing of hidden truths.

The narrative unfolds gracefully, beginning with the tranquil routine of the neighborhood, where each character's life seems settled and predictable. The cinematography by James Rivers captures the essence of suburban bliss, with lush green lawns and sunlit homes forming a serene backdrop. However, the arrival of Mr. Landon (played with subtle intrigue by Ian Grant) disrupts this tranquility, setting off a chain reaction of events that challenge the fabric of their community.

At its core, The Arrival is a story about relationships. Each character, from the affable next-door neighbor Mrs. Thompson (portrayed with warmth by Helen Morris) to the curious teenage son Jake (ably performed by newcomer Leo Bennett), undergoes a transformation as they interact with Mr. Landon. The dynamics shift gradually, revealing hidden tensions and long-buried secrets that come to light in the presence of this enigmatic newcomer.

The film excels in its character development, with each member of the ensemble cast contributing to the overarching narrative. Emily Wright shines as Sarah, the young mother whose curiosity about Mr. Landon's past leads her down a path of self-discovery. Her journey is mirrored by her husband Michael (played with depth by David Clarke), whose initial skepticism gives way to empathy as he learns more about their new neighbor's history.

What sets The Arrival apart is its ability to blend genres seamlessly. While rooted in drama, the film incorporates elements of mystery and even touches of supernatural intrigue. As Mr. Landon's backstory unfolds through a series of carefully crafted flashbacks, the audience is drawn deeper into his world, questioning their own perceptions of identity and belonging.

Bloom's direction ensures that every scene is infused with emotional resonance. Whether it's a quiet conversation over morning coffee or a tense confrontation in the community hall, each moment feels authentic and relatable. The screenplay by Jessica Andrews skillfully navigates between light-hearted humor and poignant introspection, creating a narrative tapestry that resonates long after the credits roll.

Visually, The Arrival is a treat for the senses. From the vibrant color palette of the neighborhood in summer to the subdued tones of winter, the changing seasons mirror the characters' evolving emotional landscapes. The attention to detail extends to the production design and costume choices, which subtly reflect each character's journey throughout the film.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Lucas Shaw, complements the storytelling beautifully. Haunting melodies underscore pivotal moments, heightening the emotional impact without overpowering the narrative. Shaw's score enhances the film's atmospheric quality, drawing viewers deeper into the unfolding drama.

While The Arrival is undeniably character-driven, it also poses thought-provoking questions about community and the nature of change. As Mr. Landon's presence catalyzes a series of events that force the residents to confront their own biases and preconceptions, the film encourages audiences to reflect on the ways in which we perceive others and ourselves.

In conclusion, The Arrival is a captivating exploration of human connection and transformation. Anchored by strong performances, nuanced direction, and a compelling narrative, the film offers a poignant reminder that our lives are shaped not only by our actions but also by our willingness to embrace the unknown. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge divides and illuminate the shared humanity that binds us all. The Arrival is a film that lingers in the mind, inviting audiences to ponder its themes long after the screen fades to black.

It was a laughter-packed delight for me. The movie clearly depicts the insecurities of the so- called successful men in our society. Suraj and Biju Menon- what a great combo. The lady actors - Lijomol and Shruti also deserves applause.

It's a small movie with a simple story, but I think the director executed it well. The production design was also very fitting for the film. I also enjoyed Sudhi Koppa's role in the movie and he has performed well in this role.

Suraj is rocking all the roles he is getting and his subtle mannerisms in the movie was just superb. I can't believe this is the same man who delivered those legendary comedy scenes fifteen years ago.

Give it a go..

Excellent pick of apt characters. Deftly directed by Vishnu Narayn & ably penned by Rajesh Gopinadhan. Editing did not expose any missing links. Movie was engaging throughout with suspense elements. Lijomol speaks volumes even in her silence. Biju Menon stole the show. The subtle romantic nuances between Biju & charismatic Shruthi Ramachandran were portrayed without developing into detailed sequences. Suraj excelled in the negative role along with other worth mentioning counterparts like Sudhi Koppa, John Antony & Lalu Alex. The BGM & music by Ankit Menon were a rare mix of situational compositions and was very appealing.

Rating - 3/5

A family drama set on the backdrop of a housing colony.

The story puts light onto relationship and trust issues in a married life within a housing society.

Director has brushed upon some stereotyped subjects and that has great relevance in this status quo and domestic violence in family is portrayed effectively on screen. Audience missing connection in few sequences may be due to flat writing.

All the actors have made a decent performance in the movie. Good performances by Biju Menon, Suraj,Lijomol,Sruthi & Sudhy Kopa.

Director's attempt to convey the idea was fine but it was cringe in few areas. There was no other exciting factor that holds the audience onto the story.