Sneha Veedu

Satyan Anthikad for me, is the finest commercial movie Director who has survived into a fourth decade of meaningful movie making. He began by directing a delectable comedy in 1982. Almost 30 years later, he perhaps is the only Director of the older generation who has retained currency in this era of decline of Malayalam cinema.

After suffering series of horrible Mohan Lal movies, I had stayed off his 'Pranayam' fearing a boring old-age drama. So if I decided to watch "Sneha Veedu" on first day, it is because of my admiration for Satyan Anthikad. Let me confess he hasn't made any great movie here and this is not 'Vara Velpu' or 'Sandesam'. It is a mix and match of Satyan's old formula. But it works beautifully simply because of the theme of love.

Ajayan Menon [Mohan Lal] as a Chronic Bachelor shying from commitment to a marriage only to see his mother happy in her old age is the protagonist. Veteran Sheila playing his mother complements the picture of 'Love' in a home full of love.

Then there is Sunanda [Padmapriya] a neighborhood girl with charming manners and great conviction in whatever she does. Balan [Biju Menon] plays the role of Ajayan's friend, philosopher and side kick. He is a Sub Inspector of Police and is fabulous. Innocent as Karinkannan Mathai is his usual best. An Anthikkad movie is incomplete without these kind of characters.

There is drama, suspense, earthy comedy, love, puppy love, mother - son sentiments [so thankfully not overdone] and a little bit of tragedy. Then there is a humane climax that comes like a wave of the ocean, all of a sudden; touches us and leaves us wet in the eyes yet happy for the effect.

I wouldn't like to spoil the thrill of watching the movie by discussing the story. But let me add this, the new boy Rahul Pillai is a huge surprise package. He walks away with honors appearing on screen for the first time along with the likes of the stars mentioned above. Some real talent !

The music is beautiful and songs are fabulous. Hariharan and Shreya Ghoshal add variety to the songs. Palakkad and surrounding villages have been shot beautifully to make the visual experience pleasant. A little bit of sagging in pace during second hour apart, "Sneha Veedu" is a wholesome entertainer.

Malayalam cinema suffered all these years because people like Shaji Kailas had turned a magnificent actor into a monstrous Frankenstein of a Superstar. We can't thank you enough Mr. Anthikad for giving us back the 'Common man' Mohan Lal !

Recommended: For every Malayalee who has missed the beautiful family entertainers of the 80s and early 90, go watch this one. And for the new generation growing up on Hindi, English, Tamil and dubbed Telugu masala movies, watch this one to understand Malayalam Cinema !