ELLAM SHERIYAKUM MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

Ellam Sheriyakum is a family drama directed by Vellimoonga fame Jibu Jacob. Starring Asif Ali, Rajisha Vijayan, Sidhique in pivotal roles, the movie hit the silver screen following a long wait for the cinemas to open. Tulasi Shivamani, Sudheer Karamana, Sreejith Ravi, and Suresh Kumar reprise other pivotal roles in the film.

While not particularly star-studded as Jacob's earlier movie Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol, Ellam Sheriyakum has a strong cast. Asif Ali and Rajisha Tulasi give forth convincing performances as Vineeth and Ancy, while Sidhique plays the role of an authoritarian father and politician really well. Supporting cast including Tulasi Shivamani (playing the role of Ancy's mother) have further enhanced the story of the film.

Ellam Sheriyakum revolves around Vineeth, his wife Ancy, and his father-in-law and revered politician KC Chacko. When Ancy gets pregnant, she insists on meeting her parents whom she hadn't met in the last three years since she eloped with Vineeth. How the two men in Ancy's life find the fine balance between politics and personal life forms the crux of the story.

In the 137 minute-run of the movie, what stands out are the characters and how well they have been developed. Jacob and film writer Sharis Mohammed have created characters that are real and more believable than the two-dimensional characters that most political and family dramas have. How incidents shape a person and their decisions is depicted well in the movie.

While the trailer hinted at a political drama and the first half was dominated by political sequences, the movie is a family drama with commentaries on various political and social issues. What sets Ellam Sheriyakum from Jacob's previous political film Vellimoonga is the narrative. Where the Bjiu Menon starrer focused on a street smart politician, Ellam Sheriyakum focuses not just on a revered politician but also on the tricky balance that politicians are unable to maintain between their family and political obligations.

Cinematography by Sreejith Nair is to the point with certain angles defining the character's feelings better than even words could. The election sequence towards the end simply keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation.

Ouseppachan's music weaves itself into the story, making it inseparable and creating all the right effects. However, like most commercial Malayalam movies, Ellam Sheriyakum is victim to avoidable songs that simply add minutes to the movie. The focus on patriarchy is not lost on this film either with instances where female characters have no say in matters that affect them. With a headstrong character like Ancy, Jacob and Mohammed had the perfect opportunity to ruffle some patriarchal feathers.

ELLAM SHERIYAKUM VIDEO REVIEW