Having convinced my family to come for a film after persistent nagging on the Christmas weekend, the next difficult task was choosing between Bhooloham and Haiku. Not only was I the lone soul to opt for the former, we also saw the trailer of the film only after getting inside the cinema complex. In spite of the quick decision, debut director N. Kalyanakrishnan made my choice worth it with his Jayam Ravi starrer boxing film. After nearly three years of delay in the release of this film, luckily it has come out as the year end treat for Jayam Ravi who has already registered enough successes in 2015.
The storyline is simple with a hero fighting three villains - literally fighting here as he is on a boxing tournament conducted by a newly emerging channel which, well, mainly focuses on the commercial profit it can gain from the event leaving behind the true spirit of the long forgotten sport of the state. Director N.Kalyanakrishanan who has formerly worked as an assistant for S.P.Jananathan follows the latter’s policy to bring out social issues to light and deserves applause for perfectly essaying the role.
Jayam Ravi plays Bhooloham who is on a motive to kill his only enemy Arumugam, whose father had made him an orphan. A tournament which was stopped for twenty years is brought back by Deepak (Prakash Raj) the owner of the sports channel who clearly mirrors many corporates in our country. Trisha as Bhoolam’s lover has no significance in the film and it’s a pity to see such a great talent used for nothing. But the fact that the director has avoided the mandatory duet after the lead pair marriage (which itself happens during the worst timing) is good.
Director N.Kalyanakrishanan who has formerly worked as an assistant for S.P.Jananathan follows the latter’s policy to bring out social issues to light and deserves applause for perfectly essaying the role.
The film’s attempt to show the audience the lifestyle of those who live in the northern parts of the city and their culture is commendable. Jayam Ravi is seen brushing himself with dusky skin to suit the role that doesn’t leave us disappointed. His enemies Arpit Ranka (Danyl) who played the role of Duriyodhana in the famous Star TV show Mahabharat, and Nathan Jones of Mad Max, TROY fame are as stunning as ever. The dance moves of Nathan to our folk tunes are indeed a treat to one’s eyes. Prakash Raj has become the face of the corporate after Inji Idupazhagi and he follows it up well in Bhooloham also, with equally good performance. S.P.Jananathan has written the dialogues of the film which stand out to be a real punch on the face of today’s commercial media and sports. The fact that incompetent people are being selected for international events, and sports used as advertisement is with no doubt the reality today.
S.P.Jananathan has written the dialogs of the film which stand out to be a real punch on the face of today’s commercial media and sports. The fact that incompetent people are being selected for international events, and sports used as advertisement is with no doubt the reality today.
From bidding, auction to promotion of the advertisers during the match, every technique of the commercial world has been brought to light in Bhooloham. Music is scored by Srikanth Deva which just goes along with the screenplay and doesn’t capture hearts. The film as a whole is worth a watch excluding the loudness carried throughout.
Bottom-line: If not for the predictable storyline, Bhooloham has a wonderful message.
Rating: 3/5
