Bramayugam, the latest venture from director Rahul Sadasivan, may not be embarking on grandiose experimentation. Still, it delves deep into the chilling realms of a haunted house, this time amidst the backdrop of the 17th century. While Sadasivan’s previous work, Bhoothakalam, delved into allegorical explorations of confronting one’s past, Bramayugam takes a daring leap into the realm of political intrigue, utilizing the horror genre as a canvas to unravel the intricate patterns of power throughout history.
Set against the haunting backdrop of the 17th century, the narrative revolves around a man from the Paanan caste, who finds himself ensnared in the eerie confines of a deserted mansion deep within the jungle. As he grapples with his predicament, the film unravels a complex web of power dynamics, embodied by the enigmatic figure of Kodumon Potti, the cunning master of the house. Mammootty’s portrayal of Potti is nothing short of mesmerizing, infusing the character with a palpable sense of menace and intrigue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Arjun Ashokan shines as the protagonist who navigates the murky depths of the story, his nuanced performance capturing the character’s journey with impeccable precision. However, while Mammootty’s magnetic presence dominates the screen, some minor shortcomings in dialogue delivery from other cast members pale in comparison.
Visually, Bramayugam channels the spirit of Hitchcockian suspense, with Rahul Sadasivan’s deft direction crafting a monochromatic landscape that drips with the atmosphere. Shahnad Jalal’s restrained camerawork and Christo Xavier’s haunting score further elevate the film’s eerie ambiance, while the meticulous production design lends credence to its hallucinatory sequences.
Yet, beyond its surface trappings of horror, Bramayugam transcends the genre, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the insidious nature of power. As the film draws to a close, Sadasivan deftly subverts expectations, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of unease and prompting them to reconsider every twist and turn of the narrative through a new lens of political intrigue.
In the end, Bramayugam stands not only as a masterful work of horror cinema but also as a compelling exploration of the timeless themes of power and control, ensuring that its grip on the viewer’s imagination lingers long after the credits roll.
