SPOILER ALERT: This article contains important details and spoilers for ‘Bharatanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam‘. If you have not watched the film yet and wish to avoid spoilers, please stop reading now.Saiju Kurup’s film ‘Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam’ has found a new audience after its online release.Unlike the first film, which focused on family humour, the sequel moves into action territory. Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the story mixes suspense, crime and black comedy and is completely different from the first part.
Govindan’s arrival changes everything
The film follows Saiju Kurup’s character Sasidharan Nair, or Sasi, as he travels with his family to Srikandapuram to help Rukmini settle after Bharathan’s death. Their plans are disrupted when Govindan, played by Suraj Venjaramoodu, shows up unexpectedly.Govindan reveals that Bharathan was involved in a fraudulent temple scheme centered around Mohineshwari Devi. He demands Rs 1.5 crore to keep the secret hidden.
While the temple committee pays part of the amount, Bharathan’s family asks for the rest.
Death that sparks a cover-up
Tensions rise when Govindan tries to extort more money. During a chaotic confrontation, Saraswati accidentally kills him while trying to stop him from revealing the truth.The story then turns into a tense cover-up reminiscent of Mohanlal’s ‘Drishyam’, but in a twisted way. Sassi and his relatives try to hide the body and erase all evidence.
Evolution of the pressure cooker
With the help of Subash Sr. and butcher Eben, the family disposes of Govindan’s remains while evading the suspicions of Subash Jr. and CI Parthan. They also spread the story that Govindan stole the temple’s money and disappeared.The most surprising revelation comes during Bharathan Nair’s last rites. Sassi gives Gopan Rs 30 lakh taken from the temple donation fund. He then reveals that he burned the contents of the missing pressure cooker, which contained Govindan’s remains, and mixed the ashes with Bharathan’s ashes before immersing it in the river.The family was stunned when they realized they had inadvertently combined the victim’s ashes with those of their relative.
ETimes review of star Saiju Kurup
ETimes gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars. The review said, “Saiju is perfect as the person the family turns to in a difficult situation, but he is as clueless as the rest. Baby Jane is a great addition to the mix. Sooraj is subtle, yet raw and terrible in all aspects of his villainy; he is well played. But while the actors have all done a good job, the script is really the real hero here and for that, praise goes to writer-director Krishnadas.”
“The ending was praised for combining suspense with black humour.