‘Varathan’ is an intriguing thriller
Fahadh Faasil and Aishwarya Lekshmi star as a couple who are threatened in a village Review
Mythily Ramachandran Malayalam director Amal Neerad holds a mirror to a society ridden by male chauvinism and voyeurism in Varathan.
Backed by excellent performances, stunning visuals and music that complements the narrative, Varathan becomes an intriguing thriller that follows you home.
The story opens in Dubai. Abin (Fahadh Faasil) and Priya (Aishwarya Lekshmi), a young married couple in love, go through two unfortunate events.
When Priya suggests that they return to Kerala, Abin agrees. So they decide to stay at her father’s ancestral property in the hills of Idukki.
Their joy and solitude is soon threatened when Priya realises that her childhood home is unsafe for her as a woman.
You get an inkling of the attitude of the villagers the moment they enter the town and stop at a roadside store for tea. The discomfiting stares of the men sitting outside is something any woman will connect to.
The fear of being watched creeps into Priya’s mind — while in the midst of baking she turns around to face a stranger peering through the window; the shadow of a man looking into their bedroom door; the notion of being observed that Priya’s feels while undressing in her bathroom.
Neerad gradually builds it along with cinematographer Littil Swayamp — the camera close at Priya’s heels all the while taking in her activities like the stalkers outside.
Women have an instinct to understand when the glances and gazes are just not right and like Priya they find it hard to convince others of the threat.
Priya is irritated with Abin for being naive about the intentions of Josy (Sharafudden), a school mate who had a crush on her and still lusts for her. Giving him company are his two friends. From the field that Priya’s family has let out to Josy — a convenient vantage point — they intrude into her life.
Varathan soon becomes the story of a hero. Faasil fans are in for a treat.
The film’s strong points lie in the onscreen chemistry between Faasil and Lekshmi.
Varathan releases in the UAE today.