Magalir Mattum movie review: Wholesome family fare with a creditable message

Director: Bramma

Cast: Jyotika, Urvashi, Bhanupriya, Saranya Ponvannan, Nassar, Livingston

If he portrayed the darker side of life in his debut movie Kuttram Kadithal and even bagged a national award, Bramma has given a heartwarming feel good entertainer in Magalir Mattum, which celebrates womanhood.

The movie begins in 1978 with three friends Gomatha, Rani Amrithakumari and Subbu who are in a boarding school contemplating whether to jump over the wall to watch a Rajini –Kamal movie Aval Appadithan.

Cut to present Gomatha (Urvashi) who runs tuition classes in her terrace is a single woman whose son has just left for abroad for better prospects. She asks her future daughter-in-law Prabhavathi (Jyotika) - a spirited documentary filmmaker - to come and stay with her. A documentary titled ‘The Great Indian Housewives’ is an eye-opener to Prabha, which brings out the inner side of women who are bogged down by family responsibilities after marriage.

After conversation with her m-in-law Gomes (that’s how she calls her), Prabha realizes that the former is missing her long-separated college friends Rani and Subbu. Now, with the help of FB, she tracks them down. Rani (Bhanupriya) is in Agra heading a large family. Her husband (Nassar) and married elder son Karthik (Paval Navageethan) are local politicians and they don’t really respect women in the household.

Subbu (Saranya) is a beautician and her husband (Livingston) is a perpetual drunkard and they have no issues. Subbu has a bedridden m-in-law.

Now, Prabha wants to reunite the three beleaguered women through a three day road-trip.  It turns out to be a journey of self-exploration.

Jyotika is full of energy and looks as effervescent as she was while in her heydays. Although Bramma’s focus is on the three ladies, Jyotika’s screen presence is so strong that she hogs the limelight. And it is for the first time, Jo has dubbed her own voice. There’s a surprise when Jo’s fiancé is revealed in the end. It is Saranya who scores next with her natural performance. Urvashi as usual impresses with her comedy antics and Bhanupriya’s emotional act is laudable. Pawal does a neat job. Nassar and Livingston are quite adequate.

Bramma’s writing is simple yet strong and thankfully never goes preachy. While first half drags a bit with lengthy flashback portions, post interval the road trip becomes an enjoyable ride for the viewers. The climax is somewhat contrived.

Ghibran’s music and Manikandan’s camera aid the narration. With only minor glitches, MM is a wholesome family fare with a creditable message and is worth your time and money!