Kumalangi is a small fishing village in Kerala. Within the village, is a small island, also known as the dumping grounds of the village, where four brother (Saji, Bonny, Bobby, and Franky) live in a very dysfunctional relationship. Related in a slightly weird way (as explained during the course of the movie), the movie revolves around the evolving relationship of the brothers after their father has passed away and their mother leaves them in pursuit of becoming a nun (seemingly). We also get a glimpse of another family on the other side of Kumbalangi - Shammi, his wife Simmy, her younger sister Baby, and their mother.

What links the two stories together is the relationship between Bobby and Baby (yes, there are quite a few alliterations here). While Saji is a man struggling to come to terms with the loss of his parents and the responsibility of providing for this younger brothers, especially Bobby and Franky - Bonny seems to be doing well on his own - Shammi is a man very much in control of his life. As we delve in to the story, we get to see the constantly widening contrast between these two.

Despite some severely intense moments, this is a movie that one can enjoy during a lazy weekend over a few drinks. While the movie does revolve around issues with toxic masculinity and projects feminism in a very positive manner, it does so in a very non-intrusive and non-overbearing ways. You are given the space to enjoy the movie just for the sake of the story.

The performances from the entire main cast are absolutely brilliant and they make for a great ensemble. However, there's two that I feel compelled to point out here. Soubin Shahir as Saji presents the journey of a broken man trying to mend himself beautifully. He is convincing in every frame he occupies, and makes you ache for him at times. And, his would have been my favorite performance in the movie but for Fahadh Faasil. Faasil's Shammi is one of the creepiest characters I have ever come across on screen. And, he is creepy not because you think he is about to commit some evil deed. He is creepy because you do not know what he is capable of (and, it seems, at times, neither does he). Faasil's performance as Shammi has definitely given me an incentive to watch 'Super Deluxe'.

In fact, but for his performance, and the Soubin's and Sreenath Bhasi's (Bonny) supporting acts, one of the most intense scenes in the movie might have devolved into a typical Indian movie fracas that would have completely ruined an otherwise great watch.

There's two other aspects of the movie that deserve a shout out.

Music: One of the pains of watching a movie with subtitles is that the the song lyrics are always butchered mercilessly even if they capture the dialogues nicely. And so, I tend to switch off during the songs in non-Hindi/Marathi/English movies. However, given how beautiful the subbed lyrics were, I can only imagine the beauty of the actual lyrics in Malayalam (especially given the lyrics of Silent Cat; which was in English). Kudos to Sushin Shyam on a job well done.

Cinematography: Shyju Khalid does not bring the opulence or grandeur of a Sanjay Leela Bhansali to the movie, but it is no less colorful than any of SLB's movies. Instead of expensive props, Khalid simply uses Kerala as a backdrop for the events traversing before our eyes. The lush greenery of the Kerala backwaters and the luminescent glow of the sea sparkle or bioluminescence (apparently an actual phenomenon that occurs in Kumbalangi and some other areas of Kerala) serve as a feast for the eyes; not to mention the fact that it is one more reason to visit Kerala.

Overall, this directorial debut of Madhu Narayanan is an excellent and refreshing watch. Given that it was a family drama, I did not go into the movie expecting to like it as I am not much into the genre (and, maybe that helped). But, I was pleasantly surprised by this one, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone willing to lend me their ears.

KUMBALANGI NIGHTS (2019) REVIEW
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:scroll: Plot: The film revolves around four brothers who share a love-hate relationship with each other. Their relationship progresses to another level when Saji, Boney, and Franky decide to help Bobby stand by his love.
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:man:‍⚖ Review : Not every now and then comes a film which dazzles you with its frames, music, and beauty of its characters but this movie bends that notion. Kumbalangi Night is one beautifully framed tale of brotherhood, love and way of life. Sushin Shyam's music warms your heart and Shyju Khalid's splendid work bebind the camera makes this one of the best Malayalam movies of recent times. Beautiful Backdrops of Kumbalangi and Magical Music elevates the brilliance of the script.

Story of 4 brothers Shaji (Soubin), Bonny(Sreenath), Bobby (Shane) and Frankie (Mathew) where all lead a messed up life because of their arrogrance, disagreements and differences with each other. When Bobby falls in love with Baby (Anna Ben) , things slowly fall in place until Shammy (Fahadh Faasil), Baby's Brother in Law comes into the picture. Bobby(Shane) and Baby(Anna Ben) are amazing and brilliantly add the elements of romance into this movie. The Charactizations of Shammy and Shaji are the highlights of the movie and probably the actors have given their career best for these two roles. Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist dazzles the audience with a never before avatar. Soubin as Shaji has given a superlative performance of man who has nothing good to expect.

Director Madhu C Narayanan charactization and Shyam Puskaran 's writing is beyond words.
A Breakthrough movie in Malayalam Cinema which scores in every aspect credits to its flawlessly written climax.
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:thumbsup:Goods : Impeccable Portrayal of characters, A movie close to reality, Soulful music, Unforeseeable Climax.
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:thumbsdown: Bads : Starts slowly but please stick around.
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:fire: Final Rating : 8.5/10
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:white_check_mark: Verdict : One of the finest movies i have watched in 2020. Intrigues me to explore more Malayalam movies. Donot miss this one. Thank You English Subtitles.
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