Sookshmadarshini - On the street where you live

 

 

Sookshmadarshini 

2024, Malayalam

Genre: Comedy-Mystery

 

Director: M C Jithin

Stars: Nazriya, Basil Joseph, Akhila Bhargavan, Merin Phillip, Deepak Parambol

 

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

One may question somewhere how a homemaker can lead her circle of friends at solving such a complex mystery.  But, like Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much, Priyadarshini just happens to be at the right place at the right time, along with her microbiology majors's attention to detail.

The Master Director's presence is felt throughout this finely crafted comedy-mystery.  One can feel the vibe of Psycho, Rear Window, and Notorious  throughout.  One can a sense a little of the quirkiness from Agatha Christie's Knives Out,too. But, the story is original, set in the present day suburban lifestyle of Kerala's educated middle class, bringing to fore the beauty of Kerala's movie making skills and the brilliant direction of Mr. Jithin. 

Ms. Nazriya is perfect for the role of Priya. She presents herself as a young mom living a happy life with her loving nuclear family, and enjoying the fun of being the center of a WhatsApp neighborhood social circle, full of gossip-mongers like her.  There is a little girl nature to her character, a certain mischievous love for going against the system.

 

Much like Hitchcock, the plot moves methodically, slowly building suspicion in the audience that something foul is about to enter.  And, much like Uncle Charlie in Hitchcock's favorite Shadow of a Doubt, evil arrives in a very subtle way.

As happens to me every time I watch a Hitchcock film, we are captivated by the believe-ability of it all, the people, the relatives, the neighborhood.  And present throughout, as in Hitchcock films, the complex morality and poetic justice symbolized by Catholicism is present all around. While the ending feels over the top, pulling it away from fives stars, it comes with the Hitchcock-like explanation of all that has happened, and the complex emotions that lead to villainous behavior.  For me, I never suspected.

A fine tribute to the Maestro, and a fine movie in and of itself.  Curl up with warm food and a favorite blanket and enjoy Sookshmadarshini.