image credits: Nightshift studio and YNOT studio
Bramayugam’s core setting and stylistic approach are a refreshing departure from the norm in Indian cinema. Rooted in the rich folklore of Kerala, this atmospheric chiller evokes the spirit of underrated gems like Tumbbad, yet carves its own distinct path.
Writer-director Rahul Sadasivan’s bold choice to shoot entirely in black-and-white pays dividends, lending an ominous tone that heightens the tension as the characters face potentially fatal circumstances. The deliberate pacing allows for a slow-burn buildup, particularly for Mammootty’s enigmatic lead, immersing us in the lore and mysteries of this dilapidated 17th-century manor.
image credits: Nightshift studio and YNOT studio
Make no mistake, Bramayugam is a horror film at its core, but it deftly interweaves elements of mystery and suspense, keeping viewers on edge within the confines of a single, meticulously crafted location. Shehnad Jalal’s haunting cinematography lingers on the manor’s nooks and crannies, from the traditional facade to the overgrown weeds, hinting at hidden horrors yet to be unveiled. The production design evokes the visceral aesthetic of a Robert Eggers film, a triumph for art director Jothish Shankar.
Christo Xavier’s sinister score, punctuated by well-placed period songs, transports us to a bygone era, while the shifting dynamics between the three leads keep us guessing. Mammootty’s portrayal channels a more sinister iteration of his iconic Bhaskara Patelar, his unsettling presence and eerie laughs amplifying the dread.
image credits: Nightshift studio and YNOT studio
What impresses most is the filmmakers’ restraint, relying on atmosphere and character evolution to ratchet up the horror, eschewing cheap jump scares. The black-and-white palette heightens the impact, blurring the lines between reality and artifice in the film’s meticulously executed final act.
While the pacing lags slightly in the second act, the rich tapestry of locales and unpredictable narrative thread keep us invested. Mammootty’s continued commitment to revitalizing his craft shines through, his vicious presence commanding the screen from his first appearance. Arjun Ashokan and Siddharth Bharathan lend solid support, though one hopes the former avoids typecasting.
image credits: Nightshift studio and YNOT studio
Bramayugam offers a theatrical experience unlike any other, a feast for those craving something unconventional in storytelling and presentation. While its impact may diminish on smaller screens, in theaters, it’s a haunting, atmospheric journey into the realms of Kerala’s folklore, a testament to the power of bold, uncompromising vision in Indian cinema.
