Spoiler Alert: This article contains significant plot details and spoilers for ‘Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam‘. If you haven’t seen the film yet and wish to avoid spoilers, please stop reading now.Saiju Kurup starrer ‘Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam’ has found a new audience after its OTT release.Unlike the first film, which focused on family humor, the sequel moves into thriller territory. Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the story blends suspense, crime, and black comedy which is completely different from the first part.
Govindan’s arrival changes everything
The film follows Saiju Kurup’s character Sasidharan Nair, or Sasi, as he travels with his family to Sreekandapuram to help Rukmini settle in after Bharatan’s death. Their plans are disrupted when Govindan, played by Suraj Venjaramoodu, unexpectedly shows up.Govindan reveals that Bharatan had been involved in a fraudulent temple scheme centered around Mohineeshwari Devi. He demands Rs 1.5 crore to keep the secret hidden. While the temple committee pays part of the amount, the rest is demanded from Bharatan’s family.
The death that triggers the cover-up
Tensions escalate when Govindan attempts to extort even more money. During a chaotic confrontation Saraswati accidentally kills him while trying to stop him from exposing the truth.The story then transforms into a tense cover-up reminiscent of Mohanlal’s ‘Drishyam’, but in a quirky way. Sasi and his relatives try to hide the body and erase all evidence.
The pressure cooker twist
With help from Subash Sr. and butcher Eapen, the family disposes of Govindan’s remains while evading suspicion from Subash Jr. and CI Parthan. They also spread the story that Govindan stole the temple money and disappeared.The most startling revelation comes during Bharatan Nair’s final rites. Sasi gives Gopan Rs 30 lakh taken from the temple donation box. He then reveals that he burned the contents of the missing pressure cooker, which contained Govindan’s remains, and mixed the ashes with Bharatan’s before they were immersed in the river.The family is left stunned by the realization that they unknowingly merged the victim’s ashes with those of their own relative.
ETimes review for the Saiju Kurup starrer
ETimes awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars. The review stated, “Saiju is perfect as the person the family turns to in a difficult situation, but is as clueless as the rest of them. Baby Jean is a great addition to the mix. Suraj is subtle, yet crude and horrible in all aspects of his villainy; so well played. But while the actors have all done a good job, the script really is the real hero here and for that, the praise goes to writer-director Krishnadas.“The ending has been praised for combining suspense with pitch-black humor.
