173. Balagam; movie review

 

BALAGAM

Cert 12A

129 mins

BBFC advice: Contains domestic abuse

I can't recall a movie which delved so deeply into the rituals of Indian life as Balagam.

Partly humorous, partly dramatic, Venu Yeldandi's movie is set around the death of Gajula Komurayya (Sudhakar Reddy), the head of a family which has long been split by petty rows.

As the days of mourning begin, his children and their partners come together, creating an explosion of anger and jealousy amid the grief.

Meanwhile, his grandson (Priyadarshi) is cursing his luck because his imminent wedding has been postponed, stymying the chance of him receiving a dowry which would pay off his debts.

Priyadarshi is a curious one in this film - initially, it seems as if his marriage plans are central to it but then they become sidelined.

And don't get me on his facial hair. One minute, he is clean shaven, the next he has stubble, then a rather thick goatee. Did nobody think to question the obvious continuity issue?

Anyway, to solve his monetary problems, he alights upon a new potential marriage to his rich cousin (Kavya Kalyanram) who initially seems out of his depth.

But the real crux of Balagam remains the arguments between the patriarch's children during the mind-boggling rituals after his death.

Yep, who knew that meals were left in a field for crows because it is believed their spirits are inhabited by dead humans?

Kota Jayaram plays the deceased's son who has an explosive temper and is at the centre of most of these rows.

Muralidhar Goud is his nemesis - the wealthy businessman who married his sister and has not returned to the family home for 20 years.

Their inability to sort out their differences results in key decisions being made by the village council.

I found this detail fascinating and was riveted by Venu Yeldandi's movie because it shows a side of life which is far removed from ours in the west.

Reasons to watch: Lovely village drama

Reasons to avoid: Quite slow

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? According to ancient Hindu beliefs, crows are the link between the dead and living humans. They are the first form of reincarnation.

The final word. Venu Yeldandi: "It has been an overwhelming experience and everyone who has watched the film is sending me long messages. The best part is that none of them are congratulatory messages. All of them are writing lengthy notes about how Balagam moved them deeply." OTT Play

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