'Autorickshawkarante Bharya' is Ann Augustine's comeback to Mollywood after a gap of five years. For those who loved her in 'Elsamma Enna Aankutti' and 'Friday', it's refreshing to see her again on screen, though the storyline lacks bit of depth.
'Autorickshawkarante Bharya' (The autorickshaw driver's wife), directed by veteran Harikumar, is set in Mahe, and revolves around an autorickshaw driver Saji played by Suraj Venjaramoodu and his wife Radhika, a newly married couple.
When Radhika realises that Saji lives a lazy, indisciplined life, she decides to take matters in her own hands. The autorickshaw, christened Divya Mol, leads to tensions between the couple, who have diverse personalities.
The film is based on M Mukundan's novel of the same name. The noted novelist has also written the script for the film. Some of the scenes and dialogues are old-school, but the makers have to be given credit for trying to steer a discourse on safe sexual practices.
For example, not many Malayalam films, at least those directed by established directors, would have spoken about condoms and the need to be educated on its use, as openly as in the movie.
But some of the scenes look cliched. The story lags at parts and the audience has to wait till the final lap of the second half to derive some excitement.
Except for‘Vaadaruthe’, an impressive melody composed by Ouesppachan and sung by Nithya Mammen, other songs not very impressive.
Suraj Venjaramoodu's character looks more restrained. Janardhanan, who plays Saji's uncle and a returnee from France, is a delight to watch, but the role is of a stereotypical male who is unwilling to be open up to a woman who can take matters in her own hands.
Swasika plays a school teacher whose daughter is fond of Saji and Radhika and does justice to her role. Ann Augustine, with her curly hair parted in the middle, looks gorgeous on screen, but it's time she chooses more new-generation scripts than sticking to characters that suffice her to act smart and savvy just enough to manage a household.
