Malayalam films are known for their rooted portrayal of family dynamics within the social fabric. They realistically portray issues of caste, occupation, parental burden, and relationships between in-laws.
Arjun Ashokan and Anagha Narayanan's latest film, 'Anpodu Kanmani,' is the latest addition to the long list of family dramas. But it digs a little more deeply into the psyche of a newlywed wife and her relationship with her family while constantly battling the expectations of society around her.

The film's theme may resemble Sooraj Tom's recent movie 'Vishesham', which explored the same conventional expectations of family life. Still, Liju Thomaz' 'Anpodu Kanmani' is a bit more adventurous. The writer Aneesh Koduvali makes sure that every little 'remark' or 'expression' from a nosy 'Kudumbashree member' or an overly-concerned 'ammayi' (uncle's wife) is not missed on paper. And Liju is careful not to overdo these expressions in his directorial debut. The fast edits and the ease of dialogue make the film fun to watch.

The comedy also lands well with actors like Althaf Salim and Navaz Valikkunnu adding to the quirks of the film. 'Thinkalazhcha Nischayam' fame Anagha Narayanan is the soul of the film and delivers an exceptional performance as Shalini, a conventional homemaker, but not afraid to show her emotions. This is where the filmmakers score, ensuring that the film conveys an important message to the audience, without coming across as pushy or preachy.

Arjun Ashokan, last seen in 'Anand Sreebala' and 'Bramayugam,' plays a doting husband caught between his hurting wife and worried mother. The soothing songs by Samuel Aby and Ranjith Meleppat add an emotional connection with the viewers even as the frames capture the emotions between the newlywed couple.

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