'Ouseppinte Osiyathu' balances suspense and emotion in a high-range setting | Movie Review

The rustic beauty of the Western Ghats has always been a favorite backdrop in Mollywood. Recently, the hilly terrain has been churning out some captivating thrillers, with 'O Baby', 'Kishkindha Kaandam', 'Bougainvillea', and 'Rifle Club' being just a few examples. Debutant director R. J. Sarath Chandran's film Ouseppinte Osiyathu (Ouseph's Testament) is also set against this backdrop, offering a glimpse into life in the sprawling plantations of Peeramedu, owned by the titular character Ouseph (Vijayaraghavan).

Wealth and its accompanying impact on family relationships form the narrative of this gripping tale steered by an in-form Vijayaraghavan and seasoned actors Dileesh Pothen and Kalabhavan Shajon, who play the octagenarian's sons Michael and George, respectively. The third brother Roy (Hemanth Menon) is quite the rebel.

'Ouseppinte Osiyathu' does not have a smooth start, with the makers initially struggling to knit together issues within the family, but it soon draws you in with its intense narrative of family dynamics. Ouseph's family has issues -- Michael and Annie (his wife played by Lenaa) have differences regarding their stay in the high ranges, while George and Michael are neck-deep in debt as their construction business goes haywire -- but the weathered, old patriarch is not in favour of parting with his money easily. "I earned all of this (land) through years of hard work," he retorts to his younger brother who seeks help with some finances.

The mood of the film turns heavy in the second act when an intruder enters Ouseph's bungalow. The ensuing scenes hang traumatically on the viewer. It generates the same kind of pain that Anjali and Leelamma of the critically acclaimed film 'Ullozhukku' inflicted on viewers. The background music by Akshay Menon blends gently with the many emotions of the film. There are only three songs in 'Ouseppinte Osiyathu', but the music by Sumesh Parameshwar feels like a warm hug against the cold atmosphere of the Peeramedu hill plantations.

Equally impressive are the performances of all the lead characters in the movie. Vijayaraghavan, who has been enjoying back-to-back success with  films like 'Kishkindha Kaandam' and 'Rifle Club', plays the patriarch with the same kind of ease he handled 'Appu Pillai' in the Asif Ali-starrer. His role is a bit more limited in this script, though his mannerisms speak volumes. It is Dileesh Pothen who manages to shake you as Michael with his performance in the second act. 'O Baby' may remain his best film, but this single act will go down as one of his best moments onscreen. Kalabhavan Shajon carries George, the station CI, with aplomb, taking up most of the screen space. Hemanth Menon, Lenaa, Zarin Shihaab, Anjali and Kani Kusruti are equally good.

Though the film's second half carries the same sombre mood as the first half, it feels a bit rushed, especially when an investigation team arrives at Michael's doorstep. The movie, produced by Edward Anthony, under the banner of Maygoor Films, has some wonderful moments, thanks to a compelling story and great performances. The aesthetically shot visuals by Aravind Kannabiran add more appeal to this layered story of family bond and inheritance.