'Pariwar' review: A hilarious family feud fueled by greed and quirk

'Pariwar', directed by Ulsav Rajeev, might seem like a typical family drama at first, an ailing father, greedy children, and relatives circling like vultures over an antique gold ring. The plot has been told many times, but this film takes a different route in narration. Instead of sugarcoating things, it dives straight into the messy, selfish side of human nature, showing how, for some, money trumps family.

Jagadish plays Sahadevan, the gruff second son who couldn't care less about his father's health, he just wants the ring. Prashanth Alexander's Nakulan is stuck trying to please his wife Nisha, who has her own plans for the inheritance. Meanwhile, Indrans' Bheeman, the eldest, and the youngest brother Arjun (Rishikesh) are the only ones genuinely looking after their father. As greed takes over, chaos erupts, leading to laugh-out-loud moments rooted in the ridiculousness of reality.

What makes 'Pariwar' stand out isn't just the situational comedy but how real it feels. The humour isn't exaggerated or forced; it comes from the characters themselves, making their actions both absurd and strangely believable.

The film cleverly plays on its title, 'Pariwar', turning it into a battle within the family, a war among siblings. What makes it work is how effortlessly the quirky characters come to life, thanks to seasoned actors like Jagadish, whose grounded performance makes the chaos all the more hilarious.

Meenaraj Palluruthy, as the ailing father's brother, adds his own brand of eccentricity, further amplifying the humour. The film thrives on situational comedy, with sharp dialogues that keep the laughs coming. Lines like 'The father dying is my prestige issue' and 'What will people in Antarctica do since crows won't come for ritualistic offerings there?' are just a glimpse of the absurd, yet incredibly entertaining, conversations that drive the film forward.

The entire film develops within the house where the ailing father resides, and the director makes full use of this confined setting. It evokes the charm of classic family dramas from the '80s and '90s, with bickering relatives and a sweet love story running in parallel. Even Bijibal's music leans into this nostalgia, with melodies that transport you to Kerala's lush villages and the warmth of simpler times.

While 'Pariwar' may not be an outright laugh riot like 'Falimy', directed by Nithish Sahadev, it still manages to entertain. The unpredictability of the plot keeps things engaging, at least until the final stretch. However, the climax leans into familiar territory, following the usual beats of a typical family drama.

What makes 'Pariwar' stand out is how familiar its characters feel, each one resembles someone we've known at some point, making them instantly relatable. The film keeps things simple, never trying to be grand or over-the-top, yet delivers what it promises. If you're in the mood for a lighthearted family drama packed with quirky characters and effortless humour, this one is worth a watch.