‘Anomie’: Bhavana makes a strong comeback in this uneven psychological thriller | Review

Actress Bhavana, widely loved for her performances in light-hearted and humorous roles in Malayalam cinema, returns to the screen with a striking change of pace in the psychological thriller 'Anomie,' directed by debutant Riyas. The film explores the deeply emotional bond between two siblings who are forced to confront a tragic incident in their lives.

The film benefits from its emotionally grounded opening, with Bhavana fully committing to the role of Zaara, a devoted sister grappling with more than just the aftermath of her parents’ death on her younger brother, played by Shebin Benson. However, as the narrative progresses, it shifts into the guise of a mystery thriller—one that would have benefited from tighter, more restrained writing.

In many ways, Anomie follows a familiar template, employing devices such as red herrings to keep the audience guessing until the end, which adds an element of intrigue. Yet, the path the film takes to arrive at its mystery, and the manner in which it is established, often feels muddled, leaving the overall narrative somewhat flat. For instance, the film initially makes a sincere effort to engage with the subject of depression, approaching its associated stigma with sensitivity. However, this nuance gradually fades, and what once felt thoughtful later comes across as a convenient narrative device—used merely as a foundation for resolving the central mystery.

Also, the emotional bond established in the film’s early moments gradually loses its impact midway through, as the story diverts into an investigative thriller involving police officer Jabeer (played by Rahman), who is attempting to redeem his career.

Despite its shortcomings, the film remains engaging, offering several standout moments that are elevated by strong performances from the cast. The film’s strong production quality adds depth to the story and greatly improves the overall viewing experience. Sujith Sarang’s cinematography stands out as one of the film’s biggest strengths, with carefully composed frames that bring clarity and visual richness to the narrative. The music, composed by ‘Animal composer’ Harshvardhan Rameshwar—best known for the track Papa Meri Jaan—is another major highlight. The soundtrack features several English tracks that effectively elevate the mood and complement the story. The powerful background score builds tension throughout the film, enhancing key moments, although it occasionally feels a bit overwhelming.

Bhavana, who was last seen in a Malayalam film with Hunt, makes a strong and confident comeback with her performance in ‘Anomie.’ She delivers a convincing portrayal, bringing emotional depth and intensity to her character. Her role shares some resemblance to the character audiences appreciated in the 2017 film ‘Adam Joan,’ especially in the way she balances vulnerability and strength. Bhavana’s screen presence adds weight to the narrative and helps keep the audience invested in the story.

Rahman, who plays a pivotal role in the film, brings his signature style and maturity to the character. His performance feels controlled and effective, adding stability to the film during crucial moments. Vishnu Agasthy and Shebin Benson also deliver solid performances in their respective roles, supporting the main cast well and contributing meaningfully to the progression of the story.

Overall, ‘Anomie’ follows a familiar path within the psychological thriller genre. While the film could have benefited from tighter writing and a more refined screenplay, it still offers enough engaging elements to hold the viewer’s attention. Strong performances, technical finesse, and moments of tension ensure that the film remains watchable and intriguing despite its flaws.