'Sukhamano Sukhamann': A moving fantasy that plays gently with emotions | Review

It feels like Malayalam cinema is joyfully embracing fantasy in its most delightfully offbeat forms. After 'Sarvam Maya,' where Akhil Satyan imagined the girl next door evolving into one of Mollywood’s most unforgettable ghosts, 'Sukhamano Sukhamann' director Arun Lal Ramachandran brings yet another unique story into this whimsical space. The debutant director crafts a quirky world in 'Sukhamano Sukhamann,' blending fantasy with warmth, humour, and heart, while also intertwining it with a unique tale.

The title of the film may not immediately reveal the depth of its emotional journey, but as the story unfolds, we are introduced to Theo, a young boy played by Mathew Thomas, whose heart aches with loneliness and despair. Constantly mocked by his peers and cruelly nicknamed ‘Mental’ by a group of ruthless former classmates, Theo’s life is defined by isolation. But everything changes when he unexpectedly lands a job at a crematorium, where he crosses paths with Iype -- a character played by Jagadish -- and a couple of ghosts.

‘Sukhamano Sukhamann’, by Arun who has served as the screenwriter for films like ‘Vettah’ and ‘Karinkunnam 6’S’, is the kind of movie that explores complexities of human emotions, including yearning, sorrow and pain, but ensures it never wallows in melodrama, by gracefully balancing its heavy themes with moments of light-hearted humour. Noby Marcose as Unni Chettan and Kudassanad Kanakam as the grumpy, yet loving old lady, bring the much-needed warmth and laughter to the narrative.
The romance that unfolds between Theo and Charu portrayed by Devika Sanjay (who left a lasting impression in Nyan Prakashan) feels tender and authentic. While it stays true to the emotional core of the story, it could have ventured beyond the familiar cliches that often accompany love stories. Charu's character, though integral to the story, could have been given stronger, more nuanced writing to truly complement Theo’s depth.

While Devika Sanjay brings a certain charm to the role, the character of Charu feels somewhat underdeveloped in comparison to Theo’s rich emotional journey. With a more fleshed-out backstory and clearer motivations, Charu could have become a more compelling counterpart to Theo, adding greater complexity to their dynamic and making their relationship even more impactful. Still, the chemistry between Mathew and Devika, along with the film’s heartwarming tone, is warm and relatable.
Mathew Thomas, last seen in ‘Nellikampoyil Night Riders,’ delivers a performance that resonates with the internal struggles of the characters he's portrayed before. Jagadish, in his role as Iype, once again proves why he is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. He effortlessly shifts between humor and heartfelt emotion, grounding the film’s dramatic moments with his trademark depth and charm.

But perhaps the most powerful force in the film is its music, composed by Nipin Besent. The soundtrack does more than just accompany the narrative—it becomes the heartbeat of the film, weaving the emotions of the story into each note. With hauntingly beautiful melodies, Nipin captures the inner turmoil and tender moments of the characters, elevating the film to a higher emotional plane. Tobin Thomas’ beautiful frames also lend the right charm to this romantic fantasy tale. ‘Sukhamano Sukhamann’, overall, is a good addition to the films in the romantic fantasy genre, managing to captivate audiences with its refreshing and out-of-the-box concept.