It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Bharatham is interpreted as a modern-day adaptation of the Ramayana from Bharath's perspective. How, in the absence of his elder brother, Gopinathan takes the responsibility of the family and hides his griefs is the core of the story. On the centenary of Indian cinema in 2013, Forbes India included Mohanlal's performance in the film on its list of "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema

First, let me offer my own credentials. I grew up during the late 80s and early 90s with movies from the golden age of Malayalam cinema, many of which were exceedingly good. After Malayalam cinema by and large went the direction of mindnumbing superstar action flicks and slapstick "comedies" that made you wince, my interest in Malayalam movies waned. I have since almost exclusively watched non-Malayalam movies (except for the exceptional good movie, such as Manichitrathazhu (1993) and Desaadanam (1997)). I've watched a *lot* of non-Indian movies since, and my favorite directors include Kurosawa, Bergman, Lynch, and Sergio Leone.Now, with that background, I can say that what sets this movie apart from other family dramas back then --- and even until today --- is the tautness, suspense, and credibility in the plot and the *stellar* acting. Trust me, this movie has some of the most believable acting ever; some characters reminded me of my own family members (for e.g., the inconsequential scene where Oduvil gives Lalitha a bouquet.) Mohanlal acts a little stuck up sometimes, but I believe that was the role. The supporting cast is phenomenal with Lakshmi (edathi) deserving special mention.But that's not it; this movie also has a massive overload of carnatic music. The songs are ones that stay with you through your life. I haven't heard these songs for well over 15 years, yet the lyrics and inflections have stayed with me. Kaithapram's really gone to town with the lyrics; the lyrics of the 'Ramakatha' song are gloomily appropriate for the occasion where it is sung.For non-Malayalees, this movie is a great example of solid Malayalam drama that isn't one of those "award cinemas" only connoisseurs can appreciate. Please have a Malayali friend verify your subtitles for you before you watch! For Malayalees, I expect you to have watched this movie, and you visited this page only to give this movie a great rating!

Not always do we come across such wonderfully made emotional pictures. I was actually told very much about the movie by my brothers before I got the opportunity to see it myself. And when I experienced it myself, after all it was as good as they claimed, if not better.In a happy family with music heritage, Nedumudi Venu is Mohanlal's brother and guru, and an excellent singer. He reigns in the family and in the society with his music. But because of his addiction with alcohol, he loses his control over the music and people start prefering his sishya and brother Mohanlal. Considering this as an insult, he starts hating his brother and strives hard to recover from alcoholism. Unable to accept his defeat, he sets to get out of his habit by going on a yatra. Parallely Mohanlal, getting to know that Venu is killed in an accident, is forced to conceal this truth because of their vocally disabled sister's marriage. Mohanlal's trauma is sure to cast down any viewer as a matter of fact thanks to his performance.A good choice of actors and crew, with a good plot. Expressive Mohanlal befits the role. Music blends with the movie and Yesudas has given his best, Ramakadha Ghanalayam being the pinnacle. I am sure Yesudas enjoys singing for such movies and the his emotional singing adds value to Mohanlal's character in the songs. Choice of Balamuralikrishna for Nedumudi Venu and Yesudas for Mohanlal is just perfect.Indeed one of the best movies I have seen. No let downs.