R A S A T A N T R A M - The chemistry has worked

Amidst all the vociferous crowd in the Priyadarshini theater at Palakad,one can see the happiness on the face of viewers who have just come out after seeing the much awaited Mohanlal-Satyan Antikaad flick Rasatantram.One can hear comments in thetypical malayalam lingo " Satyan Antikaad intey cinema aeppozhengilum mosham aakar undo". The verdict is clear...After a 12 year sabattical,the duo have done it again,reminding the cinegoers of the wonderful Naadodikaatu,Pattanapravesham,Varavelppu..the list goes on.

Rasatantram mainly explores the relationship between a father and a son,who live together away from their family , more like a self imposed ostracism.Preman(Lal) is a carpenter who earns his livelihood with his instinctive sensibilities of vaastushastra.His father ( Gopi) who is an ailing old man but strong at heart constantly repents over certain decisions in life which has cost the life of his beloved son.The unconditional love and care that holds the relationship between the two forms the major essence of Rasatantram.The story can be seen as two distinct blocks; one which showcases a father and son and the other which explores the changes which come into a man's life when he empathises with a poor girl(Meera Jasmine)and tries to give her a better living.

The pre interval portion which has Meera Jasmine disguising everyone around as Velayudhan is worth watching.Post interval is a test of ones emotional sensibility as it deals with the past and present of a father and son.Mohanl Lal as usual is at his best,Gopi has yet again given a wonderful performace with fine tuned restraint while expressing emotions.The support cast which includes Innocent,Mammukoya,Oduvil UnniKrishnan,Siddique, Lalita and Bindu Panicker are aptly used.Mukesh might just prove to be a lucky mascot in his guest role as the movie is running to packed houses with 100% first week opening.The songs by Ilayaraja are wonderful and well picturised.

Rasatantram is not about just one chemistry.It has a series of chemistry; between father and son,man and woman,socitey and prejudices,five senses and nature and above all the director andthe viewer.Full credit goes to Satyan Anthikad who has scripted and directed the flick which might not only be the biggest grosser of all the Vishu releases but also a movie which one can sit back and enjoy with the whole family.