Machante Maalakha (2025) Movie Review
Introduction
Machante Maalakha, directed by Boban Samuel and written by Ajeesh P. Thomas, is a comedy-drama exploring domestic relationships. With Soubin Shahir, Namitha Pramod, and Dhyan Sreenivasan in lead roles, the film attempts to present a unique perspective on domestic abuse.
Set for release on February 27, 2025, the movie portrays the husband as the victim, a narrative rarely explored in mainstream cinema.
Storyline
The story follows Sajeevan, a KSRTC bus conductor, who marries Bijimol and moves into her household. What follows is a series of conflicts where Sajeevan faces unreasonable treatment from his wife and mother-in-law.
While the premise is intriguing, the screenplay struggles with consistency, often jumping between conflicts without clear resolutions.
Character Arc Analysis
Sajeevan’s character arc lacks depth, making it hard for audiences to connect with his struggles. His transition from an independent man to a victim feels abrupt and lacks emotional weight.
Bijimol, portrayed by Namitha Pramod, is inconsistent, switching between affectionate and dominating without proper justification.
Screenplay and Dialogue
The screenplay by Ajeesh P. Thomas fails to maintain a steady narrative flow. The dialogues feel outdated, often relying on exaggerated emotions rather than subtlety.
Scenes that should carry emotional weight are instead bogged down by forced drama and unnatural conversations.
Genre Comparison
Compared to recent domestic dramas, Machante Maalakha falls short in execution. Films like The Great Indian Kitchen handled similar themes with more nuance and modern sensibilities.
The outdated approach, heavy melodrama, and one-dimensional characters make it feel like a relic from the past rather than a contemporary drama.
Performances
Soubin Shahir delivers a subdued performance but struggles with a character that feels lost in an outdated narrative.
Namitha Pramod’s portrayal lacks consistency, making it difficult to empathize with her character. Shanthi Krishna, as Kunjimol, stands out with a strong performance despite an exaggerated role.
Direction and Cinematography
Boban Samuel’s direction leans heavily on old-school filmmaking techniques, reminiscent of the early 2000s. The visual storytelling does little to elevate the weak script.
Cinematography by Vivek Menon is functional but uninspired, relying on standard framing without adding visual depth.
Music and Background Score
Ouseppachan’s music is passable but fails to leave a lasting impact. The background score is often over-explanatory, diminishing the emotional weight of crucial scenes.
The film could have benefited from a more restrained musical approach, allowing the performances to shine.
Box Office Performance
Machante Maalakha struggled at the box office, receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. The outdated storytelling and lack of emotional depth hindered its appeal.
Despite its unique premise, the execution failed to draw significant attention, making its commercial success uncertain.
Final Verdict
Machante Maalakha attempts to present a fresh take on domestic abuse but falters due to weak writing and outdated filmmaking techniques. The performances, while decent, are weighed down by inconsistent character arcs.
With stronger storytelling and better execution, the film could have made a more significant impact.
Star Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Story | 2/5 |
| Screenplay | 2/5 |
| Performances | 3/5 |
| Direction | 2/5 |
| Music | 2.5/5 |
| Overall | 2/5 |
Note: The rating is subject to change based on audience reception.
FAQs
What is the main theme of Machante Maalakha?
The film explores domestic abuse from a different perspective, where the husband is the victim.
How are the performances in the film?
Soubin Shahir and Shanthi Krishna deliver notable performances, but the weak script affects their impact.
Does the film offer a fresh take on domestic relationships?
While the premise is unique, the outdated storytelling and character portrayals prevent it from making a lasting impact.
How does Machante Maalakha compare to other domestic dramas?
It lacks the depth and realism of films like The Great Indian Kitchen, making it feel outdated in comparison.
Where can I read more reviews on Machante Maalakha?
For more insights, check out iBomma Movies, Bappamtv Movies, and Iradha Movies.