Bougainvillea (2024) - "Memory fades, but the truth remains."
Directed by: Amal Neerad
Written by: Lajo Jose, Amal Neerad
Based on: Ruthinte Lokam (Novel) by Lajo Jose
Produced by: Jyothirmayi, Kunchacko Boban
Starring: Kunchacko Boban, Jyothirmayi, Fahadh Faasil
Cinematography: Anend C. Chandran
Edited by: Vivek Harshan
Music by: Sushin Shyam
Production Companies: Amal Neerad Productions, Udaya Pictures
Distributed by: A & A Release
Release Date: 17 October 2024
Running Time: 144 minutes
Country: India
Language: Malayalam
Plot Summary
Bougainvillea follows the lives of Dr. Royce (Kunchacko Boban) and his wife Reethu (Jyothirmayi), who suffers from retrograde amnesia due to a traumatic event. Living in isolation, she experiences frequent hallucinations and psychological disturbances, with her memories fading in and out of reality. Her only sources of stability are her husband and their domestic helper, Rema.
Meanwhile, a police officer, David Koshy (Fahadh Faasil), arrives in their town to investigate the mysterious disappearance of tourists, particularly a missing girl. As suspicions build, Reethu finds herself entangled in the case.
Performances & Characters
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Kunchacko Boban delivers a layered performance, transitioning seamlessly from a caring husband to a sinister predator. His restrained yet menacing portrayal is one of the film’s strengths.
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Jyothirmayi, in her comeback role, showcases impressive depth, portraying vulnerability and psychological turmoil convincingly.
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Fahadh Faasil, in a disappointingly small role, is underutilized as the investigating officer. His presence doesn’t add much weight to the narrative.
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Sharafudheen, Srinda, Veena Nandakumar, and Jinu Joseph offer solid supporting performances but are not given much material to shine.
Direction & Screenplay
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Amal Neerad’s signature style is evident in the film’s atmospheric tension and visual appeal. However, the storytelling lacks grip, particularly in the first half, which moves at a sluggish pace.
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The screenplay (adapted from Lajo Jose’s novel) initially builds intrigue but loses momentum due to its predictable twists and lack of depth in character development.
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While the second half delivers gripping moments, the execution of the climax could have been far more impactful. The three-against-one showdown had the potential to be intense but feels rushed and underwhelming.
Technical Aspects
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Cinematography by Anend C. Chandran is visually stunning, with eerie frames and color grading that enhance the mystery-thriller tone.
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Sushin Shyam’s background score elevates the suspense, with haunting compositions that linger. The placement of songs is subtle yet effective.
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Editing by Vivek Harshan is crisp, though some sequences in the first half could have been trimmed to improve pacing.
Strengths
✅ Visually Captivating: Amal Neerad’s signature cinematography and color grading create an immersive experience.
✅ Compelling Lead Performances: Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi deliver standout performances.
✅ Engaging Second Half: The psychological elements and final revelations add tension and excitement.
✅ Strong Background Score: Sushin Shyam’s BGM enhances the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Weaknesses
❌ Slow & Monotonous First Half: The initial buildup feels prolonged and lacks strong hooks.
❌ Underwhelming Climax: The final confrontation could have been more intense and memorable.
❌ Predictable Twists: Despite a promising premise, the film follows a formulaic psychological thriller template.
❌ Underutilized Supporting Cast: Fahadh Faasil’s role feels insignificant, and Sharafudheen’s potential is wasted.
My personal take on Cinema:
Bougainvillea is an atmospheric psychological thriller that showcases Amal Neerad’s signature style but falls short in terms of storytelling depth and impact. While the performances, cinematography, and music elevate the film, predictable twists and pacing issues prevent it from being a standout thriller.
It is watchable for fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers but lacks the brilliance of Amal Neerad’s previous works.
Rating:
2.75/5
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