Bougainvillea Review: A slow-burning thriller where Jyothirmayi outdo herself

Image Source- The Indian Express

How does one lead a normal life if one starts to forget one's daily routine or even forget the existence of loved ones? Bougainvillea directed by Amal Neerad is a story revolving around the couple Reethu (Jyothirmayi) and Royce (Kunchacko Boban) who have a similar situation they are trying to deal with. In the first few seconds, you see a nasty accident taking place in a car. The affect is Retrograde and Anterograde Amnesia Reethu suffers from.

Reethu's entire life is defined by Royce and her ideas. Her daily routine is recorded in her diary and all the voice records she makes. The only thing that seems to be is her bougainvillea painting made by her. She is often overlooked by the house help Rema (Srinda) when Royce is at the hospital. One fine day ACP David Koshy lands up in their home while investigating the missing case of a missing girl. The interrogation hits a dead end as they cannot understand what went wrong owing to Reethu's memory issue. What is the connection between Reethu and the missing girl? What really happened on the dreadful day? Why does she keep on painting the beautiful bougainvillea? Well to find out that you really have to watch the movie.

The movie Bougainvillea is adapted from Lal Jose's novel Ruthinte Lokam and the same has been incorporated by the director. This is an investigative thriller that has tried to be presented in a new manner though this type of story may seem to be the one that is seen all the time. The first half is the main premise where you see the characters and the story settling slowly. The way the mysterious atmosphere and the tempo are created that keep you hooked and build curiosity on how the story unravels is the main plot. Avoiding the usual slow-motion scenes and a single action sequence this one seems to be different from his usual way. 

The film has some beautiful visuals that are crafted well by Anend C Chandran and slick editing by Vivek Harshan. Also, the BGM by the music director Sushin Shyam truly elevates the mood of the film. The idea of incorporating a forest setting to introduce the animal sounds to intensify the gripping experience makes this film a must-watch one. Also, the song Stuthi is on point as it really intensifies the emotions the character goes through. The main story revolves through the eyes of Reethu who starts to question what really is true. It feels like a puzzle that you also start solving along with her making you feel lively. 

The comeback of Jyothirmayi after 11 years in this film feels like she owns the entire film on her own shoulders. The helplessness and the moments of anxiety portrayed by her as Reethu show that she is nowhere out of this business. Kunchacko as Royce is a character who you are going to wish you never met. Sure the character arc of him as a doctor who takes care of his wife and is a good human being. But is he a good person he paints himself as predictable as you watch the film throughout. But for some reason that thought does linger on your mind. 

Srinda as Rema and Sharaf U Dheen as Biju are the couple who help Royce and Reethu to go on with their daily life easily. There are moments in the film where Srinda outshines herself and Sharaf as Biju is as brilliant as always. Veena Nandakumar as Meera surely plays her part and surely does her part as the Criminologist. Another add-on to this cast is Fahadh Fasil as ACP David Koshy who himself questions the incompetence of the police who could have solved the case way easily. In the given space he has acted well but it seems that he is underutilized as an actor. A few more impactful scenes for him as an actor could enhance his capabilities more as an artist.

On the whole, this Amal Neerad film is not similar to his previous works but still, an attempt to show something different is something that needs to be applauded. Bougainvillea might surely be an Amal Neerad film but it entirely belongs to the star Jyothirmayi herself as she shoulders the film on her own shoulder.