We go through various phases in our life which eventually mold us into who we really are. There are moments we cherish for a lifetime and people that grab a special place in our hearts in that journey. Hridayam by Vineeth Sreenivasan is about the transition of a young man and his realizations in a life-changing journey.
Hridayam tracks the life of Arun, from his campus days to his married days. Vineeth Sreenivasan’s talent in converting predictable stories into memorable artworks scores big-time in Hridayam as he churns the best out of his list with superior writing skills. Hridayam is a coming-of-age drama portraying the evolution of a frustrated young boy to a composed man. The romance, heartbreak, outburst he experienced while on campus might remind you of your college days. Vineeth Sreenivasan takes a trip down your memory lane and depicts a vibrant, chirpy campus with all its glory. Hridayam in an overlong first half treats us with laughs and emotional stretches that eventually evolve the protagonist in the second hour. The writing, though accompanied by cinematic clichés, clears the hindrances with a soul-stirring picturization.
Hridayam shifts its gear into a more vibrant, colourful tone in its second half where fewer complications happen. The contrasting variations in two halves aren’t exhausting as Vineeth keeps us busy with a charming love story that reminds me of GVM movies. Hridayam is dominated by Pranav Mohanlal’s sophisticated, arresting performance who’s evolved a mile as an actor. The variations the character goes through are eloquently fulfilled by the actor and he is here to stay. Darshana Rajendran in a more meaty role is at her best and carries the emotions at the right requirement. It’s Kalyani Priyadarshan who caught my attention with her ravishing looks and comic timing. She brightens up the screen with her aura and her sparkling chemistry with Pranav makes the latter quarter of the movie more vibrant. Ashwath Lal is exceptionally funny and steals some of the best parts of this feel-good ride.
Very few films have captured Chennai in its raw form and Hridayam does make us fall in love with the city. Viswajith Odukkathil’s dynamic visuals and Ranjan Abraham’s crisp cuts easily help in capturing the variations in their true form. The soul of Hridayam is in its music and Hesham Abdul Wahab creates a web of magic out of it. Touted to be a musical drama, it’s crucial how you manage 15 songs in the narrative but Vineeth Sreenivasan skillfully incorporates the song to encapsulate the protagonist’s arc. The scores will definitely make room in your hearts after the credits roll.
This 3-hour nostalgic trip requires little trimming yet Vineeth Sreenivasan within his proved territory keeps your heart and soul warm with a soulful creation.
© Review by- Rahul Babu