Varshangalkku Shesham: A Friendship Tale Elevated by Second-Half Humor

Upon hearing the song "Nyabagam" from Varshangalkku Shesham a few days ago, I anticipated that it would linger with audiences, evoking a sense of melancholy with its sustained shots of Dhyan Sreenivasan and Pranav Mohanlal. However, upon viewing the film, the focus on the 70s era and the emotional depth of the elderly characters appeared to be the movie's weakness. What ultimately salvages Varshangalkku Shesham and elevates it is the humor reminiscent of Vineeth Sreenivasan's previous works like Thattathin Marayathu and Oru Vadakkan Selfie.

The narrative revolves around two friends, Murali and Venu, whose differing aspirations lead them on separate paths. Despite their contrasting lifestyles, they both relocate to Madras to pursue their dreams. The evolution of their friendship over 40+ years forms the heart of Varshangalkku Shesham.

Murali's character is characterized by impulsiveness, leading to rifts in their friendship. However, these conflicts feel rushed and contrived, lacking organic development. The transition to the climax feels forced, detracting from the authenticity of their bond.

The film's promotion emphasized the camaraderie during the Munnar shoot, a segment that exudes vitality and humor. As the narrative progresses, the tone shifts towards banter and meta humor, particularly in the second half. The chemistry between Murali and Venu becomes humor-driven, injecting vitality into the narrative. Vishwajith's cinematography effectively distinguishes between the two eras depicted, while Ranjan Abraham's pacing maintains engagement throughout the lengthy runtime.

Despite the commendable production design and Amrit Ramnath's beautiful music, the film's drama falls short of leaving a lasting impact. Dhyan Sreenivasan delivers a noteworthy performance, transitioning convincingly into the role of Venu. Pranav Mohanlal displays improved fluidity in his acting, particularly in the latter part of the film. Aju Varghese excels in his familiar comedic zone, while Basil Joseph and Nivin Pauly shine in their roles, infusing the narrative with improvised humor.

While Varshangalkku Shesham may disappoint those seeking a profound coming-of-age tale, it delivers ample entertainment for those attuned to its humor and lightheartedness.