Movie Review: ‘Mithunam’ - Two Souls Bond

Source: IMDb

Introduction

Movie’s Name - Mithunam

Directed by - Tanikella Bharani

Genre - Drama  

Language - Telugu

Plot Synopsis

Couples who have spent decades of their lives together and have completed all their responsibilities, enjoy their bonding during the later years of their relationship. An ex-school teacher and his wife make the most of their relationship in their native country, sharing all the ups and downs of their relationship. 

Children of Appadasu and Bucchi Lakshmi are living away from them in foreign countries. The old couple misses their children and tries to adjust to their new life by reminiscing about the good times of their past.

The movie ends with the death of Appadasu and Bucchi Lakshmi confessing to wanting his death before her own. According to her, she does this because of his dependence on her, and she even says that no one would have ever taken care of him like she does. 

About the Director

Source: Chiloka 

In addition to acting and screenwriting, Bharani is a poet, playwright, screenwriter, and director who works primarily in Telugu films. Over 750 films have been made with him as a performer, including Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi. He has also written screenplays for 52 films. 

The ancestry of Taniella Bharani includes poets and literary figures of Telugu literature. During the mid-70s, Bharani did stage plays and later earned a diploma in theatre arts. He began his career as a dialogue writer for Kanchu Kavachum in 1984. His work has been recognized with many awards, including the Nandi Award 

About the Movie

In Telugu, “Mithunam” means couple. The name also describes a zodiac sign. It is a 2012 Telugu drama film directed by Tanikella Bharani. Lakshmi and S P Balasubrahmanyam are featured in the film.

Sri Ramana's best-selling Telugu novel of the same name inspired the film. CineMAA Award Special Jury Award for Best Direction went to Tanikella Bharani. The film is listed among the "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade" by Film Companion. In addition, Lakshmi's performance is considered one of the "100 best performances".

Psychological Analysis

 

Source: TeluguMirchi

Taking a nutshell view of Mithunam, it is a complete package of bonding between the couple. Two of the best entertainers, SPB and Lakshmi, engage your attention throughout. Their age enables them to share an eternal romance.

Appadasu, a foodie, is always engaged in some type of activity. In later years of life, Bucchi, a homemaker like every other woman, longs for a life filled with her children. Both of them spend their last days in their hometown.

There is a melodrama about yelling and fighting between a couple who share and care for each other. The movie details the relationship between a couple. Definitely not to be missed is the comedy and music that is the icing on the cake.

Each scene in the movie and every dialogue is relatable to any couple. The best example is how Buccha Lakshmi threatens Appadasu with a rich proposal she missed out on accepting for her marriage. The annoyance of a husband on hearing this every time is well enacted.

Before the climax of the movie, when she reveals that she just annoyed him with a lie of being proposed by a rich family, he feels the greatest relief he's ever felt. Such minor aspects of a relationship are very well described in the movie. Overall, it is a good movie for couples to watch together.   

 

 Famous Quotes

“ Bhagavanthudaa nenu mundugaa potaanani kshanam kshanam bhaya padi chacche daani ippudu naa pedda baruvu teerindi, teeripoyindi.

Nenu mundu pothe pasupu kumkumam migilipoyedemo kaani ……”

This is a quote from buncha Lakshmi at the end of the movie. While every wife wishes to die before her husband and enjoy the pleasures of married life, she would have wished for her husband's death. 

According to her, the reason for praying so is because of the hardship he will experience without her. She describes his routine and the way she would have assisted with all of his needs. She claims that no one would take care of him the way she did in her absence. She thus appears relieved that he is dead.

Accordingly, the true meaning of love is not owning someone but ensuring their comfort throughout their lifetimes  

The Bottom Line

Never miss the chance to watch this movie if you want to know what marriage would be like if you were a couple. Even with only two characters throughout the movie, you will never miss any other characters as both have provided phenomenal performances. 

There is sober music and a beautiful screenplay in this film that makes it a true art and a great entertainer. You will connect to every dialog and scene in the movie together as you watch it with your spouse. The movie will restore the vitality back into your relationship. 

My ratings for the movie- 4 on 5

You can watch this movie on YouTube - Mithunam

Written By - Dr. Nayana Shree Suresh