Even the most unassuming stories can blossom into captivating cinema when handled by a skilled storyteller. In Avihitham, director Senna Hegde, collaborating with co-writer Ambareesh Kalathera, masterfully crafts an engaging film from a seemingly straightforward premise, drawing the audience in with intricate narrative threads.
The core of Avihitham explores the pervasive nature of gossip, a phenomenon as old as village squares and as contemporary as online forums. The plot unfurls when a directionless man, during a mundane evening stroll, witnesses a clandestine encounter between two neighbors, recognizing only one of them. Driven by idle curiosity and a sense of moral policing, he embarks on a mission to uncover the identities of those involved in what he perceives as a scandalous affair, determined to expose them.
This Malayalam film, directed by Senna Hegde, stars Unni Raja, Renji Kankol, Vrinda Menon, Vineeth Chakyar, Rakesh Ushar, and Dhanesh Koliyat. With a runtime of 105 minutes, the story centers on a village where a rumor of an illicit affair sparks a collective effort among judgmental residents to devise a scheme.
Initially, one might question if such a seemingly simple premise could sustain a feature film. However, Hegde’s distinctive talent for crafting memorable characters and infusing scenes with natural humor quickly dispels any doubts. As the initial whisper morphs into a full-blown rumor, it gains an almost independent existence, captivating both the characters within the narrative and the audience. The film skillfully draws us into this unfolding drama, ultimately serving as a powerful critique of the intrusive and judgmental attitudes that permeate every community.
While the film includes a twist regarding the identity of the second person in the alleged affair, the real brilliance of the screenplay lies in shifting focus from the affair itself to the community’s reaction. The villagers’ response is a meticulously planned, almost military-like operation, complete with a makeshift watchtower atop the local water tank. Hegde demonstrates an astute understanding of his craft, achieving maximum impact by optimally utilizing the straightforward narrative and his ensemble of talented actors, rather than aiming for grand cinematic gestures.
Senna Hegde previously established ‘Made in Kanhangad’ as a hallmark for humorous and compelling storytelling through films like Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam and 1744 White Alto. These works garnered significant appreciation purely based on their exceptional writing and direction, despite featuring no major stars. His previous venture, Padmini, which was neither set nor produced in Kanhangad, didn’t quite achieve the same impact. With Avihitham, however, Hegde decisively returns to his signature style. Free from the demands of star power and driven by a robust narrative, he magnificently reclaims his ‘indie mojo’, delivering a film that resonates deeply with his earlier successes.
Avihitham is currently available for viewing in cinemas.