Aniyathipraavu (1997)

Going by what I heard from every Malayali person I know, and a reference to it in Sancharram (2004) (go watch it if you haven't), I thought Aniyathipraavu would be your standard 90s cringe-fest. Something that made you shake your head fondly and wonder what was wrong with everyone back then. But no. Nothing prepared me for just how trashy this was, from start to finish. 

I've heard a lot of people comparing this and Niram (1999) (both have the same romantic leads) and bemoaning just how bad both of them are. But let me tell you something: as corny as Niram was, it was still a sweet and believable love story within its own universe. Aniyathipraavu can't even claim that for itself. I mean, yes, the dialogues of Niram were cheesy and unrealistic, yes Indian parents are notoriously orthodox about male-female friendships so the "special friendship" seemed nothing but fake to most of us, and yes, Varsha's (Jomol) treatment was the worst, but my god, it was at least an enjoyable 2 and a half hours that took you right back to your childhood when you had first started discovering and loving movies. And honestly, if you ever thought that college life was going to be like that, you deserve the disappointment that comes after you discover what it's actually like. But enough about Niram. Let's get to Aniyathipraavu now.

Right from the moment Sudhir (Kunchacko Boban) and Mini (Shalini) meet, he falls in love with her and wants to marry her, without knowing even her name. The reason? True love, bitches. Love and love only (if you know, you know). Mini meanwhile does not reciprocate immediately, and moreover, her life is pretty much controlled and defined by her overbearing three elder brothers and mother. The brothers are JERKS, there is literally no other way to describe them. One of them is a cop, and of course, there is ruthless police brutality disguised as a "brother's love and protective instincts" here. And so much emotional abuse from every single man in this movie, aiyyo, I was so triggered that I completely zoned out. Poor Mini deserved better, and that's all I can say. Also the ending was completely illogical and made no sense, ESPECIALLY in context of what had happened throughout the entire length of the movie. It just angered me that much more. I also lowkey fell asleep during the last half hour because there was nothing to hold on to. Shalini had amazing screen presence as always, but this movie eclipsed even that. 

In conclusion, avoid Aniyathipraavu and watch Niram instead for your 90s chocolate romance dose.

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