Movie Review: Deepavali Bonus

 Deepavali Bonus is a slice -of-life film, set in Madurai, centreing around the lives of a couple from a lower middle income group. The couple, Ravi (Vikranth) and Geeta (Riythvika) and thier little son Sachin (master Harish) though combatting the trials of making ends meet, are a caring couple, who still manage to stay happy  with the small joys in their lives. While Geeta works as househelp, Ravi works as a delivery agent in a courier company.






The  struggling  family is eagerly awaiting a Deepavali Bonus from Ravi's company, that will help them buy gifts for their son and meet festival expenditure.

 But due to unforseen circumstances, the awaited bomus does not materialise. When Ravi tries to keep hopes up and salvage the situation, a stroke of bad luck strikes.

What does the distraught Ravi do? Does the family finally get the  bonus and celebrate the festival?

Debut director Jeyabal has taken a simple premise and presented it to the audience in a quiet, engaging and entertaining manner. With a crisp runtime, he keeps the story from deviating off track, and thereby  focuses  attention on the leads and how they solve their issues.

The film is devoid of comedy tracks, romance or undue stunts, and thereby gives off a realistic vibe, that pulls you into the world of Geeta and Ravi.

A highlight of the film is that, despite the poverty of the couple, the film doesnt seek to draw pity, nor engage in any blame game, rants or preaching against anyone.  Instead, the screenplay and narration, make you appreciate the tenacity and positive spirit of the characters, who against all odds, keep their dignity, integrity and above all,  their love for each other intact. Even neighbours are helpful and bosses are empathetic in this world. The way the family bonds with each other, brings a smile to the face. Scenes in the theatre, at the market buying clothes and shoes for their son, and the wife's efforts to buy a helmet for her husband, are some moments that stand out and strike a chord.

Vikranth and Riythvika shine with a very measured performance, in total synch with each other.  Vikranth proves yet again what a consummate performer he is while Riythvika seems to live her role. Master Harish as Sachin has done a superb job while all the supporting cast are aptly chosen.

The songs are well shot, visuals adequate and the bgm pleasant.

On the flip side, some shots seem too lengthy and could have done with some cuts. Some dialogues in few places seem a tad filmy.

The film manages to surprise in places and keep you engaged with least expected twists. The overall positivity of the film, without any melodrama,  leaves the viewer with a happy vibe.

A positive, slice-of-life film, Deepavali Bonus makes for an engaging watch for the entire family. 

Rating 3.5/ 5


Movie Details : 

Production Company: Sri Ankali Parameswari production

Producers : Deepak Kumar Tala

Release Partner: Action and Reaction Jenish

Music : Maria Jerald

Lyrics : Maria Jerald,Maha

Vocals: SANTHOSH NARAYANAN, ANTHONY DASSAN , AKASHAYA RAMANATH

Audiography: Saravanan Kumar

Sound Design: Prem Kumar

Audio Production: 

Dop: Gautham Sethuram

Associate Cameraman : Sathish kumar

Editor : Parthiv Murugan

Art Director:  Art Arun 

Costume Designer: Jeyabal J

Choreography: Nizhar Khan

Dialogues & Writer : Jeyabal J

Stills : Vignesh,Ranjith

Makeup : Prashath

DI: Varna Colour Lab

Colorist: Nandha kumar

Vfx & Cg: Varna Colour Lab

Associate Directors : Ra.Gowtham

Publicity Designs : Bala Murugan

Production Manager : Zahir

PRO: Dharma,Suresh

Marketing & Promotions : Action & Reaction

Trailer Editor : Parthiv Murugan

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