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