Vyasanasametham Bandhumithradhikal is a Malayalam-language comedy-drama that spins a satirical tale set around a village funeral and a disrupted arranged marriage. Written and directed by S. Vipin (his directorial debut), the film was released on June 13, 2025 .
Overview & Story
A dark village comedy centered on Anjali (Anaswara Rajan) whose grandmother dies just before her wedding—sparking a chaotic, satirical funeral where family, neighbors, and local power players clash over rituals and status .
✅ What Works
Natural dark humor & situational comedy: Moments feel organically funny, evolving from character quirks (die-hard village rituals, local politics, petty rivalries) .
Key Characters
Anjali (Anaswara Rajan): the bride-to-be, navigating grief and social expectations.
Suhail (Siju Sunny): a bumbling admirer whose shy advances add humor.
Shakthi (Joemon Jyothir): a well-meaning friend contributing to the funeral chaos.
Supporting cast includes family elders and villagers, notably Mallika Sukumaran (the grandmother), Baiju Santhosh, Azees Nedumangad, and Noby Marcose, all bringing eccentric flair to the ensemble .
Strong performances:
Anaswara Rajan is lauded for anchoring the film with sincerity, handling both comedic timing and emotional nuance .
Azees Nedumangad and Aswathy Chand Kishore stand out as the conflicted parents, with Aswathy’s monologue and Azees’ transformation particularly praised.
Mallika Sukumaran, as the grandmother, brings lively charm and depth .
Authentic regional feel: Usage of the Thiruvananthapuram dialect and village setting enriches authenticity .
⚠️ Criticisms
Emotional underdevelopment: Some critics felt the emotional beats didn’t land fully, and the final push toward “woman empowerment” felt tacked-on .
Predictable & episodic structure: The narrative resembles a string of comedic skits, lacking a sharper arc .
Supporting roles underused: Characters like Suhail and Shakthi are entertaining at times, but often feel peripheral or insufficiently developed .
👥 Audience Feedback
Reddit’s MalayalamMovies community responded positively:
> “it was a really good and well-made movie… Took my parents and in‑laws and they loved it too”
📊 Verdict
Aspect Rating / Notes
IMDb & TOI score ~3/5, user average also ~3/5
Strengths Organic humor, performances, regional authenticity
Weaknesses Surface-level emotional depth, formulaic structure
Bottom line: A refreshing, regionally grounded dark comedy with strong performances—especially from Anaswara Rajan and her co-stars. Great for a casual watch, though it may feel a bit shallow for those seeking a deeper emotional resonance.
Recommended for viewers who enjoy slice-of-life comedies with a sharp satirical flavor and relatable family dynamics.
