Watch Kudumbapuranam

Kudumbapuranam is an Indian Malayalam language drama film that released in the year 1988. Directed and written by T. V. Chandran, the movie stars Balachandra Menon, Ambika, and Thilakan in lead roles. The film engages in a compelling story that delves deep into the complex intricacies of an Indian joint family system. It portrays the various emotions that the family members feel, the customs and traditions they follow, and the conflicts that arise within. The film received critical acclaim and was also well-received by the audience.

The story of Kudumbapuranam is centered around a wealthy Marar family living in a traditional house in Kerala. The family members include the head of the family, Pokkan (Thilakan), his wife, older son Venu (Balachandra Menon), his wife Seema (Ambika), Pokkan's second son Vinu, along with their children. The family practices a joint family system, where all the members live together and follow their customs and traditions. Pokkan is the patriarch of the family, and all members respect and obey his decisions.

The story is narrated through the perspective of Venu, who is an idealistic young man who wants to bring changes in the family. He feels that the family's customs and traditions are regressive, and they need to evolve to adapt to the modern world. Venu has a liberal outlook, which often clashes with Pokkan's orthodox beliefs. The tension between the father and son escalate when Venu marries Seema, who is from a different caste. Pokkan is displeased with his son's decision and refuses to accept Seema as his daughter-in-law.

The film portrays how the joint family system becomes a breeding ground for jealousy, animosity, and conflicts. The family members have their vested interests, which sometimes lead to disagreements and clashes. The film explores how it affects family members emotionally and psychologically. Themes surrounding family values, individual identity, and social-political issues are portrayed effectively. The film does not take a moral stand on the joint family system, but rather presents it as a reality of India's social structure.

Acting-wise, the film features some of the best performances of Malayalam cinema. Thilakan delivers a stellar performance as Pokkan. His portrayal of an authoritarian, headstrong patriarch of the family is commendable. Balachandra Menon as Venu and Ambika as Seema are excellent in their roles. The rest of the cast, especially the child actors, does justice to their respective roles. The film's music, composed by Johnson, is melodious and engaging.

The director, T. V. Chandran, deserves accolades for weaving such an impressive story that captures the essence of a joint family system. He has successfully portrayed complex emotions and conflicts in a subtle manner. The dialogues are well-written, and the screenplay is tight, keeping the audience engaged. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal, and the director avoids being excessive with melodramatic moments. The climax is both heartwarming and poignant.

In conclusion, Kudumbapuranam is a poignant drama film that explores the nuances of the Indian joint family system. The story is engaging, and the acting is commendable. The film delivers a strong message about the importance of family values without taking a moral stand. Watch it if you want to witness an excellent portrayal of Indian family dynamics.

Kudumbapuranam is a 1988 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.