Watch Vandanam

Vandanam is a Malayalam language film released in 1989. The film is directed by Priyadarshan and stars Mohanlal, Girija Shettar, and Mukesh in lead roles. The movie is a romantic-comedy-thriller-drama, which follows the story of a group of strangers who meet on a bus ride from Bangalore to Kerala. The film opens with Shambu (Mohanlal), a small-time thief and goon, boarding a bus from Bangalore to Kerala while being pursued by the police. Soon after, the audience is introduced to a group of other passengers on the bus - a newlywed couple, Vijayan (Mukesh) and Latha (Sukumari); a businessman, Padmanabhan (Nedumudi Venu); a young woman, Girly (Girija Shettar); and an old Christian priest, Father John (Jagathy Sreekumar).

As the bus journey progresses, the strangers slowly begin to interact with each other. Shambu, who initially keeps to himself, is forced to interact with the others when he ends up saving Girly's life. What follows is a series of hilarious events that take the group on a wild ride through Kerala.

As the journey continues, we learn that Shambu is not who he seems to be. He is actually an undercover police officer sent to catch Padmanabhan, who is a smuggler. When Padmanabhan learns about Shambu's identity, he takes Latha and Vijayan hostage to bargain with the police. The situation escalates when the smugglers arrive, and the group must now work together to save themselves from a dangerous situation.

The rest of the film is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with the group facing many twists and turns as they try to escape the clutches of the smugglers. In the process, Shambu and Girly fall in love, and the newlywed couple learns to appreciate the value of their relationship.

Vandanam, like many of Priyadarshan's films, is a perfect blend of humor, action, and drama. The stunning visuals of Kerala, coupled with a brilliant background score by S. Balakrishnan, make the film a visual treat. The performances of the stellar cast stand out, with Mohanlal surpassing his performance in his previous films. Girija Shettar, in her debut role, also shines as Girly, bringing a fresh and charming addition to the Malayalam film industry.

The film's climax, which takes place in an abandoned church, is one of the highlights of the movie. The tension and suspense are palpable, and the audience is left at the edge of their seats as the characters race against time to save themselves.

In conclusion, Vandanam is a must-watch Malayalam film that is still remembered and cherished by audiences even today. The film's unique storyline, coupled with exceptional performances by the cast, make it a masterpiece of Malayalam cinema. With its perfect balance of humor, action, and drama, the film is a fast-paced, entertaining ride that will keep you engaged from start to finish.