Review roundup: Veruthe Oru Bharya

Just when we thought Jayaram’s acting career is about to end, the movie Veruthe Oru Bharya has taken everyone by surprise. Most of the reviewers have given glowing reviews, usually reserved for a Superstar movie.

IndiaGlitz comments:

Veruthe Oru Bharya’ is the unassuming title for a movie, narrated with intensity and integrity, from the very beginning to the end. It is one of the best films of recent times, dealing with domestic marriage discords resulting from mismatched characters of two people who stick to their incompatible agendas. It may hit too close to home for some; others might not key in on the psychology, but find it as a digestible fun-filled drama with light hearted moments.

The movie will definitely introspect at least some men who finds a glimpse of them on screen. Presenting Jayaram in a solid workable character, ‘Veruthe Oru Bharya’ accomplishes to bring out the emotional chaos created by broken marital relationships on the victims and their children, somehow sidestepping all the related cliches.

Sify.com says:

It is a well written and tightly paced script of Gireesh who has been able to weave a family saga that is quite convincing. But on the downside the characters often behave in rather strange ways and make it tough for the audience to relate to them. Sugunan has been presented as a selfish hypocrite and his behavior often irritates the viewers. Bindu’s woes are understandable, but even the audience feel like she is over reacting at times. The impact of certain incidents concerning his daughter, on Sugunan, is hard to digest.

However Jayaram is back with a bang in his role as Sugunan. It is vintage Jayaram, and he scores heavily as the role suits his comedy image. Gopika, without any make up, is also quite convincing in her role as Bindu. But she looks evidently younger than what the role actually required. Nivedita shines as their daughter and Suraj Venjarammoodu’s comedy track is a laugh riot.

NowRunning.com reviews:

It’s not everyday that you come across a film as this with a whole lot of sunny optimism pouring in from all corners. Even as there is a terrible breakdown midway through, you know for sure that things are bound to end up right. Perhaps there are a few instances in the film that really require a leap of faith and yet I found myself playing along. As much as I resent those sugared tales where the tumbled house of cards builds back on its own, I could take the film for what it is - light, cheery and amusing.

Veruthe Oru Bharya is a surprisingly strong showcase for its stars. Gopika is a revelation; there’s an irrefutable magic about her, and in this most complex of her movie roles, it comes through with a unique poignancy. She fully inhabits the vulnerability of the downtrodden wife without ever overriding the central conflict. Jayaram is as endearing as well. He finally gets to play his age and even make fun of himself, and discarding the strange carelessness that had made his recent enterprises so unbearable, goes about his job with a precision that’s marvelous. There’s also Niveda, who comes up with a shearing performance as the daughter who’s truly shattered by the tragedy that befalls her family.

Rediff.com does not share other reviewers enthusiasm:

Gireesh Kumar’s script does not ever leave the preachy tone. Besides marital harmony, the film also preaches about the misuse of cell phones and internet by teenagers.

Sugunan is uncouth and primitive in his manners and beliefs. But Jayaram induces his own charm with sprinkling of mirth into his performance. We rarely feel distaste towards the character thanks to him. Gopika as Bindu is shown mature beyond her age. It is the performance of the lead pair that keeps our eyes glued to this preachy film.