Film review: Geethanjali

With all the hype built over Dr Sunny Joseph, a character played by Mohan Lal in the famed Fazil-directed film ‘Manichitrathazhu,’ you wouldn’t be blamed for looking forward to Priyadarshan’s ‘Geethanjali,’ with great expectations.

The film opens with promise as you watch the lead pair — Anoop (Nishan) and Anjali (Keerthy Suresh) — celebrating Anoop’s birthday. Coming up next is their marriage, scheduled to be held at Anjali’s ancestral home in Kerala.

A phone call cuts short their joy as it brings news that Anjali’s mother is in hospital following a fall. Anjali and Anoop rush to see her. But she is in a state of coma. So the duo decide to stay on at Anjali’s ancestral home.

The home stirs up old memories, especially of her late twin sister, Geetha. Tormented by the past and unable to sleep, Anjali believes that the spirit of Geetha resides in the ancestral home and is out to destroy her.

Subsequently unusual happenings in the house further add to her belief and Anjali seems to need help.

You guessed it. Dr Sunny Joseph, a psychiatrist (Mohan Lal), arrives one rainy night at the request of Anoop.

If you have watched Tamil film ‘Charulatha,’ you know exactly where the story is headed. The film bears several similarities with ‘Charulatha,’ right from the scene where the twins are introduced playing on a swing.

The characters of Anjali and Geetha are no different from that of Charu and Latha. The bone of contention between the two sisters is the man they both love.

And that’s what makes Priyadarshan’s ‘Geethanjali,’ disappointing. Nor is there anything spectacular about the character of Dr Sunny. Touted to be a psychological thriller, this story fails to give you the creeps.

If the film is watchable, all credit goes to Suresh for her brilliant performance. As an actor with great promise, she slips effortlessly between the characters of Geetha and Anjali with an ease, not much seen in a debutante. Another saving grace is Thiru’s camera work. Innocent, who was seen in ‘Manichitrathazhu,’ plays a similar role in this story and keeps you chuckling.

If you have not watched ‘Charulatha,’ then give ‘Geethanjali,’ a try.