Movie Name: Bhargavi Nilayam
Release Date: 2024-09-05
Cast: Tovino Thomas, Rima Kallingal, Shine Tom Chacko, Roshan Mathew
Director: Ashiq Abu
Producer: Rajasekhar Annabhimoju
Music: Bijibal
Banner: Bhavani Movies
Malayalam movies and series have garnered significant attention on OTT platforms, prompting more Telugu versions of these films to be released.
One such recent release is the Malayalam movie ‘Neelavelicham,’ which hit theaters in April 2023 and is now streaming on Aha under the title ‘Bhargavi Nilayam.’
This review explores the film, which stars Tovino Thomas, Shine Tom Chacko, and Roshan Mathew in lead roles, and is a horror-thriller set in the 1960s.
The story is set in 1964 in a small seaside village with a serene atmosphere. A writer arrives in the village and rents a dilapidated bungalow.
While preparing the house for his stay, he notices the locals, including the postman and hotel workers, are hesitant to approach the house.
When he meets his friends in the village, they are alarmed to hear he has rented a place called ‘Bhargavi Nilayam.’
The friends inform him that the house was once home to a young woman named Bhargavi, who was a skilled dancer. Bhargavi was in love with a singer named Sashikumar (played by Roshan Mathew), who lived in a neighboring house.
However, they say Sashikumar betrayed her, leading Bhargavi to commit suicide by jumping into the well on the property. Since then, rumors suggest her ghost haunts the house.
Despite his friends’ warnings, the writer decides to stay in the house. He begins to feel the presence of a spirit watching him. However, he explains that he has no other choice, as he has spent all his money on renting the house. He assures the spirit that he means no harm and only seeks to uncover her story.
The writer discovers a box belonging to Bhargavi in a special room connected to the bungalow. Inside, he finds her personal items and a photograph.
He becomes intrigued by her story, determined to uncover the truth and write about it. As he investigates further, the spirit seems to send him signals, encouraging him to learn her tale.
The writer’s journey leads him to question what truly happened to Bhargavi. Was it a betrayal that led to her death? Was it murder or suicide?
As the mystery unfolds, the writer discovers hidden truths about Bhargavi’s love story with Sashikumar and what really happened in her final days.
The narrative revolves around four central characters, with minimal additional roles. The majority of the story takes place in the abandoned bungalow by the sea.
Unlike typical horror films that focus on instilling fear, ‘Bhargavi Nilayam’ interweaves a beautiful love story with delicate emotions.
The writer’s dialogues with the ghost, in his quest to escape loneliness, and the spirit’s subtle responses create a fresh dynamic.
The main characters are a writer, a dancer (Bhargavi), and a musician (Sashikumar). The film intertwines music, literature, and dance, with these art forms playing a significant role in the story.
Instead of relying solely on scares, the film engages viewers with emotional depth, drawing them into a world of feelings.
The setting—a coastal village, a decaying bungalow, and the backdrop of 1964—raises concerns about whether the audience will stay engaged for the film’s two-hour runtime.
However, the director’s choice of locations, the stunning depiction of moonlit nights captured by the cinematography, and the atmospheric background score ensure the film does not feel monotonous. The editing is neat and effective, enhancing the storytelling.
Though some of the poetic and musical elements from the original Malayalam film may not fully translate into Telugu, the visual experience is captivating.
The climax, in particular, does not disappoint and leaves the audience satisfied. This is not a typical ghost story, and viewers who approach it with that understanding will find themselves connected to the film’s emotional essence.
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