'Ennalum Ente Aliya' is a simple family drama that humorously pulls the blinds on relationships. Just like his earlier work 'Lukka Chuppi', director Bash Mohammed focuses on marriages in 'Ennalum Ente Aliya'. And since it is an often repeated concept in movies, the chances of it being predictable are high. What's impressive is how effortlessly director Bash Mohammed has been able to sustain the humour track while telling the story, which has immense scope for diverting into a melodrama.
Suraj Venjaramoodu and Gayatri Arun, play the childless couple Balu and Lakshmi. Their doctor sets a three-day window to conceive a baby. However, Lakshmi's brother gatecrashes and decides to camp at their house for some days.
Bash unfolds the challenges of parenting through Sulfi and Karim (played by Lenaa and Siddique), who have a grown-up daughter. Though Ameer is a cool dad, Sulfi is shown as a mother who is tormented by the unreasonable thought that their daughter might elope with some random guy. This makes Sulfi unbearable at times. The friction and the issues that crop up when the two couples (Karim's and Balu's families who live in the same apartment in Dubai)- meet form the rest of the story.
Watching Suraj and Siddique onscreen are always a treat since they are quite comfortable in any role. It's been a while since Suraj has shed his goofy, slapstick comic roles. If you are anticipating that 'Ennalum Ente Aliya' will give you a glimpse of his past characters, you are mistaken, because Suraj as Balu is quite serious even in this film, which has a huge scope for comedy.
It is the humour between Siddique and Lenaa that tickles your funny bones in this film. His unpredictable dialogues and the family man image make him quite adorable, while it is Lenaa who is an absolute delight in the film.
Lenaa, as the overthinking, over-suspicious mom, adds a lot of humour to the drama. In the hands of a lesser actor, the character could have lost its grip, but you know Sulfi's role is safe in Lenaa's hands. The folk music and songs also add colour to the film.
The plot, despite being overused, stays free of cliches and offers some interesting take on family relationships, which makes 'Ennalum Ente Aliya' a good watch.
