Jayaraj's 'Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam': A slow-paced meditation on death and duty | 'Manorathangal' series review

Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam, directed by Jayaraj and featuring Indrans and Nedumudi Venu, is the ninth entry in MT's 'Manorathangal' anthology. The film's slow pace and dark setting reinforce its exploration of mortality, focusing on the inevitability of death. The story revolves around adult children witnessing the slow decline of their ageing parents, a theme that resonates deeply due to the sombre tone and dark colour grading, which symbolizes the looming presence of death throughout the film.

In the movie, death is represented as a natural and inevitable part of life, something the characters accept without much resistance. The adult children, while saddened by their ageing father's suffering, continue with their daily lives, seeing his decline as just another part of the cycle. In one scene, Surabhi Lakshmi, who plays Nedumudi Venu's daughter, mentions to her husband, played by Renji Panicker, that her father asked her for a muffler and sweater instead of asking her older sister. This moment subtly highlights how the children perceive their responsibilities toward their parents as more transactional than emotional, focusing on material needs rather than instinctual care.

Indrans' character in the movie takes on an unusual role, almost as a guide to the impending death. He outlines what will be needed for a peaceful passing and even lists his own requirements for after the event. In one scene, he nonchalantly makes a list of essentials that the old man will need after his death, basing it on the 'goodness' the man exhibited when he was still healthy. This casual approach to such a heavy subject makes his character particularly intriguing. Meanwhile, Nedumudi Venu delivers a masterful performance as the ageing father, embodying the role with an effortless authenticity.

The movie, as noted earlier, moves at a slow pace, and the dark visual tone occasionally makes it hard to discern what's happening on screen. This sluggish pacing does affect the viewing experience, especially since the concept isn't particularly novel. The film’s deliberate tempo may feel more like a drawback, making it harder for viewers to stay engaged.