Bougainvillea Review: Amal Neerad’s Stylish Thriller, But with Missed Opportunities
Bougainvillea was marketed as a star-studded affair, boasting a stellar cast with names like Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, and Jyothirmayi, all under the direction of Amal Neerad. With such a lineup, expectations were sky-high. But does the movie deliver on all fronts? Well, that’s where the story gets a little complex—just like the film’s plot.
At the heart of Bougainvillea is the couple, Joyce and Reethu Varghese, portrayed by Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi, respectively. The film starts off a bit scattered and slow, taking its time to find its footing. As someone who prefers movies to cut straight to the point, this dragged-out beginning was a bit of a test of patience. However, once the narrative kicks into gear, it manages to draw you in. It’s almost as if Amal Neerad wants you to feel slightly lost at first, only to grip you tighter as the story unfolds.
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The Amal Neerad Magic in Bougainvillea
The plot is your typical suspense crime thriller with an Amal Neerad twist—style. It’s not the “whodunit” element that hooks you because, frankly, the reveal is quite predictable. Instead, the magic of Bougainvillea lies in its confrontation scenes, the tension, the visual spectacle. Neerad’s signature style is all over the film, especially in those cat-and-mouse moments where the stakes are high. There’s a particular stabbing scene that’s both gruesome and stunningly shot. It’s one of those moments where you can’t help but think, “Only Amal Neerad could make violence look this beautiful.” The man has a way of turning brutality into a work of art, and it’s one of the film’s undeniable strengths.
Kunchako Boban and Jyothirmayi are both brilliant and at their finest in Bougainvillea.
However, while the film excels in style, there are glaring issues with substance. Take Fahadh Faasil, for instance. Here’s an actor who can elevate any role, but in Bougainvillea, he has next to nothing to do. It’s frustrating because his role could’ve been played by anyone, and you can’t help but wonder if he signed on purely out of friendship with Neerad. For someone of his caliber, this is a wasted opportunity. Similarly, Sharaf U Dheen, who played a memorable villain in Neerad’s Varathan, is side-lined here with an insignificant part. It’s disappointing, to say the least, because these actors deserved better. As a suspense thriller, Bougainvillea is not devoid of minor loopholes either.
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Casting Jyothrimayi in Bougainvillea – What’s the harm?
And then there’s the talk about Jyothirmayi. People are buzzing that she’s landed this lead role thanks to her husband Amal Neerad casting her. But let’s be real—she fits the role perfectly. Whether it’s because of her personal connection to the director or not, her performance stands on its own. She plays Reethu with a depth and presence that demands attention, and it’s great to see her back on the big screen. This is one of those instances where favoritism doesn’t feel unfair. And honestly, what’s wrong with a husband supporting his wife in getting her due credit? That narrative needs to die down because her performance proves she’s more than deserving of the spotlight.
Final Verdict on Bougainvillea
To sum up, Bougainvillea is a visual treat, packed with those stylish Amal Neerad moments that we’ve come to expect. But while the film looks stunning, it’s held back by a script that drags a little. It’s a film you watch more for the thrill of the chase and less for the mystery. There’s no denying the spectacle of it all—when Neerad is in his element, the screen comes alive. But with talents like Fahadh Faasil and Sharaf U Dheen sidelined, and a slow start that takes its time to hit the mark, Bougainvillea could have been much more. Still, if you’re a fan of Amal Neerad’s signature style, it’s worth the watch for its visual finesse alone.
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