DEEEPAVALI BONUS MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Vikranth, Riythvika, Master Harish, Vivek Rajagopal, YG Mahendran, Ponvannan, Krisha Kurup, Devadarshini, Mathew Varghese
Director: Jayabal
In the town of Nilayur, Madurai, the film Deepavali Bonus brings to life the story of Ravi (Vikranth), Geetha (Riythvika), and their young son Sachin (Master Harish). Directed by Jayabal, the film takes us through the trials of a lower middle-class family striving to celebrate the festival of lights, despite the weight of life’s challenges.
The story happens three days before Deepavali, with Ravi, a delivery guy, hoping for a bonus to have a simple but happy celebration with his family. Meanwhile, Geetha works as a maid, and her meager income barely helps meet their everyday needs. The optimism and innocence of their son, Sachin, adds emotion to their struggles, symbolizing a sense of hope amid the family’s troubles. But as fate would have it, the bonus is delayed, and circumstances push Ravi to take desperate measures, leading to a sequence of testing events.
The strength of Deepavali Bonus lies in its portrayal of lower middle-class life. Jayabal, in his debut directorial effort, has avoided unnecessary melodrama, opting instead for an honest, grounded depiction of a struggling family’s journey. Both Vikranth and Riythvika are welc ast, and their performances are good. Master Harish adds a genuine charm to the family dynamic, his innocence a reminder of the simple joys that make all hardships bearable.
The narrative is straightforward, set against the backdrop of Madurai. Jayabal captures the emotional challenges faced by the family, portraying their struggles and small moments of happiness in a realistic manner without resorting to melodrama.
The film captures the essence of its characters well but stumbles in areas. The pacing feels stretched at times, and the supporting characters are portrayed too idealistically, making some situations feel contrived. The twist involving Ravi’s arrest also lacks depth and could have been explored more effectively.
Gautham Sethuraman’s cinematography complements the storytelling, and Maria Gerald’s background score adds an appropriate atmosphere that supports the narrative. The visuals are not grand, but they are in harmony with the film’s modest ambitions, giving the story a genuine texture.
Deepavali Bonus offers an honest portrayal of a family’s resilience during tough times. Despite its simple storyline and modest production, the film is anchored by strong performances and relatable characters, making it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate straightforward stories.