'Bromance' Film Review: A Rollercoaster of Chaos and Comedy with Mathew Thomas
The Malayalam comedy-drama 'Bromance', released on February 14, 2025, has quickly garnered attention for its exuberant performances and chaotic humor. Starring Mathew Thomas as Binto and Mahima Nambiar as Aishwarya, the film explores the comedic aftermath of one brother's disappearance and the misadventures of those searching for him.
Directed by Arun D. Jose, known for his previous works 'Jo & Jo' and '18+', 'Bromance' fits neatly within the mold of situational humor, successfully capturing the frenzied spirit of Gen Z. The film follows Binto, who is forced out of his careless lifestyle to find his elder brother Shinto (played by Shyam Mohan) after learning of his mysterious disappearance. Binto, plagued by anger issues and insecurities stemming from being constantly compared to Shinto, enlists the help of various quirky characters, including Aishwarya, his brother's ex-girlfriend, and the crafty hacker Hariharasudhan, played by Sangeeth Prathap.
Upon its release, 'Bromance' opened to the tune of Rs 70 lakhs at the box office, indicating solid initial interest. The film attracted young audiences, thanks largely to its fun premise, humorous interactions, and engaging performances. According to Sacnilk reports, it had fluctuated occupancy rates—19.67% during morning shows, dipping slightly to 17.11% for afternoon screenings, and improving to 20.48% by the evening.
The narrative starts off with Binto celebrating New Year’s Eve when he receives the alarming news about Shinto from his friend Shabeer. Although initially, the film takes some time to build momentum, it eventually strikes with comedic timing as Binto dives headfirst to unravel the layers of his brother's double life—a narrative twist bolstered by the charm of its ensemble cast.
Critics have noted how the film often embraces chaos, capitalizing on lead characters' desperation. 'The film capitalizes on its cast’s desperation to find Shinto, blending chaotic humor with situations many can relate to,' says ETimes, which rated the film at 2.5 out of 5 stars. The review pointed out, "While the humor hits the mark occasionally, certain gags fall flat, leading to cringe-worthy moments. Nevertheless, the ensemble cast showcases remarkable chemistry."
Musical contributions from Govind Vasantha have also been highlighted as significant to the film's atmosphere. Songs like the lively “Local Gen-Z Anthem” serve both as plot devices and mood setters, energizing scenes with infectious beats. The blend of vibrant visuals and culturally relevant references speaks directly to its youthful audience. 'The colorful cinematography by Akhil George combined with solid production design keeps the excitement alive and engaging,' mentions another review.
Despite its strengths, 'Bromance' is not without its critiques. Some have pointed out the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on chaotic scenarios, with critics labeling parts of the script as lacking depth. Although the film showcases vibrant chemistry among characters, many were deemed underdeveloped, limiting the exploration of the main themes. "The narrative doesn't always explore its characters fully, often falling back on jokes at the cost of developing significant plot points," opined another critic.
Characters like Courier Babu (Kalabhavan Shajohn) and the ethical hacker Hariharasudhan (Sangeeth Prathap) breathe life and humor, yet some reviews contend they sometimes echo familiar tropes without substantial evolution. 'The humor seems to lean heavily on visual gags and stereotypes, which can alienate some audiences,' said another review.
Overall, 'Bromance' emerges as a mixed bag of humor and heart. With its efficient pace and comedic flair, it serves as entertainment for those seeking light-hearted fun, particularly within the theater setting. The film concludes on high energy, encouraging viewers to reflect on the bond between brothers, albeit through comedic chaos.
While it doesn't redefine the genre, 'Bromance' offers enough laughs and cultural references to make it worth the watch, especially among younger audiences craving a slice of relatable humor and adventure. It’s recommended for those who enjoyed Arun D. Jose’s previous works, yet it also serves as a reminder of the director's need to develop richer narratives alongside comedic ingredients. The film is expected to gain additional momentum over the weekend as word-of-mouth spreads, potentially elevasing its box office performance.