Bougainvillea Review | This Jyothirmayi film has the magic of Amal Neerad but falters at times

Bougainvillea is Amal Neerad’s latest film after the 2022 hit Bheeshma Parvam. This time, the acclaimed filmmaker ventures into new territory and essays a psychological thriller starring Kunchacko Boban and Jyothirmayi in the lead roles.
Amal Neerad uses his strengths in the film by first focusing on the cinematic grammar of the film and then slowly but steadily delving into the plot of the film, which is as mysterious as the bougainvillea that Reethu (Jyothirmayi) paints every day .
The story and screenplay by Lajo George, an adaptation of his novel Ruthinte Lokam, deals with the complexities of a patient with retrograde and anterograde amnesia who becomes the focus of a police investigation. Most directors might find it difficult to navigate the subject matter, but in Amal’s capable hands it stays interesting for a long time.
At a crucial point in the second half of the film the story loses momentum, but Amal manages to hold her own with some good action sequences, brilliant editing and interesting camera tricks. Sushin Shyam’s background music is perfect as the makers use it only at the crucial moments. In fact, it fits harmoniously into the theme and mood of the story.

Amal Neerad’s ability to build suspense in his stories was evident in films like Varathan. He also manages to use this technique in Bougainvillaea to the satisfaction of the viewer.
Both Jyothirmayi and Kunchacko are in their element in the film and the chemistry between them works well. The film is a perfect comeback for Jyothirmayi, who is known for her work in previous films including Meeshamadhavan and Kalyanaraman.
Fahadh, who was last seen in Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyan, is also impressive in the film, although his screen space is limited. Overall, the film is characterized by the magic of Amal Neerad, although it is definitely not his best work to date.