Sajan Bakery Malayalam Movie Review: Aju Varghese-Lena starrer is a slow paced sibling drama

Sajan Bakery Since 1962 Movie Review:  Is Sajan Bakery a real story? While I started watching the siblings quarrel over little things, this is one of the questions that struck me. A slice of real life is definitely apparent in the film though it remains unconfirmed whether this Aju Varghese-Lena starrer has been inspired by real life. [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter]

In the 80s and early 90s, several Malayalam films that revolved around sibling relationships had a realistic yet idealistic overtone to it.  Blockbuster hit films in Malayalam such as 'Koodum Thedi' and 'Kariyilakaatupole' show how sibling relationships are interwoven deftly into Malayalam films.

Super hit Malayalam movies starring Mohanlal, in 'Kireedam', 'Bharatham' paved the way for more family sagas. 

Mammootty's blockbuster hits 'Vatsalyam' and 'Hitler' shows him as striving to be the ideal brother. Notably, Mohanlal's heartwrenching performance as 'Chettachan' in 'Pavitram' is another example of sibling dramas. In 'Doubles' with Nadia Moidu, megastar Mammootty made a comeback into sibling dramas though it didn't fare well at the box office. 

However, Mammootty's heartwrenching performance in 'Arayanangaludey Veedu' again put the spotlight back on sibling rivalries.

Meanwhile, we also had family entertainers like 'Sandesham' and 'Kudumbapuranam' which highlighted social issues also portrayed sibling rivalries in a way that finally found its own harmony and balance. Serious performances like the Jayaram-Suresh Gopi starrer 'Paithrukam' didn't do well at the box office.

In contrast, 'Sukhamo Devi' saw sibling conflicts in view of a budding college romance.

Malayalam movie review: What is the story of Sajan Bakery?

Directed by Arun Chandu, the story revolves around two siblings - Bobbin (starring Aju Varghese) and Betsy (starring Lena) who run a bakery that was famously known in their dad's name. Located in a small place called Ranni, Bobbin dreams of migrating to Australia while his sister is struggling to keep the bakery going amidst coming to terms with separation from her husband. There is nothing extraordinary about their laid back approach to life. 

The conflicting interests of Bobbin and Betsy form the crux of the film as their personalities clash and reshape their life's journey.

[READ: Why Failure can be a good thing in your life]

Their maternal uncle or 'Ammachan' (starring Ganesh Kumar) is the only family member who understands their quirks and tries his best to watch out for both their interests. After a long time, it feels good to see actor Ganesh Kumar do a good role with a dash of refreshing humour. Yet it packs in memorable and serious moments as well.

Malayalam movie review: Who is the actress in Sajan Bakery?

In my view, Lena is the leading actress in Sajan Bakery.

Ranjitha Menon plays the role of a  'Merlin' who has just started working in a diagnostic lab. She finds herself spending more time sending messages to Bobbin's phone and continues doing this even when she realises the messages are being read by his sister Betsy. While Merlin is able to find sufficient time to keep sending random messages at odd hours, Betsy is shown juggling several tasks at home and in her bakery while checking these messages. The paradox is almost ironical.

In my view, Ranjitha Menon's character titled 'Merlin' seemed to be skimming the surface because the role lacked depth in characterisation, dialogue and story telling. 

Is Sajan Bakery in Amazon Prime?

Absolutely - you can watch the film on Amazon Prime.

Sajan Bakery Malayalam movie review: Best Scene vs Worse Scene

Aju Varghese has done several movies but Sajan Bakery is probably his best one. He does the double role decently - as an alcoholic father and then as the son who dreams of migration. There are some memorable family moments that Aju Varghese deftly pulls off with the effortless charm of a seasoned actor too.

Best scene in Sajan Bakery

When Bobbin is asked to present a 'cream bun' to a rival baker who had happened to be his father's friend, he messes up and takes a short cut that boomerangs. His father's friend tells him to try again (I love the scene because failure is more common in real life than success!) and the shift in Bobbin's attitude is worth watching as he struggles once again to make a choice that defines his roots.  

Then he visits his father's friend and presents him again, this scene where they interact a second time is the best scene in the film.

Worst scene in Sajan Bakery

When Betsy goes to meet her husband and they have a difficult and rather embarrassing conversation, it seemed to me that the vibe was totally off and clinical. While Betsy is later breaking down, the scene does not justify her emotions.

As a viewer, I found it difficult to deconstruct the context of their marriage and friendship. Their interactions were devoid of real emotions.

[READ: How to LOVE and Be Happy]

Sajan Bakery is a refreshing and convincing portrayal of siblings with conflicting interests and how they find their way around it. [READ: Lost someone you loved?]

The lovely and poised Lena is definitely the reason I watched this film. It goes without saying that she is a pleasure to watch as she brings life to the character she portrays.

The pace of the narrative is slow and meandering but if you are not in a tearing hurry, this is a movie to pass time, relax and watch. 

One of the things i liked about the film is that there are no instant solutions to any of the issues between the siblings - which is the way it is in real life. Not all issues get solved, some are left as it is, which is the same way as it is in the film. Simply put, there are no happily-forever-after endings. 

That's life. [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter]

Malayalam cinema is known for showing reality sans glamour and frill.

If you aren't in the mood for baking, you may want to stock up on freshly baked cream buns - don't say you weren't warned!