Exploring the Popularity of Bromance in Malayalam Cinema

At the heart of the film Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil is a woman who unknowingly becomes the bone of contention between two men. Vinu (Basil Joseph) spends much of his time cursing the girlfriend who left him, unaware that Anandan (Prithviraj Sukumaran), the older man who lends him a shoulder to cry on, is married to the same woman, Parvathy (Nikhila Vimal). Their shared resentment towards the woman strengthens their bond, overshadowing their respective romantic relationships. Vinu and Anandan, embodying toxic masculinity, cannot handle rejection, leading to a bromance that requires little effort to maintain. Their bond thrives on mutual inadequacies rather than personal growth, sidelining their life partners. Even in the climax, it is Anandan, not Parvathy, who corrects Vinu’s entitled apology, highlighting the bromance’s supremacy.

In Premalu, the friendship between Sachin (Naslen) and Amal Davis (Sangeeth Prathap) is as crucial as Sachin’s romance with Reenu (Mamitha Baiju). Amal is Sachin’s emotional crutch, fiercely protecting him post-rejection. Similarly, Manjummel Boys features 11 men, half of whom are aimless, indulging in reckless behavior during a trip to Kodaikanal, resonating with male social spaces. In Aavesham, a world dominated by men, the only empathy comes from Bibi’s mother, momentarily disarming the otherwise tough Ranga (Fahadh Faasil). The film portrays boys grappling with ego, aggression, and emotional scars, often relying on alcohol to cope. Varshangalkku Shesham pivots around a friendship strained by ego, yet fails to evoke strong emotions.

Films like Aattam and Nadanna Sambhavam critique the darker side of the bro code, exposing latent misogyny and self-interest. In Aattam, 11 men betray their only female member, glorifying misogyny and objectifying their female colleagues. Nadanna Sambhavam depicts middle-aged men venting insecurities over booze, casting aspersions on a new neighbor. In Thallumaala, grown men engage in petty fights, asserting masculine identity and aggression through male bonding.

Malayalam cinema’s recurring theme of bromance highlights the complex dynamics of male relationships, often overshadowing romantic ones, and reflecting societal attitudes towards masculinity and friendship.