Vala: Story of a Bangle begins with an engaging idea and some strong performances, but it struggles to keep the same energy throughout. The film looks at greed, pride, and family conflicts through the story of a golden bangle, but the second half drags and the characters don’t always feel complete. While there are touching moments and good visuals, the film doesn’t fully deliver on its promise.
Plot & Premise
Vala: Story of a Bangle revolves around a seemingly simple conflict: a golden bangle that Sarala (Raveena Ravi) claims is an ancestral heirloom—and which she cannot remove from her wrist. When Vishalakshi (Sheethal Joseph), married to constable Bhanu Prakash (Lukman Avaran), becomes fixated on obtaining a similar piece, tensions escalate. Purushothaman (Dhyan Sreenivasan), Sarala’s husband, eventually discovers the bangle is actually an antique of significant value—and the battle for its ownership deepens, drawing in unexpected claimants and stirring up past regrets.
What starts as personal desire over material value unfolds into a more layered tale about morality, class, and pride—if not always with the balance the idea promises.
What Works
Muhashin’s direction enjoys several bright moments. The visual storytelling during flashbacks involving the older couple (Vijayaraghavan & Shanthi Krishna) shines—evoking empathy and giving emotional weight. The cinematography by Afnas V. also adds texture, especially in contrasting the intimate indoor scenes with broader communal or market spaces.
Lukman Avaran as Bhanu balances frustration, indecision, and desire in a way that makes him more than just an object of critique. Dhyan Sreenivasan, typically seen in lighter roles, takes on greyer shades here and delivers where the script allows nuance. Raveena Ravi does well as Sarala—her character’s attachment to the bangle feels rooted in more than just vanity. The older pair, too, gives scenes that linger in the mind—the moments when their past is revealed are among the most affecting.
What Doesn’t
One of the film’s biggest challenges lies in its shifting tone. Moments that aim for comedy often jolt the audience out of dramatic or emotional beats. The balance between light-hearted rivalry and gravitas slips rather than transitions smoothly. The first half is engrossing enough, but the narrative loses its urgency in the second. Long stretches feel repetitive or underwhelming.
While Sarala and Vishalakshi are given arcs, they are largely defined by the bangle itself. Their desires, backgrounds and struggles are less fleshed out compared to their male counterparts, which limits empathy and dimensionality. Bhanu’s decisions—or rather, the reasons behind his choices—sometimes feel abrupt. Purushothaman’s descent into greed lacks the gradual buildup one hopes for.
The film also flirts with ideas of class divide, patriarchy, materialism, and political undercurrents. But these remain mostly on the surface—more mentioned than explored. There’s potential in the lore around the bangle, its origins, and its social symbolism—but much of this feels like a backdrop rather than a central pillar.
Final Thoughts
Vala: Story of a Bangle is one of those films that start with a glint—an intriguing object, layered relationships, promise of emotional stakes—and do deliver in parts. When it leans into its flashbacks or quieter moments, or pits Bhanu and Purushothaman against each other, the film genuinely touches. But as it reaches for broader thematic resonance and a satisfying conclusion, it falters: its arcs stagger, its purpose occasionally blurs, and the energy dips.
This isn’t a bad movie by any stretch; there is artistry, sincerity and moments of genuine reflection. If you go in expecting a polished, tight narrative, it may frustrate. But if you’re open to a film that shines in patches—especially in character moments and visual mood—it’s worth a watch.
Bullseye Rating:★★½ (2.5/5 stars)
Vala is currently running in theatres.
