Salt Mango Tree (2015) watch online HD

Every couple having 3/4 year old kids should watch this comedy drama that is not just a laugh riot but also an essential lesson in parenting in this modern, competitive age.

Middle class couple, Aravind (Menon) and his wife (Chandramouli), are anxiously looking to get their 4-year old son admitted into a reputed school. However, of the few such schools they have in their locality, most of them employ daylight robbery and ask parents of potential new students to gift a donation of few lakhs, which is too big a price. One other problem is that Aravind does not understand or speak English which messes up their chance of getting through the traditional way by qualifying in the interview of parents. The story is about their struggle and the draconian and illegal policies of schools when it comes to admissions.

The first act is pure comedy, and one cannot help but stop and wonder at Biju Menon's mastery when it comes to delivering humorous dialogs. The spontaneity involved in the fitting screenplay will crack you up. The cast is good and so is the story-telling, which is only let down in the middle when Suhasini's character, a grooming teacher for elders, enters the scene with her gimmick and half-baked performance. Other than that, it has a very good message to convey.

The story primarily advises couples to not pressurize their younglings on account of admissions and what lies ahead of that. They should be left off on their own to explore the world, read what they like, play what they like, and choose an interest that they like. When parents turn into helicopters and guide their kids into submission so that they are well-behaved and more intelligent than their neighbor Mrs. Chacko's kids is when things go haywire. Just stick to the basics of parenting, that's what the film is all about.

BOTTOM LINE: Salt Mango Tree is a highly recommended film for couples and families who should learn that while schooling is an important facet in a kid's life, every kid has his/her own limits, and pushing these is not in anyone's best interests. The humor makes it a pleasing watch.

GRADE: C+

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

First of all, there's a strong story board without which the film won't be this much entertaining. Great comeback by Bijumenon. Haven't seen a while since Vellimoonga. Each and every family should see this and should know the matter discussing in this movie. Every one in the film does their own roles perfectly. Big applause for Bijumenon. He was acting like he was living. Another big applause for the songs and DOP. Altogether the crew needs a loud round of applause.

Dear Rajesh Nair,

your film Salt Mango Tree is another one of those pleasantly average and somewhat uplifting Malayalam movies that are released every week. The film offers nothing new in terms of characterization or structure. So you have the typical bumbling and goofy Malayali characters trying to make ends meet and give their son a decent education. They are surrounded by similarly goofy characters who are all good at heart!

But the film's subject matter is about something that's actually quite depressing - the increasing pressure on small kids to get admission in "reputed schools" in the face of overpopulation and corruption in the primary education system.

Your film is also quite politically incorrect as it is quite honest about the changing power equations in Kerala defined by the Catholic clergy's clout over primary education. Though ultimately the film shows that the parents with the cash gets their kids admitted into these schools.

Biju Menon and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli deliver decent performances without being exceptional. It is one of those films that does not aspire to rise above a certain level.

Anyway, it is sad that Malayali filmmakers have to wrap movies about depressing stuff with the allure of comedy. Anything to fill the seats I guess.

Best Regards, Pimpin.

(5/10)