Drama (2018)

What makes Drama such an inviting surprise is how it turns a solemn setting into a warm, mischievous human comedy, led by Mohanlal’s wonderfully grounded charm as a funeral director who can’t help getting emotionally involved. Set among a scattered immigrant family in London, the film finds humor in the awkward logistics of grief and the petty squabbles that surface when love, money, and duty collide—yet it never loses its tenderness for the people underneath the bickering. The vibe is breezy and heartfelt, with just enough chaos and sentiment to keep you smiling even as it nudges you toward something quietly moving about honoring a life. If you prefer broad, gag-heavy comedies, this may feel more like a gentle dramedy, but if you enjoy character-driven stories with a big heart and a sly sense of irony, it’s an easy recommendation.

Drama is clearly aiming for a bittersweet, culture-clash comedy about death, family guilt, and the messiness of honoring a final wish, with Mohanlal anchoring it as a weary funeral director who slowly finds his conscience. The problem is the film often can’t decide whether it wants to be heartfelt or “hilarious,” so the humour can feel pushed and the emotional beats don’t always land because key relationships aren’t given enough depth. Mohanlal remains watchable and there are a few warm, humane moments, but the character and story echoes of his better films may leave you waiting for a spark that only shows up in patches. If you want tight writing, consistently earned emotion, or sharp comedy, this may frustrate you; if you’re okay with a gentle, uneven dramedy carried more by mood and star presence than impact, it’s a passable watch.