Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam, starring Saiju Kurup, has found a second wave of admiration after its successful theatrical run, with viewers continuing to celebrate the film following its OTT release. While the dark comedy had already earned praise for its sharp writing and performances, online audiences are now zeroing in on another layer of enjoyment: its playful and often ingenious references to beloved films from Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
For many viewers, watching Mohiniyattam has become something of a cinematic scavenger hunt. Social media is filled with fans identifying hidden nods, visual recreations and dialogue callbacks that reward those steeped in South Indian film culture. What makes these references particularly effective is that they are woven organically into the narrative, functioning as both affectionate tributes and perfectly timed comic beats.
From Ezham Arivu to Drishyam: References Hidden in Plain Sight
One of the most talked-about moments is a clever homage to Ezham Arivu. In the film, two characters named Subash encounter each other at a bus stop, mirroring the memorable face-off between hero and villain in Ezham Arivu. Fans have been especially amused by the deadpan confidence of the older Subash, who remains completely unfazed under the younger man’s intense stare.
Another standout sequence draws on Drishyam. In a temple scene, Baby and Raghu keep a close eye on Shashi, convinced he will turn around if he is pretending not to notice them. Shashi does exactly that, but the pair are so engrossed in their own conversation that they miss the very proof they were waiting for. The scene captures the film’s signature blend of suspense and absurdity.
Suraj Venjaramoodu, playing Govindaraj, gets one of the film’s funniest lines when he says, “Nee poda vazhipokka.” The phrase doubles as a wink to Nandu Poduval, whose brief but memorable appearances in Malayalam cinema have made him a familiar face to generations of viewers.
Elsewhere, Ashokan casually says “Magizhchi” to a policeman, evoking Rajinikanth’s now-iconic usage of the word in Kabali. Another scene, in which Subash searches for his uncle in a room packed with chairs, recalls a humorous classroom sequence from Hridayam.
Mammootty, Mohanlal and a Dash of Joker
The references continue to pile up in increasingly inventive ways. In one memorable scene, Jagadish reprises Mammootty’s celebrated line from Vesham: “Thanoor Chakka Thinnan Poyappo.” The nostalgia factor alone has made this one a major crowd-pleaser.
The same character later feigns epilepsy while being questioned by the police, another sly nod to Drishyam. There is also a darkly comic callback to Rorschach, in which Eepan glances at a dead body before declining a glass of juice.
Other references include a suggestion to dispose of Govindaraj’s body using an electric chair, echoing the recent Coolie, and a visual gag involving Saraswati Amma and Eepan reaching for the same weapon, reminiscent of Aniyathipraavu. When Subash loses his house key, Baby’s line, “Avante Monthakittu Onnu Koduthittu Chodikku,” affectionately recalls a memorable exchange from Midhunam. Shashi placing his hand on senior Subash’s shoulder invokes a classic moment from Dasharatham.
Perhaps the most striking visual reference comes when Saraswati Amma brushes her teeth with activated charcoal while plotting how to move a corpse, evoking the unsettling imagery of Joker.
For fans, these moments are more than mere Easter eggs. They are evidence of a film made by people who clearly love cinema and trust their audience to catch the joke. On OTT, Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam is proving that the best comedies often reveal new layers with every viewing.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
