‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’ wins hearts with music, friendship and easy charm

Music brings Justin and Ashley together in Girish AD’s latest, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit. Justin (Nivin Pauly) dusts off an old cassette player, and Ashley (Mamitha Baiju) brings out her box of cherished audio cassettes — the ones she refused to leave behind when her strict mother asked her to while shifting houses. She is surprised that he has even heard of her favourite alternative rock band, ‘Breeders’. That moment changes her serious, old-man image of him.

When Ashley lands in the neighbourhood with her family, reluctant to leave her small home in the village, she is circumspect and even melancholic. But she soon finds her tribe.

Director Girish AD does something similar with the audience. He places viewers firmly amid a bunch of closely-knit characters, all with relatable quirks, qualities and failings, making them feel like they are among their own friends.

It feels as if everyone in the neighbourhood, except Ashley and her family, has known each other all their lives — such is the easy camaraderie and the sharpness of the repartees that define the film.