This film presents a vivid account of a country bumpkin coming to terms with his marriage. It touches on village life, its rituals, its occupations, its people, its family relationships. The last provides the most interesting theme of the film. The film has no background music. It uses the natural sounds of Kerala's countryside, ranging from the majestic drums of Kathakali to the strident mooing of cows. Adoor Gopalakrishnan is scrupulous about the authenticity of his material. He has an exact eye for faces and has drawn exemplary performances from his actors. Gopi, in particular, is remarkably astute as the main character Sankarankutty. He fidgets, he grins, and wears a look of doleful befuddlement which makes him vulnerable and appealing.