Suresh Gopi as Dennis in Summer in Bethlehem
Short Articles

Dennis of “Summer in Bethlehem” – An Underrated Character and Peformance

Suresh Gopi as Dennis in Summer in Bethlehem

“ഞാൻ വരും ആമിയുടെ കൂടെ ആ ചടങ്ങിന് സാക്ഷിയാവാൻ … പക്ഷെ നിരഞ്ജനെ കാണുന്ന വരെ ആമി ഒരു സുയിസൈഡിനെ പറ്റി ചിന്തിക്കുക കൂടി അരുത്… അത് എനിക്ക് ആമി ഉറപ്പു തരണം ”

“എല്ലാവരെയും വഞ്ചിക്കുന്ന ഈ നാടകം തീർന്നാൽ ആമി എനിക്കൊരു കാര്യം പറഞ്ഞു തരണം , എന്തായിരുന്നു ഇതിലെ എന്റെ വേഷമെന്നു… വിദൂഷകൻ , കോമാളി , അതുമല്ലെങ്കിൽ വെറുമൊരു ഡമ്മി …”

Ranjith has penned several larger than life macho heroes in Malayalam. But my favorites among the leading heroes he has created is this soft-spoken guy from Summer in Bethlehem -Dennis. Dennis was a romantic at heart, down to earth and a big-hearted guy. He would go any length to help his friend, Ravi Shankar. He was ready to keep aside his love for Aami and play a drama in front others to help her reach in front of Niranjan.

Surprisingly Suresh Gopi who is otherwise known for his fiery police roles and an intense portrayal of theyyam artist the previous year, just entirely transformed into Dennis as character demanded. The calmness and composure with which he deliver the above dialogues is still an absolute delight.

In Summer in Bethlehem, Jayaram and Kalabhavan Mani owned the comedy scenes. Manju Warrier got accolades for her portrayal of Aami . Mohanlal walked away with the climax for his terrific guest appearance. Vidyasagar’s background score and songs are still eternal. But for me personally the reason why I go back to Summer in Bethlehem and watch it over and again is the beautifully restrained performance of Suresh Gopi.