Made of movies, books and literature. Occasionally there's a penchant for social commentary.
Malayalam cinema has evolved significantly, exemplified by Rojin Thomas' film "Home." This movie showcases the ordinary life of Oliver, reflecting modern themes like technology, familial relationships, and mental health through relatable storytelling. Though simplicity is key, the characters are well-developed, making "Home" a notable example of feel-good, realistic cinema.
Android Kunjappan is a groundbreaking South Indian science fiction film set in a rural environment, where a son brings a robot home to care for his demanding father. The father's bond with the robot underscores themes of unconditional service and emotional attachment, culminating in a poignant message about the irreplaceable nature of human connections.
Perhaps the greatest of literature and art created on love are created on unrequited/forbidden love. There is an intoxicating quality about separation in unrequited love that is a comfortably recurring theme in literature because there’s so much to say yet so little that gets said. The possibilities for interpretative artwork is endless - especially in... Continue Reading →
The Great Indian Kitchen portrays the struggles of a Malayali bride confronting patriarchy through a monotonous domestic routine. The film reflects the universal plight of Indian women, capturing realism while incorporating symbolisms. However, the narrative weakens during a religious sequence that diverges from reality, diluting its powerful message about women's oppression.
In the quest of finding the extraordinary in the mundane, how mundane can you go? How far can you stretch your observation to grasp and depict the most intricate of patterns in human behaviour? How varied and indulging, after all, can realism be? ‘Sometimes’ by Priyadarshan is perhaps as far as things go in answer... Continue Reading →
"Charlie," a 2015 Malayalam film, explores the journey of a creative young man, Charlie, and Tessa, who embodies a carefree spirit. Their lives intersect through traces left behind, creating an enchanting yet elusive romance. Combining aesthetics and emotional depth, the film celebrates independence while delivering a magical narrative with captivating realism, making it highly recommended.
(This essay is owned by E-Cine India Journal as a part of the Chidananda Dasgupta Memorial Award for Best Film Criticism. This critical review was awarded the second best place and has been published in the journal uploaded on 6th of January 2020 on the E-Cine India website. Authored by yours truly.) Interfacing multiple elements... Continue Reading →
I don’t exactly make new year resolutions but the one to be binging on Malayalam movies in 2021 was made under the much welcome recommendations of a student who has breathed down my neck about it. I’ve watched just one Malayalam movie so far and that is Kumbalangi Nights, criticising which I managed to win... Continue Reading →