Also known as ‘Monologue’is an Indian Malayalam language film. Produced, written & Directed by Adoor Gopalkrishnan. It stars Mammootty, Ashokan & Shobhana.
The film is structured like a monologue. It develops through a commentary by the protagonist about himself in first person. The attempt of the protagonist is to narrate how his undiagnosed psychosis led him where he is now.
The film was an experimental film for its time as it did not have a linear narrative.
It was released on 21 October , Diwali day. It got mixed reviews from critics. The film is now considered way ahead of it’s time. It is considered by the critics as one of Adoor Gopalkrishnan’s best works.
Simran Bhargava of India Today wrote, ‘The story is not complete. Perhaps it is meant to be. Adoor makes no statements, which story is real, how mush is Ajayan’s experience & how much he has invested from the world of imagination.
The film won 1987 FIPRESCI Prize at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival & three national awards – Best Director, Best Screenplay, & Best Audiography. It was included in an online poll by IBN live listing 100 greatest Indian films of all times.
It takes time to sink in. As an orphan we start sympathizing with Ajayan & due to the monologue, are believing everything he says. After his brother’s marriage, as he takes interest in his sister-in -law, we realise something is a miss.
The story proceeds & then is the time to think. A well-made movie.
Asian Entertainment 