Thoovanathumbikal

At the outset I would say that this is a profound film, a true classic and if it is not, Malayalam cinema is beyond me. The film proved what I have long heard, that Malayalam cinema from Kerala is idiosyncratically creative. Here, the director Padmarajan revisits a fascinating theme of cinema, adultery. Yet, it would be a simplistic and narrow-minded view of this film to say that it was simply about adultery because it is really far more complex than that, and essentially a film about all varieties of human nature and relationships, and one could even argue- the relationship between reality and what is accepted. Despite the complexities in the characters, and despite the outcast nature of the story itself, the screenplay never borders on the theatrical and is amazingly believable. I will remember this film for many reasons, none more than the character of Jaykrishnan. At the start of the film the first thing that strikes the viewer is his dual nature. But as the film progresses seamlessly, his character becomes a case study in itself. J is confused but principled and yet never an idealist. In fact he has a dark tint so apparent yet difficult to pin point (until of course he kidnapped that guy, which I thought was unnecessary and kind of gave away that part of him). Moreover, throughout the film, despite being portrayed as a popular and gregarious man, he never really opened up completely to the other characters (even to Clara) and to the audience. I would always remember those scenes when I expected him to say the obvious but he smiled away to my frustration. His restraint further made his character extremely intriguing. However, despite the multitude of shades in his character, J is extremely self re-assured (except in his love life) which seems contagious to the other characters. The character of Clara is equally interesting. She is a prostitute but is not typecast as one. She isn't weak, broken, grieving and craving for love. Having lived a life among bounds herself, she understandably never lets herself confine J's life either. For a prostitute to let her true lover go is a supreme sacrifice. In that she comes as the strongest character in the film. While Clara's love for J is transparent, J to me was ever trying to find himself even while loving her. Clara thus came out as the more likable character at the end. It is their amazing chemistry, made all the memorable by such beautiful background scores, that finally left behind a film which is not so much a rigorously interpretable body of work but a series of transcendental cinematic moments. The film is an important, intelligent work that explores the implications of whether or not this is indeed a moral universe.Despite its plot resolution, the film is 'rescued'from utter nihilism by its ritual more acceptable ending, which I found rather an anti- climax. Perhaps Padmarajan wanted an ending the way it is supposed to end in the real world. I am sure the debate on morality and infidelity has an epiphany on everyone who saw the film, which is a wonderful accomplishment for a film made 26 years ago.

A film about a man who have his own principles in life regarding all his deeds accidentally breaks one and changes brought by it to his life. Mohanlal plays a man who lives in village and having lot of friends in town.He likes a girl and when he tell her about that he got denied.After that he got involved in a relation with a virgin girl whom he never thought would be like that.He decides to marry that girl following some of his principles in life.By that time girl he really loved comes to him and he have to choose between the two.This man don't want to hide anything from his lover and tells her abt his old relationship.He cant stop himself seeing that old girl and finally he have to choose the right one.

I just love this movie,cant resist watching it again and again. Padmarajan has crafted this master piece scene by scene. All the scenes in this movies are straight from the real world. I am sure that the "Naranga soda maker" and "butcher who sells head of goat" were doing the same in their real life. The crux of the movie is the portrayal of Jaikrishnan. Lal the genius has delivered a stellar performance as Jaikrishnan.He delivers in depth and breadth the emotions and feelings of a protagonist in a Padmarajan style.Clara as a prostitute who knows in what she is going to end up is superb . She shows the deep sorrow of being forced to be a prostitute in a neutral manner.Her dialogues reflects the feelings of a prostitute who knows clearly that a normal life is a dream for them.Jaikrishanan's ideologies are simple but his emotions are complex to understand. Parvathy has acted beautifully in her part so did ashokan.Overall this movie is a masterpiece in malayalam cinema.

I have seen this film many times and every time i am watching i am loving it more and more.This film can be considered as one of the best of Indian films. Mohanlal's jayakrishnan is superb. In this film he play's the role of a villager who shows dual personality. This film was the first malayalam film which focused on "split personality" of the hero and later many films were released with the same theme(Usthaad, Runway etc)but did not come upto the mark. The film was made from padmarajan's(Director) novel "udakappola" with slight differences. If you read this book and then watch it you can see the perfection of the picturisation.The film has no boring or low standard comedy scenes which is one of the plus points. don't miss this excellent movie......

i think this is the best movie i have ever seen ..this is the movie with magical moments...mohanlal as jayakrishnan totally nailed it proving himself to be the best actor India has ever produced..sumalatha as clara is a dream..parvathi rocked it..no director can attain half of the achievement that padmarajan made..started off in a slower note ended with astronishment,,johnson music still lingering in my ears..classic personified