Devasuram

Few movies can be described as artistic, and they are a joy to behold. Devasuram is one such movie from the good old, early 90's. A classic which was not even replicated by it's sequel.

A wonderful movie directed well by I.V. Sasi and wonderfully acted by Mohanlal. This has to be one of his most iconic roles ever. Revathy, who is by nature a lovely actor and a fine dancer, did her role to perfection. Her chemistry with whom the Malayalis refer to as "The complete actor" was endearing. All the supporting characters, including the likes of Nadumudi Venu and Innocent, played a significant part. The music, directed by M.G.Radhakrishnan and S.P. Venkatesh gelled with the story profoundly, especially with the help of some legendary singers. A once in a lifetime movie, not to be missed by lovers of art.

Mangalasheri Neelakandan, the name itself creates awe and hero worship. Easily the most powerful characters created in Malayalam cinema. Neelkandan, the feudal lord is cruel, alcholic, male chauvinist, goes to any extend for his win. He is a great patron of arts and proud of his family heritage. I just don't want to go into contents of Devasuram as there are no words to describe the beauty of this masterpiece. Full marks to the director for ensuring that the heroism of Neelan is depicted by the tiniest of characters. Devasuram belonged to I.V.Sasi the director, Ranjith for his heart touching script and all the actors in the movie be it Nedumudi Venu, Revathi, Napolean and so on. But above all Devasuram and Mangalasheri Neelakandan would never be a part of your soul without the genius of Mohanlal. The genius makes you wonder with his subtle acting whether displaying the anger, sorrow or helplessness of Neelan. Sir its a honor and privilege to be a mallayali and watch you in on screen. For me the story of Devasuram ends there and don't want to see Ravanaprabhu the sequel. Because Neelan is one the most powerful character to appear in cinema and the sequel don't justify it.

This is easily one of the best Malayalam movies made. And one of the most iconic. The character of Mangalassery Neelakantan is as legendary a cult figure as it gets. The script was great, and so was the dialogue, both by Ranjith. No crass monologues as there would so often be a decade later. An example of the splendid dialogue (one example among many good ones) would be when Neelakantan talks about all the girls he'd romanced before as corpses, commending Bhanumati's character and calling her a real woman. Rarely in Indian cinema do we get a strong female lead (played so well by Revathi) going toe- to-toe with the male lead.

But the heart and soul of the movie was Mohanlal. Without him, there would be no Devasuram. The ease and spontaneity with which he essays that role is commendable. Such a role is easy to ruin with one- dimensional histrionics, but Mohanlal does not do so. Also, he always has that quality to bring a dash of vulnerability to even the most invincible of the characters he plays.

Even though this is one of my favourite movies I cannot give it a perfect 10 (I am tempted to do so). As great as it is, it could have potentially been even greater a movie, if it was handled with some more subtlety, like Irinjal rightly said. For example, the fight scenes were relevant to the plot, but a bit out of line with the realistic tone of the film, even with Mohanlal's larger-than-life character. The antagonist Shekharan could have been so much better than a bland, grimacing Napoleon. Imagine someone versatile like Siddique as Mundakkal Shekharan (sadly his versatility was exploited much later).

The movie is about enmity between Mangalassery Neelakanthan and Mundackal Shekharan. Mohanlal plays the character of Mangalassery Neelakanthan who is a rich brash guy who has no respect for rules or law. He and his good for nothing friends spend their time drinking and fighting. But certain incidents force Neelakanthan to revisit his ways and become a good person. Revathy plays a powerful role in the movie.

The movie shows the versatility of the actor Mohan Lal as a brutal feudal lord initially and then later becoming more human. With some wonderful songs and memorable dialogues, this is an all time best in Malayalam cinema.

This song written by Gireesh Puthenchery has been penned by MG Balakrishnan. That is Radhakrishnan. SP The background score was composed by Venkatesh.

Neelakantan is the heir apparent of Mangalassery's family. An absolutely stupid and exhausted man consuming the wealth and property of his father. He has friends who have gone for anything and he is a well-respected custodian named Warrier. Neelakantan enmity with Shekharan Nambis at the Mundakkal family. In the meanwhile, a stalwart employee Neelakantan killed Chekaran's uncle Kunhikrishnan Nambiar.

Then the course itself changes