Nirmalyam

It is unfortunate that this remarkable film is never recalled by many while listing major works of Indian cinema. To me, it is India's answer to Bergman's "Winter Light." M T Vasudevan Nair, like Bergman, wrote and directed a film on a religious man questioning God/the Hindu deity. In one film, the individual decides to take his life after spitting blood at what he once revered, in the other he continues his vocation with a questionable spirit of renewed faith. In both films, the temples/churches are slowly being abandoned by the religious followers. In both films, the reason for the low attendance is related to external forces, the effect of WWII on the Bergman characters with the looming dangers of atomic bombs and in Vasudevan Nair's film the effect of unemployment for both educated and the uneducated.

Poverty and realism are underscored in Nirmlayam that leads to the tragic end sequence. Nirmalyam is essentially built on a fine story written by the film's director, where the rich in the villages are more concerned about the health of their privately owned elephant rather than the plight of the the oracle and others associated with the temple. (The oracle dances to the drums, played with frenetic energy, in front of the deity, holding a holy sword until he goes into a trance and communicates the mood of the deity to the believers.) While the rich do not care about the caretakers of the temple, the daughter of the oracle who has mere plain boiled rice to live on, shares that humble morsel with a mentally challenged person. Vasudevan Nair's message is that the poor give more alms than the rich to the deserving.

The film also belongs to the late actor P J Antony who took retirement as a naval officer to write and act in plays/theater and, eventually, in films. His performance in this film won him the India's National Award for best actor in 1973.

"Nirmalayam" won the top national honors beating works of Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Mani Kaul, and Girish Karnad but unfortunately never made the international marquee mainly because of the subject ("Winter Light" also never won awards, though it was Bergman's personal favorite until he made "Fanny and Alexander"). It deserved better marketing as its content is universal in a wider sense of secular religious sensibilities.

The film is gripping because of its endearing performance (theatrical realism that a majority of Asian audiences prefer in contrast to sophisticated subdued realism of the Bergman players). Yet, the theatrical performance was not over the top and the late PJ Anthony won the acclaim in Kerala more than elsewhere in India for a performance that has gradually been forgotten. What are most significant are the ability of Antony to play his role with a twenty year difference, in frequent flashbacks, and the cinematography of Ramachandra Babu, in a temple interiors (not a set) .

The film is equally remarkable for its screenplay (with an unforgettable ending), its use of sound and the art direction. It was a fine debut for a filmmaker but unfortunately this achievement has been eclipsed by better marketing of other Indian filmmakers.

This is the first time I'm watching this movie and there was a longing for me to watch Nirmalyam. I heard about this movie while I look into films seriously and I have gone through a lot of books that talk about the political aspect of this movie. It is the time of the end of long waiting and the waiting is worth it completely. M T Vasudevan Nair is a legend in the Malayalam Literary Field and he is so known as a writer here for decades. He is so acquainted with each and every Malayalee human being. His works are classics and it is immortal. Let's talk about Nirmalyam which is the debut film of M T Vasudevan Nair as a director. We can't find any immature kind of making in this film even though MT is a debutant the subject that the film arises has that kind of significance and sharpness in the current social scenario. In a direct way, the film is something an atheistic view of society and in another way, it showcases the problems associated with the lower section of society. Poverty, Unemployment, casteism, etc are some of the main elements that the movie discussed. The film completely opposes the idea of temple, diety, or idols and criticizes it in full-on power. The climax of the movie is something extraordinary thing that is very rare to attempt by any other filmmaker but MT has that vision and doesn't afraid of anybody or anything. Nirmalyam arises a lot of questions which is unanswered till now.

I saw this black and white film when I was very young. Hence my review would be from memories. I still remember the great visuals, intense acting by P J Anthony, some great music and sounds, a very supportive cast,and wonderful photography that harmonized with the film. In fact Sukumaran who became a famous star was launched in this film, if my memory serves me right.

The story was very modern, and among the many scenes, I still remember the last scene where P J Anthony, as the oracle, having lost all faith and credo, dancing in full fury and gusto, in front of the Goddess, cutting his forehead with the sword, and finally spitting at the idol and falling down dead.

This scene if repeated in modern India today, I am sure it would not be accepted, as the sentiments of the people would be offended. But in those days I remembered people like my Dad, would sit in the evenings and discuss the film, and its originality.

The early 70 did bring originality all over the world. The hippies, Rock music, LSD, a blend of the good, the bad and the ugly. For me Nirmalayam the film will always be in my mind as a good trend setter, but unfortunately very few films match this genre of film-making.

MT Vasudevan Nair you have written countless stories and scripts, but Nirmalayam, you have outdone yourself Naveen Chandran R naveenchandran1@gmail.com

This is the directorial debut of acclaimed writer MT Vasudevan Nair. The film is pretty well made considering it's his first film.

The film is about hard times being faced by a temple oracle - one who absorbs the Devi Bhava during temple festivals. Despite the family going through hard times, he stays steadfast in his devotion. He goes to great lengths to revive the temple utsavam - Guruthi Puja - while his family life and financial status crumbles around him.

The major failure of the film - why perhaps it was recognised among film critics then - but is a deservedly forgotten film today - is the cynical message the film employs. Factual experience in life and cinematic justice both aver that a person this dedicated would only receive good in the end. By showing him instead perform blasphemy by spitting on the Devi in the end is unacceptable. Such a scene should not have been permitted by even the censor board. It is quite understandable that a Communist government awards such a film. But the film does a great disservice to society and deserves condemnation instead. Consider the hypocrisy also that such a film can't and won't be made with any other God in a Hindu country as Bharat, but wins awards when made on Hindu deities. Throughout the film it also keeps asserting that those who care less about religion and religious activities fare better in life...

The actors chosen are avanta garde, including another debutante Sukumaran who went on to become a recognised veteran in the industry. The standout of course of is PJ Anthony who gives an unforgettable performance of a lifetime living the role.

I would not recommend this film to anyone for the cynical theme and bad taste left after...