Thaniyavartanam

He deserved a national award for this.his performance is just...... He is the patriarch......

Thaniyavarthanam is an emotionally shattering experience that left me speechless. The film delves into themes often ignored-superstition, societal pressure, and the tragic downfall of a good man pushed into insanity. The narrative is haunting, with its exploration of how society perpetuates cycles of fear and madness, refusing to break free from them.

The final scenes are devastating, especially the ending, which starkly portrays the unending loop of societal madness. The title itself is a powerful reminder of this endless cycle that can only end if someone dares to break free.

Mammootty delivers an unparalleled performance, embodying the role with such depth and intensity that it is hard to imagine anyone else in his place. This is acting at its absolute peak. Thaniyavarthanam is not just a film; it is a piercing commentary on human behavior and a timeless masterpiece.

'Thaniyavarthanam' is an absolute masterpiece. Extremely convincing acting from both Mammooty and Thilakan, brilliant directing by Sibi Malayil and most importantly addresses problems in Indian society in a very realistic manner. Easily the finest Indian movie ever made and I doubt there will ever be another movie made on this level.

"Thaniyavarthanam" is a timeless classic in Malayalam cinema that continues to captivate audiences with its profound exploration of human emotions, societal norms, and the complexities of relationships. Directed by Sibi Malayil and released in 1987, the film remains a poignant reflection of its time while also addressing universal themes that resonate with viewers across generations.

Set against the backdrop of a conservative Kerala society, "Thaniyavarthanam" follows the journey of Sethumadhavan, portrayed brilliantly by Mohanlal, a middle-aged government employee who struggles to find his place in a world that often demands conformity over individuality. The title itself, which translates to "The Solitary Journey," aptly captures the central theme of isolation and the quest for self-identity amidst societal pressures.

The film's narrative unfolds with Sethumadhavan's unexpected encounter with Bhadra, played by Karthika, a young woman from a lower caste who becomes entangled in a web of injustice and oppression. Their chance meeting sets off a chain of events that forces Sethumadhavan to confront his own beliefs, prejudices, and ultimately, his sense of morality.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of complex characters who are neither entirely good nor entirely bad but are shaped by their circumstances and the choices they make. Mohanlal delivers a nuanced performance, effortlessly conveying Sethumadhavan's internal struggles and moral dilemmas with remarkable depth and sensitivity. Karthika, in her debut role, shines as Bhadra, infusing the character with a quiet strength and resilience that defies the societal constraints placed upon her.

At its core, "Thaniyavarthanam" is a story of empathy and human connection, highlighting the transformative power of compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity. Through Sethumadhavan and Bhadra's unlikely bond, the film explores themes of caste discrimination, social injustice, and the pervasive influence of traditional norms that often perpetuate inequality and marginalization.

The film's cinematography, helmed by Santosh Sivan, captures the rustic beauty of Kerala's landscapes, immersing the audience in the world of its characters. The evocative background score by Johnson masterfully complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance of key moments and heightening the tension during pivotal scenes.

"Thaniyavarthanam" also stands out for its deft handling of sensitive subjects and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about society. Through its thought-provoking storyline and compelling performances, the film challenges viewers to reexamine their own beliefs and prejudices, urging them to confront the injustices that pervade their communities.

In addition to its thematic depth, "Thaniyavarthanam" is also celebrated for its strong screenplay, penned by Lohithadas. The dialogues are poignant and impactful, offering profound insights into the characters' innermost thoughts and motivations. Each scene is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, drawing the audience into the emotional journey of the protagonists and leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, "Thaniyavarthanam" remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences for its powerful storytelling, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes. As a poignant reflection of the human experience, the film reminds us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in the face of adversity, making it a true gem of Malayalam cinema that deserves to be cherished for generations to come.

Thaniyavarthanam (1987) : Brief Review -

A path-breaking human drama that draws a fat twinge on the thin line between superstitious lunacy and literate sanity. A MASTERPIECE! Has anyone here seen Frank Capra Hollywood Classic 'Mr. Deeds Goes to Town' (1936)? A sane, kind hearted is conspired to declare mad by so called sane people and then he lectures people about sanity and insanity in the courtroom at the end. Thaniyavarthanam has got nothing to do with that film, that was a rom-com with happy ending and this is very serious affair with haunting climax. The film has truly changed the perspective of regional cinema with different motive especially for small industries. The film is about that thin line between sanity and insanity trapped in superstitions, rituals and beliefs of old generation. A school teacher living in a village belongs to a family with a history of lunatic males, and soon he falls prey despite being normal due to society misinterpreting his actions. There is a smart brain behind this writing. A. K. Lohithadas has certainly gone beyond mainstream thinking to fetch some mind-shattering stuff. The idea behind this film would have surrendered if it wasn't for the educated character. When we first realise about that mad man, we don't really care much because his character was never shown as sane one but when we see the sanest person in the whole film is being trapped, that hurts so bad. The casting is so amazing that it looked like that the entire cast unit was born to act in this film. Mammootty, Thilakan, Mukesh, Saritha, Parvathy and rest others, everybody just lived theirs character with that much needed intensity through their eyes, body language and expressions. Sibi Malayil is some genius when he is at director's chair, especially when he makes a human drama caught in moral conflicts. Thaniyavarthanam is just Fleckless.. Impeccable! MUST WATCH!

RATING - 9/10*

By - #samthebestest.