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The golden era of Malayalam cinema ran from mid-1980s through early 1990s, during which we were rewarded with some of the greatest films by some of the greatest writers and directors. This heartbreaking drama is one of the best of that era.

Balan (Mammootty) is an educated school teacher who lives with his extended family including his paternal uncle who is believed to be mentally ill. The belief that this illness is hereditary and originated due to sins committed by their ancestors has kind of divided the family, but no one wants to be vocal about it except Gopi (Mukesh), Balan's kid brother. While Balan himself does not believe in these superstitions, he gives in to his family's requests of holding sacred events regularly at their house. Because, there are tons of problems associated with this issue, the biggest among them being his sister who has been denied matrimony a good number of times. However, when the uncle dies, a demand arises for the family's as well as the society's informal consensus as to who will step into the shoes of the symbol of lunacy since the illness is hereditary. Blaming himself for the death of his uncle, Balan is unable to completely mourn his death, causing others to immediately tag him as the successor, throwing his world upside down.

Balan's is a staple character of a Kerala household where he is regarded as the knowledgeable patriarch and who is the only sane person of the lot. And Lohithadas' story is based on uprooting his inherent reputation due to man-made madness. Idolaters are aplenty in this world and when these idols are blamed for perfectly normal happenings, things are going to worsen, as Balan experiences it the hard way. It is disheartening to see the downfall of a sane person only because the belief that something can go wrong due to a curse.

Mammooty is sharp in his approach, staying in his character all through the end. Supported by a well-directed cast, Sibi Malayil carves a fine outline to speak volumes about the madness that are superstitions and how they dictate our lives. The pace at which the final 20 minutes move has the ability to startle you, and you will be wondering for days about the ending and the meaning of life. Someone in here has rightly started their review with Franz Kafka's "The Trial", but I also want to add that there's a little bit of Camus here, too. All in all, the drama is an emotional power-ride of a film that demands appreciation.

BOTTOM LINE: Sibi Malayil's "Thaniyavartanam" is a perfect study of superstitions and their dire effects on perishable humans. Highly recommended!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

How Superstition and Orthodoxy can Ruin a Person ! The Protagonist's Sterling Performance is the biggest highlight of the Movie. His minute emotions can be witnessed and will leave the spectators in tears !!

'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.

Realistic movie Charactor is mammootty is very good Acting supr.

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.

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

Just ...watch the film ...was really late to pick this movie and after watching the movie it easily on my list of one of the finest movie ever...think this movie climax inspired so many movies I think in film Nanda (Tamil) Director inspired by this movie climax ... Mammootty you can't describe how wonderfully he had done this character and also thilakan sir a ln absolute legend in acting he can pick from anywhere his acting skill is no match one of the finest actors the world has ever produced... script lohitadas sir who had also written so many path breaking movies in Malayalam.... Please watch it can assure you you won't be disappointed...

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 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.

This film should top the list of all Indian masterpieces. It deserves a pinnacle point among them. 8.8 is still an insult. It should be at 9.3 considering the quality of finest films like The Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather I. It already won National Award but in 2024 it deserves a resurrection not only in India but also for the world community. Such is the weight of this film that it has the power to shake the core of your heart irrespective of your nationality or status.

Self versus the World is the true war going on everywhere in practical scenario, atleast for an intellectual, if not for others. This film brings out that issue to the silver screen. But the twist is that self is shown weak in it which lead to the victory of the world. The film inspires us to think that the world is designed beautifully with terrible ugliness at heart. It's as if the beauty of the world and its serenity could easily turn reasonable minds to come to most perverted decisions ever. How the peaceful united family shatters in most heart breaking manner is the film's storyline in a nutshell. It will make you think for life. It's a strong recommendation to all from me. A worth watching film by all standards.

The world by nature is unenlightening, blind in spirit and logic. And that's the way how the world works. But also the world is big enough to convince you that you are crazy and you should turn your ways towards it. A slight mistake is seen as potential opportunity and people chooses the sacrificial goat. I will keep the story undisclosed because you must watch it to realise the value of the film. It's a beautifully narrated film with realistic plots without any sorts of sex and violence, that heightens Indian film standards. An equal contender for film like The Godfather is by no means an exaggeration. Truly, a great film.

The narratives are serene paced, all the characters are astonishingly real, BGM is divine feeling Indian classical tunes. Nothing to say more lest when solid casts like Mammoty and Thilakan work together. An extra thumbs up for the script writer who brilliantly placed the plots one after another. The internal emotions are all suggested with flawless acting and masterful direction, with subplots unfolding on the surface. This makes the film a multi layered experience. Don't miss it.

Lastly it's a film where human superstitions are studied in detail. All crew worked beautifully to bring out this masterpiece. A film that visions human psychology, social dynamics and negative side of religion in crystal clear manner. But the film holds the message of pessimism. So be strong prior watching it. It's a definite 100 on a scale of 100. Hats off to Sibi Malayil for this epic.