M
anjadikuru(2012) pricks our nostalgic sense of lost childhood and is a perfect ode to our lost innocence. It is a brilliant movie in all aspects and kudos to Anjali Menon and team for creating this magical movie. As it takes us back to a green Kerala of 1970s-80s, it makes us remember our childhood. I watched it with a lump in my throat while smiling heart-out, as I joined the trip by the small boy to his tharavadu in that era. Thru the eyes of that innocent boy we see a variety of happenings, like adults fighting for their share amidst death of the patriarch, the related ceremonies, philosophies, attitudes, relationship strains/bonds in a joint family, how it breaks into nuclear families, and the strong bond that forms between the boy and his cousins alongwith the tamil servant girl (with a beautifully innocent smile). Death holds little significance for the kids, and as the body is carried away for funeral the children gawk at the procession, immediately transferring attention to the ripe mangoes on a tree nearby. When the tadpoles that they had mistaken for fingerlings are found dead, they make sure that the creatures have a proper burial, just as the grandfather had. They swim carefree in the family pond, they play long lost games using coconut leaves and other naturals and they enjoy life to the full amidst all adultish chaos. I cried, when I realized that such lucky memories and red seeds perhaps holds no significance for our new generation that is fed on video games and television sitcoms. Urvashi is amazingly funny and late Murali is amazingly spiritual. Rahman, Jagathy, and the other good actors are all brilliantly and aptly casted. The child actors who carry this film, are just amazing and they have contributed appreciably to the allure of the film. The movie is an ode to the innocence that once existed within all of us. If you love good cinema see this.If you are a malayalee, never miss this. Must watch!
Rating – 4.7/5
