Adayalangal

Cast: Govind Padmasurya,Jyothirmayi,T.G Ravi, V.K Sriraman, Manikandan, director T.V Chandran
Language: Malayalam
Banner: Valluvanadan Talkies
Director: M.G.Sasi
Producer: Aravind Venugopal
Camera: M.J Radhakrishnan
Music: Vidyadharan
Year: 2008

Director M.G.Sasi's Adayalangal (The Imprints) is based on the life and literature of noted writer Nandanar. The film, which has come to the theatres after bagging a few prestigious honours at the Kerala State film awards, is a genuine attempt at serious filmmaking.

The performances, settings and the general mood of Adayalangal take the viewer along with the narrative right from the beginning. The film looks closely at the life of the protagonist, Gopi (Govind Padmasurya) during the period before he finally decides to join the Army. Gopi lives with his mother and two siblings in real dire straits. Their suffering and the ridicule that they are subjected to are quite disturbing.

Gopi's stepbrother Ravunni, a soldier, has been always cruel in his ways. After Ravunni disowns them all, Gopi tries to earn something for his family to keep the home fires burning by doing some rather humble jobs but he fails in such attempts as well. His only solace in life is Meenakshikkutty (Jyothirmayi), who lives in the neighbourhood and she loves him as well.

Hunger, both of food and mind, is perhaps the key aspect in Adayalangal. The film has some fine performances from most of its cast. Debutant Govind Padmasurya is highly impressive as Gopi. In an industry where talented young blood is often unavailable, the youngster shows great promise.

Manikandan, who is usually seen in inconsequential roles though he has proved his acting credentials even in such roles, renders a notable performance as Ravunni. Jyothirmayi comes up with a dedicated effort as Meenakshikkutty in her brief but significant role. T G Ravi, who is there only for a couple of scenes, gives a new meaning to subtle acting.

M J Radhakrishnan's cinematography, Vidhyadharan Master's music and Shyam Dharman's background score also add to the impact that the film makes on the audience's mind.

Talk about the shortcomings, the first thing that comes to the mind is its excessive voice-over. The beauty of some of the lines gets unnoticed due to its excess. The pace gets a bit slower mid way but gets the viewer engaged to the narration soon after.

Director M G Sasi has not gone into unexplored areas or much away from the conventional lines of serious filmmaking that Malayalam has been known for all along, in his film. But what the film succeeds at is taking the viewer to the good old days and Adayalangal tells a simple, but touching story quite convincingly.

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