Soothradharan

Cast: Dileep, Kalabhavan Mani, Cochin Haneef, Salimkumar, Meera Jasmin, Bindu Panikker
Language: Malayalam
Director: Lohithadas
Producer: Milan Jaleel
Camera: Azhagappan
Story: Lohithadas
Music: Raveendran
Year: 2001

Best known for his wide repertoire of subjects, Lohithadas, the off-beat filmmaker with a penchant for unusual is back with yet another film which seeks to reflect the turbulent life of prostitutes. Lohithadas, who has refashioned the lingua-franca of mainstream cinema looks at the vicious intricacies of flesh trade through his latest offering 'Soothradharan'. Though the film does not bring forth the grim reality and gravity of sex trafficking, it provides a rare insight into the cursed life of these marginalised lot by giving some glimpses of their traumatic experiences that can last throughout their lives. This is not an exceptional piece of art, but it is definitely a watchable film in commercial format. Hats off to the director, for stepping out of the routine once again.

With a script that maintains the integrity of life in the darker alleys, this film would have been an earnest attempt at opening the doors to a subject that most average film goers are blissfully removed from. But, Lohithadas, who often bows to mainstream cinema, makes little compromises for surviving in a flop ridden industry by adding usual ingredients and promotional strategies of commercial cinema. But at the same time, it is notable in its efforts at resurrecting reality for an audience that is completely devoid of an opportunity to be exposed to the day-to-day realities of contemporary Indian life. A tightly woven tapestry of emotional cornerstones and embellished moments handled deftly by the director, the film has quite a few pluses. But, quite often the drama fails to measure up to the sensibilities of theaudience. In sum, however, 'Soothradharan' is certainly deserves to be seen.

Shot at Thenkasi in Karnataka, 'Soothradharan' is a well-paced movie, with some incredibly moving moments, thanks to the onscreen chemistry between the actors. The plot, which is in the much repeated mould of the typical prince-comes to rescue of damsel-in-distress storyline unfolds as the protagonist Ramesan (Dileep) who supports the five member family by selling pickles and other eatables, reaches Pandavapuram under certain circumstances where he finds the conditons to be truely stark and dreary. Director dwells upon the ordeals of life in Pandavapuram. Ramesan is trying in vain to find his friend Leelakrishnan (Salim Kumar) who acts as a hijada to eke out a living.

Rabima (Bindu Panikker) who runs a brothel gives him shelter. Seemingly oblivious of the impending doom, Sivani (Meera Jasmin) a teenage girl lives with Rabima and Ranima (Chitra) She falls in love with Ramesan. Bharathiyakka, an old inmate of the whorehouse fills her wallet with money earned by selling virgins to infamous pimps. She persuades Rabima to sell Sivani to a rich and pompous Zamindar (Mansoor Alikhan)Trapped between dreams of hard cash for sustenance and her affection for Sivani, Rabima is trying to save the lives of prostitutes by getting as much money as she can through this ordeal. Sivani's aspirations bite the dust leaving her emotionally shattered, when Rabima decides to sell her. But then matters are put in their proper perspective and the director opts for the usual happy ending.

The film is powered by some exceptional performances. Lohithadas does fine job with the direction of the film, besides extracting sincere performances from the entire cast especially Bindu Panikker who essays an exceptional role that allows her sufficient room to display her talent as an actress. She re-establishes her credentials as an actress of calibre after 'Joker'that fetched her state award for the best supporing actress, last year. Meera Jasmin, who plays Sivani is effervescent and attractive on screen, but she needs to work on her acting abilities and shed the mantle of just another pretty face hitting Malluwood. Dileep, the new mantra of success gives a consummate performance, mature and sensitive. Some of the songs act as deterrents to the pace of the film, but being part of the regular potpourri that characterises a mainstream film, the essential ingredients like this cannot be done away with.

Given the nature of the story, it would have been easy for an exploitative filmmaker to slip into salaciousness. Lohi desist from doing that. His films which do not pertain to any prevailing trend have always proved to have an enormous appeal at the box-office.The fate of 'Soothradharan' is yet to be known as the likes and dislikes of Malayali audience is not predictable especially after they have fallen prey to hero worship syndrome with the spectacular success of mediocre movies like Narasimham and Ravanaprabhu.

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