Adrishya Jalakangal Review: Dr Biju’s Tovino Thomas-Nimisha Sajayan Movie Is A Powerful Commentary On The Times We Are Living In
“Adrishya Jalakangal,” directed by Dr. Biju, intricately examines the dynamics of power and its repercussions on the lives of ordinary individuals. The film by one of the most ‘rebel’ directors of contemporary Malayalam cinema, delves into the portrayal of madness and the manipulation of perceptions by those in authority.
The narrative unfolds as the state and police attempt to label the protagonist, a role carefully handled by Malayalam star Tovino Thomas, as mentally unstable, a characterization that serves their interests in discrediting dissent upto some level to materialise the demands of power and private property. However, the movie challenges this narrative by presenting the protagonist as inherently sane to his nearest ones. The movie, in a way, explores the concept that madness, in this context, is not an inherent condition but a strategic construct employed by those in power to subdue ‘the other’.
The film skillfully navigates the dichotomy between the official narrative, which seeks to paint the protagonist as deranged, and the reality witnessed by those who truly know him. These individuals, recognizing his sanity, serve as a testament to the character”s normalcy, highlighting the disparity between the perceived and actual states of mind.
Dr. Biju”s directorial prowess is evident in the nuanced portrayal of the protagonist”s mental state, challenging viewers to question the established norms and narratives perpetuated by those in authority. “Adrishya Jalakangal” serves as a compelling commentary on the abuse of power and the deliberate distortion of truth, shedding light on the resilience of sanity in the face of institutional gaslighting. The film encourages audiences to critically engage with the concept of madness, urging them to consider who holds the authority to define and manipulate such narratives.
“Adrishya Jalakangal,” serves as a poignant exploration into the lives of the common and marginalized, set against the backdrop of war and forced displacement orchestrated by both government and private capital. The film adeptly employs the lenses of state hegemony and the oppression of the marginalized to unravel a narrative that enters into the multifaceted layers of power dynamics.
Dr. Biju masterfully portrays the hero”s journey from victimhood to a unique form of communication with the deceased in a mortuary, where he encounters three distinct narratives that mirror the pervasive injustices prevalent in society.
The first victim, a professor slain by communalists, effortlessly carried by the acting maverick Indrans, represents the brutal consequences of political and communal agendas perpetuated by those in power, which can easily be connected with the happenings in India, on a day to day basis.
The second victim, a musician, underscores the film”s critique of the state machinery”s attitude towards democratic protests and creative spaces. The destruction of the musician”s guitar in the context of a concert against an impending war highlights the oppressive nature of the state apparatus in suppressing dissent and artistic expression. The use of Ambedkar Square as the setting adds layers to the narrative, drawing attention to the director”s critique of the caste system, intertwining contemporary issues with historical injustices.
The third set of victims, contract laborers who succumb to a gas leak in a state-sponsored factory producing chemical weapons, further underscores the film”s exploration of state-sponsored oppression. This narrative thread unveils the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the exploitation of marginalized communities for the pursuit of militaristic agendas.
The film not only serves as a commentary on the socio-political landscape but also prompts viewers to critically engage with the systems of power that perpetuate such injustices. It stands as a powerful cinematic indictment of the forces that marginalize and victimize individuals in the pursuit of political and economic objectives.
In addition to the previously discussed themes, the film introduces a compelling character in the form of a heroine—a sex worker, done by Malayalam film industry’s most promising actress Nimisha Sajayan, whose journey is a moving commentary on society”s prejudices and the resilience of human connections.
The heroine, initially finding refuge near the protagonist in an abandoned wagon at an old railway station, symbolizes the “have nots” in society, those pushed to the fringes and overlooked by mainstream narratives. The nuanced portrayal of her relationship with the protagonist, evolving from initial distrust to a genuine friendship, serves as a microcosm of societal dynamics. Through their camaraderie, the film challenges stereotypes and highlights the common humanity that unites individuals, regardless of their societal labels.
As the narrative unfolds, the heroine”s transformation is particularly noteworthy. As the movie progresses, her character transcends societal expectations. The initial dislike for the protagonist”s radio music evolves into a shared connection, showcasing the capacity for empathy and understanding between individuals from different walks of life.
The heroine”s pivotal role in confronting the oppressive forces is a testament to her agency and resilience. Her act of defending the young girl from the predatory factory men, former clients of hers, is a powerful subversion of societal norms. This narrative turn reinforces the film”s overarching theme of resistance against exploitation and abuse, highlighting that strength can be found even in those deemed powerless by society.
The disappearance of the bodies of the men who were killed by Nimisha’s character and the subsequent magical realist sequence, where the deceased men join the protagonist and the heroine in the search for the missing children, adds an ethereal layer to the film. This stylistic choice serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life and death, transcending conventional boundaries. It reminds that even in the face of tragedy and societal neglect, the marginalized can find strength through unconventional bonds.
The heroine”s character, along with the other marginalized individuals, becomes a powerful lens through which the film critiques societal prejudices and portrays the strength that emerges when the disenfranchised unite against oppressive forces. Dr. Biju”s directorial finesse shines through as he navigates these complex themes with sensitivity and thought-provoking storytelling.
The music, sound mixing, cinematography, powerful dialogues and scenes along with the direction of a master craftsman makes the movie one of the best commentaries on the times we are living in.
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