'Communist Pacha' Hits A Six: A Nostalgic Home Run Reviving Lockdown Memories.

Remember the time, when you were confined at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, experimenting with new recipes, spending quality time with family, and being finicky about how you spent your free time?

Communist Pacha Adhava Appa, directed by Shamim Moideen and written by Ashif Kakkodi, featuring Zakariya, Nazlin Jameela, Althaf Salim, and Sarasa Balussery, will evoke memories of the trivial things you experienced or did during the pandemic. It will take you back to the road when you find ecstasy playing cricket with your friends when you don’t have anything to do but sit at home.

(Spoiler Alert)

The film tells the story of Wahid (Zakariya), a young man who returns to his hometown during the COVID-19 lockdown after an ego clash in his company.  As he spends more time with his family and old friends, Wahid reconnects with his passion for cricket and begins to rediscover himself.

The beauty of Wahid’s life lies in the small village in Kozhikode district, where the movie successfully portrays the charm of the Kozhikode dialect and the simplicity of its people.

While everyone was at home during the lockdown, the old cricket team tried to revive their memories by playing cricket on the field. Wahid became a hero, excelling at the game and earning praise from his teammates, including actors Ranji Kankol, Hijas Iqbal, Aswin Vijayan, and others, for his extraordinary skill.

Wahid’s wife, portrayed by Nazlin Jameela, serves as a strong support system for him. She also has her own strong opinions and statements, which add depth to the story and her performance in the movie is commendable.

One of the standout aspects of “Communist Pacha ” is its thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the human experience. During their “game time” characters confabulate themselves as their personalities reflect the subtle yet pervasive influences of religious beliefs and socio-political disparities.

These moments of introspection and self-discovery served as poignant reminders that even in the most seemingly innocuous settings, the complexities of human nature and the weight of religious disparity can never be fully escaped. Just like the movie name, “Communist Pacha” (a plant with serrated edges and an elliptical shape, used to heal wounds) the movie gradually addresses and heals the wounds in the human mind, illustrating the importance of relationships.

For instance, when Wahid asked his friend, who was wearing a new branded T-shirt, “Have you started wearing bands and all?” it subtly addressed his friend’s feelings of inferiority. The friend replied, “Wahid, why can’t I wear nice clothes?” implying that those from underprivileged backgrounds struggle to excel in life.

There are other instances where Wahid and his friends discuss issues related to minority status, reservations, and caste, highlighting how these concerns can impact individuals and communities. However, these themes are handled with sensitivity and subtlety, avoiding a didactic tone while indirectly addressing politics and social struggles.

The screenplay is witty and insightful, showcasing a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, especially evident during the exchanges between Wahid and his mother, portrayed masterfully by Sarasa Balussery. Shamsudheen Mankarathodi, who played a role as one of his friends with a flair of a negative shade, has portrayed his character exceptionally well.

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Throughout the film, cricket serves as a metaphor for life, illustrating how the game reflects changes in the human mind, the raw and authentic nature of people, and the unity that can arise from experiences.

There is a sequence where his friends discuss ‘beef’ while playing cricket, highlighting the differences between the South and North sides of the country construing that these are not rooted in religion or beliefs. However, Wahid consistently tries to emphasise that he views everyone as equal, making efforts to demonstrate this through various situations.

Overall, the movie is engaging and evokes a sense of nostalgia for the lockdown period, reminding viewers of the struggles faced and the solace found in simple activities during that time.

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Toward the end, there is a poignant moment where Wahid realises that, regardless of religion, unity and understanding can prevail. He tells his wife that in unprecedented situations, people strive to overcome challenges and find happiness through these trivial “games” and moments in life.

Timeline Verdict:

A nostalgic trip back to lockdown memories,  ‘Communist Pacha‘ revives moments of friendship, cricket, and simplicity with an indirect approach to religion and politics. The movie is indeed a heartwarming reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the pandemic era and will be a good watch for those who cherish memories of trivial moments in life.

Communist Pacha Crew

Director: Shamim Moideen

Writer: Ashif Kakkodi

Producer: Salwan

Music: Sreehari K. Nair

Cast: Zakariya Edayur, Nazlin Jameela, Althaf Salim, Sarasa Balussery, Hijas Iqbal, Aswin Vijayan, Shamsudheen Mankarathodi, Renji Kankol, Vijilesh Karayad, Balan Parakkal and others.