Iblis

Iblis is an Indian Malayalam-language fantasy film released in 2018. The movie features renowned actors Lal, Asif Ali, and Madonna Sebastian in central roles, under the skilled direction of Rohith V.S. Iblis is not a run-of-the-mill commercial film but dares to venture into a less-explored genre in Malayalam cinema - magic realism and fantasy. It tells an extraordinary story set in an imaginative world while maintaining its footing in sentiments and emotions that are beautifully human.

Set against the backdrop of an imaginary provincial town named Vypin, Iblis creates a whimsical world that is refined and idyllic, which is refreshingly different from the busy and chaotic imagery usually associated with urban and rural landscapes in modern cinema. This eccentric world plays home to peculiar characters, living their lives in an unconventional time frame where death is rarer, and grief is seldom experienced.

Asif Ali stars as Vyshakhan, a simple, lovable young man with a heart full of love for his childhood sweetheart, Fida (played by Madonna Sebastian). Lal portrays a central character known as Vattoli Geevarghese, a flamboyantly eccentric patriarch popularly known as 'Ambassador.' Lal's portrayal is filled with impressive unique quirks and mannerisms, filling the screen with rich and engaging performances that keep audiences hooked. Geevarghese plays a crucial role in shaping Vyshakhan's life journey, and their bond forms the emotional crux of the film.

Director Rohith V.S., who had earlier made a mark with his directorial debut, 'Adventures of Omanakuttan,' ventures into the most ambitious project of his career with Iblis. The film possesses dreamy visuals that amalgamate reality with fantastical elements, painting a quirky picture that is visually delightful while provoking deep-thought and interpretation. The signature vintage charm created by art director Jyothish Shankar and the extravagant wide-angle frames captured by cinematographer Akhil George blend naturally, making Iblis a visual masterpiece to remember.

Furthermore, the team did an remarkable job in terms of musical score. The composer Dawn Vincent provides tunes that embody both dreaminess and playfulness, perfectly encapsulating the moods of the unique world of Iblis. The background score is astounding at creating an atmosphere that echoes the ongoing narrative, taking us deeper into the lives and emotions of the unique characters we encounter.

While it's the unique world-building that provides the film's initial appeal, Iblis's actual strength lies in its powerful and emotional exploration of human relationships and sentiments. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the trials and tribulations of characters in their personal lives, their struggles, their love, their tragedies, and their hopes. Consequently, what begins as an engaging magical realist tale gradually transforms into a beautiful observation of human attachments, emotions, and their experiences of love and loss.

Iblis is a film that can be seen as an overlapping junction between fantasy and drama, creating a fusion that appeals to viewers of about every age group and taste. It's a piece of art expressed cinematically that has been crafted with imagination, creativity, and a rare sense of daring in today's commercial cinema.

Asif Ali’s performance as Vyshakhan is noteworthy and Madonna Sebastian performs well in her role, displaying a wide range of emotions throughout the film. Lal, who plays Geevarghese, does so with the right blend of authority and humor, and his performance is one of the movie’s highlights.

In conclusion, Iblis is a magical realist adventure that stands as a celebration of human emotions and relationships wrapped in an out-of-the-box fantasy narrative. Utilizing a highly talented cast and masterful cinematography, it manages to weave a captivating tale that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.