Ishtam

The Indian movie Ishtam, released in 2001 and directed by Sibi Malayil, is a cherished romantic drama that brings charm to the concept of arranged marriages in the Malayalam cinema landscape. The film’s primary characters are magnificently portrayed by Dileep, Navya Nair, and Nedumudi Venu. The movie beautifully captures the dynamics of familial relationships, love, and friendship, sprinkled with an apparent humour that is characteristic of Dileep's performances.

The film revolves around Pavan (played by Dileep), a young, carefree, small-town guy with a magnetic aura and a zest for life. Pavan leads a pleasant, laid-back life with his fun-loving group of friends, living off income from a family-owned property. Pavan's father, Kalyanakrishnan (portrayed by Nedumudi Venu), is a staunch believer in traditional values and societal norms. For him, life should be lived according to a specific standard set by society, and he wants his son to follow the same path.

In contrast to his father's traditional mindset, Pavan has a modern outlook towards life. His casual approach towards work and responsibility often lands him in hilarious situations, much to his father's chagrin. However, underneath Pavan's humorous veneer, he secretly yearns for a life of meaningful existence loaded with personal and professional accomplishments.

Amid this intricate father-son relationship, enters Anjana (portrayed by Navya Nair), a traditional and straightforward young woman who is coincidentally the daughter of a long-lost friend of Kalyanakrishnan. With Anjana's entry, the narrative takes a twist unleashing an array of interesting events.

Pavan, with his free-spirited demeanour, and Anjana, who is sincere and gentle, seem to be a mismatch. They are soon thrown together by the hands of fate through an arranged marriage proposal initiated by their respective families. Much against his free-spirit nature, Pavan agrees to meet Anjana, leading to an awkward yet intriguing collection of interactions making up for the movie's initial social drama.

As the storyline progresses, the film delves into the multifaceted nature of human emotions as both Pavan and Anjana reconcile with themselves and each other. The evolution of Pavan’s character from a happy-go-lucky boy to a mature individual and the brewing romance between Pavan and Anjana are beautifully captured.

Director Sibi Malayil has done a commendable job in aligning the screenplay with the movie's overall tone. The on-screen chemistry between Dileep and Navya Nair is one of the key highlights of the film, which captivates the audience's attention. Furthermore, the film brilliantly handles the underlying theme of arranged marriages, carving a niche for itself in the Malayalam film industry, where love marriages often take centre stage.

The performances in Ishtam are stellar, with Dileep injecting the right amount of comedy, playfulness, and depth to anchor his character, Pavan. Navya Nair eyes capture her character's innocence and naivety, while Nedumudi Venu arguably delivers one of his finest performances, exemplifying his acting prowess. Through his character as a disciplinarian father, he provides the much-needed push to the plot.

The music and songs of the movie, composed by the legendary Mohan Sithara, perfectly embody the mood and essence of the film, enhancing the viewing experience. The cinematography of the film complements the storyline beautifully, presenting the simplicity of life in a small town while capturing the subtle nuances of Malayalam culture.

In conclusion, Ishtam is a pleasing blend of humour, romance, and drama that enchants and relays valuable life lessons. It beautifully highlights the incompatibilities, uncertainties, and discomforts of arranged marriages in a light-hearted manner. Despite addressing a critical social custom, it never loses its charm as a light-hearted, entertaining movie, making it a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema. From the dramatic plot to gripping performances, Ishtam will inevitably touch heartstrings and leave viewers nostalgic with its timeless narrative.