Iyobinte Pusthakam

Iyobinte Pusthakam is a 2014 Malayalam period thriller film co-written and directed by Amal Neerad. This cinematic masterpiece stars Fahadh Faasil, Lal, Jayasurya, and Isha Sharvani in pivotal roles. The narration of the story is compelling, with a perfect blend of drama, suspense, humane values, and some noteworthy performance by the star-studded cast. This film offers a sweeping view of life in the hilly terrains of Munnar in the late 1900s to the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The movie opens with a brief introduction to the protagonist, Iyob (played by Lal), displaying his transition from a young, humble tea assistant to a powerful and feared plantation owner. Iyob, a loyal henchman to an arrogant British officer, inherits a substantial part of his benefactor's vast property upon the latter's departure to an undisclosed location. He becomes a notable figure in the community and father to three sons.

These sons, Aloshi (played by Fahadh Faasil), Ivan (Jayasurya), and Dimitri (Chemban Vinod), become the heart of the story. Each character has intricate detailing, and the actors poignantly portray their characters. Aloshi, the eldest, returns from the world war to find conflicts brewing at home whereas Ivan and Dimitri have their eyes set on their father's wealth.

As the plot thickens, we witness rivalry, greed, and hatred blindsiding family bonds. The narrative is woven beautifully with threads of romance, revenge, familial discord, and a quest for power. Amidst this complex saga, Martha (Isha Sharvani), a close acquaintance and confidante, becomes a pivotal character whose existence brings a significant impact into the life of the Iyob family.

Spectacular set designs, beautiful costumes, and stunning cinematography capture an era filled with class and grandeur. Picturized against the backdrop of the luxurious landscape of Munnar, the film brings alive the picturesque terrains and tea plantations of the colonial-era Kerala, exuding the rustic charm of the period in focus.

Amal Neerad's direction excels in capturing the nuances of each character, dragging the viewers into the murky world of greed, power, and betrayal. The soundtracks composed by Neha Nair and Yakzan Gary Pereira manage to build upon the dramatic tension and amplify the overall cinematic experience.

Iyobinte Pusthakam explores themes of morality, power, and the devastating consequences of greed which is mirrored in Iyob’s family dynamics. The story is layered and every character has depth and complexity, making each surprising turn of events more intriguing. The film is like a well-crafted novel where every scene unfolds a new chapter contributing to the overall storytelling.

Fahadh Faasil, who has never shied away from shouldering films higher than his star weight, delivers an astounding performance as Aloshi that stands as a testament to his versatile acting capabilities. Lal as the patriarch Iyob, displays tremendous charisma and control over his character. Jayasurya, on the other hand, confidently adopts the nuances of a character that oscillates between sanity and insanity.

The women in the film aren’t mere props. From Isha Sharvani’s Martha, who is the epitome of unwavering strength and resilience, to Padmapriya’s Rahel who fights against multiple societal odds, each woman character in the film is pivotal and adds value to the storyline.

Though marketed as a commercial cinema, Iyobinte Pusthakam, with its riveting storytelling and exceptional characterization, goes beyond the realm of typical mainstream cinema. It is a unique blend of art and commercial cinema, making it an unconventional and intelligent film. The film packs a mixture of unpredictability and tension that keeps one on the edge of their seats, as lives entwine and unravel, against the backdrop of a Kerala far removed from the one we know today.

Immerse yourself in the world of Iyobinte Pusthakam, a film that is engaging, intense, and features some of the finest actors of contemporary Indian cinema. One that guarantees a cinematic experience rich in visuals, performances, and storytelling. Its theme of power and its decay is a universal story told within the specific context of mid-century Kerala, seamlessly fitting into the framework of global cinema. It is a striking tribute to the golden age of Malayalam cinema with its captivating narrative and compelling performance that engagingly blur the boundaries between good and evil.