Left Right Left

Left Right Left, released in 2013, is a Malayalam political drama directed by Arun Kumar Aravind and written by Murali Gopy, who also stars in the movie. The movie features an ensemble cast including Indrajith Sukumaran, Hareesh Peradi, Lena, and Remya Nambeesan, among others. The film's title refers to the march past command commonly used in the Indian Army, and subtly alludes to the film's primary thematic concern - the political dynamics of the left, right, and centrist ideologies.

The narrative of Left Right Left is uniquely structured, divided into three chapters - Oru Keralavarma, Oru Marxist, and Oru Abhimani – each gives us a glimpse into the lives of the lead characters in different epochs. The plot oscillates between the past and the present, meticulously connecting seemingly disparate threads into a comprehensive political and social fabric.

Murali Gopy plays ‘Pattalam’ Purushothaman, a long-term Communist Party worker with unflinching loyalty to his party, while Indrajith sukumaran essay the role of Vattu Jayan, a man with a troubled past who works as a right-hand to a party leader. Hareesh Peradi, on the other hand, portrays the man in the middle, Roy Joseph, who has his own set of beliefs and values.

Challenging as it is to sketch such complex characters, Murali Gopy's screenplay skillfully presents them in an elaborate and engaging narrative, offering enough room for each of their personalities to evolve. The plot highlights their personal journeys against the backdrop of events in their surroundings, subtly hinting at the society's transformation.

By interlacing personal histories with political events, Left Right Left manages to depict how politics seeps into the lives of ordinary people, often manipulating their thoughts and actions. The interactions are punctuated with heretical viewpoints, ideologies testing loyalties and individuals grappling with a sense of moral confusion. In the process, the film paints a rather stark image of the political landscape, carefully avoiding favoritism towards any of the political ideologies.

One of the most striking aspects of Left Right Left is its visual treatment. The camera work effectively mirrors the mood of the scenes and often speaks volumes about the underlying tensions in the narrative. Along with helping reinforce the emotional heft of the storyline, the background score also deserves a special mention as it adds to the overall cinematic experience and keeps the viewers engaged throughout.

Performances by the cast members especially Murali Gopy, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Hareesh Peradi are an absolute delight to watch. Each of these actors successfully breathes life into their respective characters, making them real, relatable, and deeply moving. Their intense performances help drive home the film’s underlying message.

The direction by Arun Kumar Aravind is highly commendable. He tactfully manages to depict intense and controversial themes by cleverly weaving a storyline that doesn't fail to leave an impact. He uses the linear narrative to his advantage and keeps the viewers guessing, adding an element of suspense to the socio-political drama.

In conclusion, Left Right Left is a movie that powerfully juxtaposes personal narratives against the political milieu of Kerala. The movie is worth watching for its thought-provoking screenplay, meticulously nuanced portrayals, and its deep dive into the politics that shapes and governs society. Left Right Left is an introspective look at political ideologies, where the lines of right and wrong blur, and the personal becomes inherently political.