Mathilukal

Mathilukal is an outstanding and enduring Indian Malayalam feature film that was first screened in 1990. Regarded as a classic in Indian cinema, this film boasts an impressive cast led by Mammootty, the renowned actor in Malayalam film industry. Other notable actors include Thilakan and Karamana Janardanan Nair, who further enhances the appeal of the plot through their exceptional performances.

The interesting aspect of this film is that it's based on an autobiographical novel of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, a celebrated Indian fiction writer. The title "Mathilukal" literally translates to “Walls,” an apt title as it encapsulates the central idea around which the narrative of the movie revolves. Directed by the multi-talented Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the film is a window into the harsh realities of prison life while signifying a metaphorical exploration of the human spirit and societal boundaries.

The lead character in Mathilukal, played by Mammootty, is a political prisoner named Basheer who is represented as a symbol of resilience and resistance against oppressive societal norms. Through a series of well-crafted events, the film presents Basheer's experiences in prison, where he has been confined due to his liberal views and rebellious stance. This exploration of his prison life aims to evoke sympathy, making audience reflect upon and question the ethics of imprisonment and harsh punishments.

Despite the stark setting of a jail and Basheer's dire circumstances, the film skillfully incorporates elements of romance and humor into its narrative. Throughout his sentence, Basheer finds solace in the voice of a female prisoner from the other side of the wall, further amplifying the symbolism of the 'walls' that divide society- divisions that are not always physical, but social and cultural as well.

Never has the line, "Where there is a wall, there is a way," made more sense than in this film where two people, divided by walls, find a way to share their emotions and feelings. This unseen romance serves as a metaphor for human connection, hope, and power of love to transcend physical boundaries. A testament to the power of dialogue and its necessity for human connection, Mathilukal makes an impact in the minds of the viewer.

Mammootty's performance in this film is beacon of excellence. His portrayal of Basheer is so compelling, raw and authentic that watching him perform feels akin to peeling the layers of a complex character down to its core. Thilakan and Karamana Janardanan Nair serve as valuable additions to the story, adding depth and humanity to the narrative. The performances of the cast, coupled with the skilful direction by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and the excellent screenplay captures the depth and nuances of the original novel while giving it a cinematic flavour.

The film, Mathilukal, also proves to be an interesting exploration into authentic soundscape of the bygone era. The sound design of the film makes excellent use of ambient sounds and silence to build the narrative. The empty buzz of prison life, the quiet whispers, and the sounds of nature contribute to making the movie a truly immersive experience.

There is something almost poetic about the way this film unfolds – it’s a story of confinement but also about finding freedom within those constraints; it’s about isolation but also about discovering companionship within that solitude; and it’s about the despair of prison life but also about hope and resilience.

In summary, Mathilukal is a remarkable cinematic masterpiece that blends drama, romance, and social commentary into a seamless narrative while offering an insightful peek into socio-political realities of the time. A testament to the power of human spirit and connection, this film is worth watching and carries a universal appeal for anyone interested in world cinema.