Njan

Njan is a compelling Malayalam language Indian movie directed by Ranjith and released in 2014. It features a notable cast including Jayan Cherthala, Koottickal Jayachandran, and Bineesh Kodiyeri, who deliver powerful performances, bringing depth and vitality to the storyline. The film is a compelling watch for viewers who appreciate a narrative that stretches beyond a conventional tale into a study of its characters.

Based on the acclaimed novel "K T N Kottur Ezhuthum Jeevithavum" by T.P. Rajeevan, which tells a story of its eponymous hero, Njan, or 'I', forays into a layered narrative that explores both the macro and microcosms of life in the mid-20th century in Kerala. The storyline takes us back and forth between the past and the present, depicting the protagonist's life journey and a colourful spectrum of characters who crossed his path.

In the movie, Jayan Cherthala plays a dual role, KTN Kottoor and Ravi Chandrasekharan, delineating two different personalities with great finesse. He creates great empathy for Kottoor, a schoolteacher residing in Malabar during the era of the British Raj. His character, infused with progressive ideologies, endeavours to impart his wisdom to his students, despite encountering obstacles in a society grounded in caste and religious biases. In his other role, he portrays Ravi Chandrasekharan, a contemporary writer researching Kottoor including his ideologies, personal life, and his mysterious death, which Chandrasekharan tries to unravel.

Koottickal Jayachandran and Bineesh Kodiyeri also perform admirably in the movie. Jayachandran impresses in the role of Kottoor's astute and loyal friend, exhibiting subtle but forceful acting. Simultaneously, Kodiyeri, playing an essential role, further enriches the narrative. The rest of the cast members also bring their characters to life, each contributing to the intricate tapestry that the film weaves.

A significant aspect of Njan is its union of historicity and fiction, the exploration of the human psyche set against a backdrop of a tumultuous period for Kerala with colonial struggles and the social transformations it witnessed. Cinema fans have hailed the film as a significant contribution to the new generation of Malayalam cinema, showcasing the potential of regional cinema to tell narratives rooted in local aesthetics and sensibilities while appealing to a global audience.

Shanker Ramakrishnan, who wrote the screenplay, is quite successful in translating the book’s essence to the screen. Relying heavily on the novel’s narrative, Ranjith focuses on character development, using splendid visualization and the potential of the medium to unfold a story that was previously confined within the pages of a book.

The film's technical aspects are equally notable. The cinematography by Manoj Pillai is stunning and does a remarkable job in visually depicting the distinctive times and settings as required by the narrative. The music composed by Bijibal adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance of the scenes and characters.

As a social commentary Njan asks evocative questions about caste, religion, and societal norms with the backdrop of the colonial era, making it deeply reflective and intriguing for viewers. As a character study, it relies on the expert performances of its cast to breathe life into complex characters. As a rendition of a novel, it teases out the hidden layers in the idyllic rural life of Malabar and probes the depths of the human mind.

Njan provides a gripping viewing experience, balancing style and substance, offering a nuanced exploration of a society in the grip of rapid change. With its brilliant screenplay, excellent performances and thought-provoking themes, Njan is a film that stands out in the annals of Malayalam cinema. Whether a connoisseur of regional cinema or a casual viewer looking for a dose of compelling narrative cinema, Njan is bound to captivate you.