Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare

Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare (Between One and Zero) is a critically acclaimed Malayalam movie released in 1986. The film is celebrated for its unique narrative style, soul-stirring music, and exceptional performances particularly, from the three leading actors, Mohanlal, Asha Jayaram, and Nedumudi Venu. The film marked the directorial debut of Reghunath Paleri, a prominent screenplay writer, and it won immense critical and commercial success.

The plot of the film is charmingly idiosyncratic. The story introduces us to a four-year-old girl - Deepu, portrayed by Geetu Mohandas. By one day dialing a random telephone number, Deepu counts from one to ten in a resonatingly innocent voice and unwittingly connects with a young, sophisticated and an urban educated man named, Telephone Uncle played by Mohanlal. The telephone uncle gets fascinated by the innocent voice and they establish a unique bond over the telephone. Deepu calls him daily and shares her little world and innocent observations that strikes a chord with the solitary man.

The telephone uncle keeps his identity anonymous, and yet a transfixing relationship develops between him, Deepu and her young mother, Roopa (Asha Jayaram). Roopa is a widowed photographer residing with her father (Nedumudi Venu), an ardent music lover. The character of the telephone uncle, despite being confined to voice, evokes charm and mystery, giving the audience a sense of enduring enchantment.

As the narrative unfolds, the film mirrors the feelings of affection, friendship and love, all entwined with a sense of mysterious allure. The audience is taken through a wonderfully emotive journey, where simple everyday conversations bloom into profound relationships that touch the heart.

Cinematographically, ‘Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare’ breaks away from moulds of conventional filmmaking and narrative style. It uses the telephone as a crucial vehicle of the plot, creating a certain rhythm in every sequence that gracefully connects disparate lives. The process of dialing a number and waiting for the ring, the rotary dial phone clicks, the ring itself, and finally the anticipation to hear the voice at the other end that enthralls everyone’s heart feeds into a fine harmony with the narrative.

A striking aspect of this film is the way music is utilized to heighten the emotional resonance. Composed by the legend, Mohan Sithara, the music infuses soul into the narrative. It is the underlying melody and the meaningful lyrics that amplify the emotions the characters feel.

Mohanlal, Asha Jayaram, Geetu Mohandas and Nedumudi Venu deliver outstanding performances. While Mohanlal’s charismatic voice performance as the introspective 'Telephone Uncle' is mesmerizing, Asha Jayaram leaves a lasting impression with her sensitive portrayal of an independent, loving young mother. Geetu Mohandas, embodying the vivacious innocence of Deepu, adds to the charm and Nedumudi Venu, with his role as a doting grandfather, provides a strong emotional core to the film.

One cannot but appreciate the directorial prowess of Reghunath Paleri. The way he has innovatively crafted this heartwarming tale of deep emotional connections is commendable. The aesthetic cinematography and the nuances of storytelling are inter-woven seamlessly into the tales of these characters, making the film an unforgettable cinematic experience.

In essence, Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare is a masterpiece of Malayalam cinema that transcends the conventional notions of storytelling. It is a poignantly told story about human relationships and how in the course of life, the simplest of interactions can foster the deepest of emotional bonds. It is a film that effortlessly treads on the realm of emotions and relationships, mirroring life in its authentic simplicity.

The movie has earned its rightful place in the annals of Malayalam cinema and continues to be cherished by cinema lovers for its vivid portrayal of human emotions, masterful storytelling, memorable performances, and stirring music. A must-watch for all who appreciate nuanced cinema that celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary.