Paathi

Paathi is a unique and largely undiscovered gem in the world of Indian cinema, which found its place in cinemas in 2017. The film is a standout in Malayalam cinema, not just due to its unique blend of genres, but also due to the sensitive topics it approaches. The flick directed by Chandran Narikode is an amalgamation of drama, emotion, and realism. It masterfully embeds the essence of society, pointing towards significant concerns and questionable norms, weaving them into the fabric of the story beautifully.

Indrans, the protagonist of the story, gives a marvelous performance, himself being an acclaimed name in the Malayalam movie industry. His portrayal of his character's struggles is raw and compelling, captivating audiences and providing an earthy realism that portrays the man's life and hardships in great detail.

The narrative revolves around Indrans' character, who resides in a village, and is a worker for a local landlord. A major twist occurs in his life as he takes a journey to visit his sister in a far-off city. Things take an unexpected turn when he becomes part of an incident that reveals a corrupt side of society, both within and outside the bounds of his village. The script unravels the societal norms, perceptions, and prejudices that operate in both rural and urban areas of India, presenting a stark image for the audience to relate to and contemplate.

Joy Mathew, on the other hand, compliments the storyline with his intense role, serving as a powerful pillar of the film. He delivers a strong performance that successfully conveys the complex emotions embroiled within his outwardly simple character. Kalabhavan Shajohn similarly adds depth to the film with his dynamic character, infusing a sense of grit, conflict, and further enhancing the overall narrative.

In addition to the powerful performances by the lead cast, the vibrant secondary characters and the genuine relationships between them add yet another layer of authenticity to the narrative. These relationships are a profound reflection of the social hierarchy, the dynamics of power, and the resultant class struggles prominent in the socio-cultural fabric of Kerala.

Although the movie tackles some dark themes, Chandran Narikode doesn't forget to imbue the story with moments of joy and levity. The beautiful locales, the lush green fields, and the vibrant cultural life of the village are captured in such vivid detail that they almost feel like a character in their own right, parroting an extended narrative of the untouched beauty and serenity of Kerala’s rural life.

The cinematography of the film is striking and the scenic beauty of Kerala is magnificently captured. Every frame appears like a painting, bringing the audience closer to understanding the narrative and the unique setting in which the story unfolds.

The musical score of the film also plays a significant role in enhancing the moods of the scenes. The background score composed by Bijibal Maniyil adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. It is used in perfect tandem with the narrative, punctuating climactic moments and further elevating pivotal emotional beats.

‘Paathi’ is not a typical commercial flick. It is a film that dares to bring a raw, honest story to the forefront, weaving it in a way that highlights significant social issues. This film challenges both subtle and explicit socio-cultural norms and gives the audience a lot to ponder over.

Overall, 'Paathi' stands out as a distinct piece of Malayalam cinema, committed to telling profound stories and touching upon societal issues. It is a movie that deserves attention for its thematic strength, nuanced storytelling, as well as solid performances by Indrans, Joy Mathew and Kalabhavan Shajohn. If you’re seeking a film that genuinely delves deep into the heart of society while also being an engaging cinematic experience, 'Paathi' is a film that should certainly be on your watchlist.