Pappan Priyappetta Pappan

Pappan Priyappetta Pappan is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language film that combines the elements of comedy, fantasy, and drama into an engaging and thrilling composition. The movie is directed by experienced hand Sathyan Anthikad, penned by the renowned Sreenivasan, and features a star-studded cast including industry stalwarts such as Mohanlal, Rahman, Thilakan, Lissy, along with Balan K Nair, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma in pivotal supporting roles.

This captivating narrative adventure begins with the demise of Raman Nair, a jolly good rich man (Balan K Nair), who is dearly loved by his four sons. However, the sons are completely dissimilar in character, each imprinting their unique identity with distinct features and eccentricities. The eldest, Sreedharan (Thilakan), is a straightforward man who runs a modest grocery store. In stark contrast, the second, Sivaraman (Mohanlal), is an adventurous soul that often gets caught up in whimsical mishaps. The third and fourth sons, played by Rahman and Sreenivasan respectively, exhibit traits that are a blend of their elder brothers, adding more flavor and contrast to the character dynamics.

The movie takes a terrific twist when Raman Nair moves to heaven after his death and witnesses his sons embroiled in various disputes and complications back on earth. Upset at their squabbles and disheartened by their engagements, he pleads with Lord Yama, the Hindu god of death, to allow him to return to earth. Yama agrees, but with an intriguing condition - that Raman could only inhabit the body of the recently deceased.

As the plot unfolds, Raman Nair is sent back to earth, entering the bodies of various deceased individuals, which includes a wealthy NRI, a local thug, a police officer, and even an old woman. The film follows the sequences of hilarious, emotional, and gripping events that transpire as Raman Nair, in his various incarnations, tries to mend the misunderstandings between his sons and guide them back on the right path.

Pappan Priyappetta Pappan takes the viewer on a roller coaster ride that keeps them guessing as to who Raman Nair will be next, injecting humor, heart-wrenching emotions, entwining intrigues, and gripping suspense at every turn. Keep your eyes glued to the screen as you anticipate the unexpected moves of Raman Nair in his quest to unite his family.

Director Sathyan Anthikad cleverly blends several genres to spin a tale that’s both heartwarming and funny. He uses the fantasy element to drive the storyline forward, but keeps everything rooted in an emotional and relatable reality. The relationship between the family members and their respective arcs form the crux of the film and provides a solid grounding to the fantasy elements.

Mohanlal, Thilakan, and Rahman all put forth brilliant performances, essaying their multi-layered characters with ease and perfection. Balan K Nair, as Raman Nair, in his various incarnations, is just marvelous. His adaptability and exceptional acting range shine through as he switches from one character to another with effortless grace and aplomb.

The cinematography is visually appealing, capturing the beautiful locations as well as the actor’s expressions perfectly, making every scene utterly compelling. The music and background score add an extra layer of emotion to the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

In summary, Pappan Priyappetta Pappan is not just a mundane film; it's a concoction of humor, drama, fantasy, and pure entertainment that keeps you engaged till the end. Regardless of how many times one watches it, the movie always feels fresh and delivers endless enjoyment. This is an unequivocal must-watch for fans of the Malayalam film industry and for anyone looking to enjoy a highly-detailed, intricate, and entertaining cinematic experience.