Sandhesam

Sandhesam is an iconic Malayalam political satire film that was released in the year 1991. This critically acclaimed movie was masterfully directed by the renowned filmmaker, Sathyan Anthikad. The compelling script was penned by none other than Sreenivasan, who not only wrote the story but also delivered an outstanding performance, making it one of the finest examples of his multifaceted talents. The film also features other prominent actors from the Malayalam film industry including Jayaram, Thilakan, Siddique, K.P.A.C Lalitha, Maathu, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan.

The narrative of Sandhesam is deeply rooted in the socio-political landscape of Kerala and bracingly reflects the disappointments and disillusionment of the common masses towards the existing political ethos. Its powerful satire skillfully scrutinizes the political shenanigans and the public servants who often ignore the welfare of the people who have graciously elected them. Sandhesam occupies a special place in Malayalam cinema not just for its comedic elements, but also for presenting a scathing critique of the political system.

The story unfolds around the Kottappally family led by the patriarch, Kottappally Velayudhan Pillai (Thilakan), a retired railway station master. He is a widower with two sons, Prabhakaran (Sreenivasan) and Prakashan (Jayaram), who are employed but are ideologically at odds. In addition to his role as the head of his family, he finds himself playing mediator between his sons' incessant verbal duels about their respective political affiliations. Their preoccupation with politics often leads to hilarious situations providing ample comic relief in the midst of the larger social commentary.

Prabhakaran, the elder son is a dyed-in-the-wool leftist who is enamored by the socialist philosophy, while his younger brother Prakashan is a staunch believer in far-right ideologies. This contrast in ideological beliefs is astutely used as a metaphor to showcase the wider political divide that often engulfs the society. It is through the critical observations and interactions of these two characters that the narrative unveils the loopholes and farcical elements of the political system.

Thilakan, as the senior Kottappally, is an embodiment of practical wisdom and common sense, portraying himself as the typical middle-class retired gentleman burdened with the responsibility of maintaining peace and order in his family, which is marred by opposing political ideologies. His subtle humor and sincere discussions with his sons manage to make both a comic and critical statement about politics.

Sreenivasan and Jayaram flawlessly portray the nuances of their characters with natural candor and authenticity. The measured dialogue delivery, the fiery discussions, and the daily goings-on simultaneously create humor, irony, and strong political comments that distinguish Sandhesam as an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Director Sathyan Anthikad and writer Sreenivasan remarkably uses satire as a powerful tool to put forth social issues, delving into the realities of the Kerala political scenario of the time, and its implications on an average Indian family. The complexity of these issues is excellently highlighted without them overtaking the film's humor, making it equally entertaining and enlightening.

The supporting cast, including Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Mammukoya, and K.P.A.C. Lalitha, gloriously amplify the narrative's humor with their impeccable comic timing and idyllic representation of quirky characters typically found in the Kerala societal setup.

While Sandhesam has its fair share of comedy and laughter, it does not shy away from shedding light on political apathy and greed. The film veers away from the traditional, rosy depiction of politics and instead directs its focus on the adversarial effects it could have on the society and families.

Today, nearly three decades after its release, Sandhesam stands not only as a classic and top-notch entertainment but also a timeless social commentary that continues to be highly relevant. It's a movie that showcases the power of cinema to judge, to criticise, and to reflect on society's socio-political ethos. Ultimately, it leaves the audience with hearty laughter and thought-provoking reflections making it a must-watch cinematic narrative.