In Jeo Baby's The Great Indian Kitchen (2021), a newly married, middle-class woman (played by the Nimisha Sajayan), is seen toiling in the drudgery of everyday kitchen life - filthy utensils, chopping vegetables, leaking taps, all while her husband (played by Suraj Venjaramood), whiles away his time on the phone or relaxing in the lounge, along with his father.
Drenched in sweat, heat and humidity, Nimisha (sans any makeup), hardly paints a stereotypical picture of a pretty Indian actress, minus designer sarees and elaborate hairdos (most of the times her hair is curled up in a towel as she runs helter skelter to get on to her chores). Yet, her misery is so well-portrayed on screen, that you almost feel like reading a page from everyday life.
Beyond the facade of snow covered mountain peaks, done to death love stories, and star power,
Malayalam cinema
has been churning out realistic gems one after the other. From the legendary Padmarajan, to the contemporary director
Dileesh Pothan
, the Malayalam film industry has long been celebrated for its realistic approach to storytelling. This commitment to
authenticity
has set Malayalam cinema apart from the other industries, offering a blend of commercial appeal and raw realism that connects with audiences far and wide. The industry has a rich history of crafting films that capture the essence of everyday life, characterized by personal struggles and the triumphs of the common man.
Recent films like the survival drama ‘Manjummel Boys’ and the psychological thriller ‘Bramayugam’ exemplify this unique blend. These films strike a balance between
commercial elements
and a realistic narrative style, making them particularly appealing to a broad audience. Also majority of these films were commercial success too.
Where it all restarted
At a time when the Malayalam film industry seemed to be drifting towards over-the-top action and slapstick comedies, Dileesh Pothan’s ‘Maheshinte Prathikaram’ (2016), marked a pivotal change. This film reintroduced the industry's signature raw and realistic narrative, yet with a commercial twist that broadened its appeal. Later on the industry was majorly filled with movies that had an element of realism in it, adding to it's wide appeal.
The conflicts in Malayalam films often revolve around the personal struggles and dilemmas of ordinary people or the underdog’s battle against powerful adversaries. This focus on relatable, real-life issues has become a hallmark of Malayalam cinema, distinguishing it from other regional industries.
From setting to mise en scène
While Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinemas also produce raw and realistic films such as ‘Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana’(Kannada) ‘Maamannan’ (Tamil)and many others, it is the Malayalam film industry that consistently delivers a significant proportion of such movies, gaining widespread popularity for its authentic portrayals. The setting, makeup, and mise en scène in most of the Malayalam movies contribute to a genuine feel, making most movies a compelling watch.
Breaking cliches in ‘Manjummel Boys’
A prime example of Malayalam cinema's commitment to realism is the film ‘Manjummel Boys.’ Based on a true incident where one of a group of friends gets trapped in the Guna Caves, the movie skillfully avoids the pitfalls of an overly grim realistic style. Components such as music, cinematography, and acting are meticulously crafted to maintain a balance between realism and viewer engagement. The film’s cinematography is strikingly beautiful, yet every shot serves the narrative without adding any beauty shots unnecessarily.
One particularly memorable moment is when the character Subhash falls into the pit in the Guna Cave. Such a pivotal moment is executed by breaking cliches that we usually see in other movies of such genre. Director Chidambaram S. Poduval has beautifully set the scene most realistically and terrifyingly, coupled with Sushin Shyam’s brilliant use of silence and snowballing of each music piece to create a magnificent conflict.
This dedication to realistic portrayal, combined with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to authenticity, makes Malayalam cinema uniquely appealing. It offers viewers a window into the real world, portrayed with a sensitivity and depth that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Saying no to mediocrity
‘Aavesham’ actress Pooja Mohanraj says that viewers are now not settling for mediocre craftsmanship. She adds, "content is surely important. If the Malayalam film industry withstood the depression caused by COVID-19, it’s surely due to the way how stories are told, which directly connects to the screenplay of a movie. People are not settling for mediocre craftsmanship. They are also looking for well-made and well-crafted filmmaking that is entertaining. To be honest, when you think about content-wise, whether it’s ‘Manjummel Boys’ or ‘Premalu,’ the kind of film language we see now makes it all unique. The cinematography, visual representation, editing patterns, and the way the story is carried forward are how the audiences are hooked. Even with ‘Aavesham,’ I think more than the story, it’s about the screenplay’s impact that takes the audiences on a rollercoaster ride. Most of the recently released superhit films have very interesting content and great craftsmanship.”
Dedication to realism
Actress Jonita Doda, seen in movies like ‘Salmon 3D', says, “Malayalam cinema stands out for its dedication to realism, largely due to its filmmakers' focus on content-driven storytelling. The scripts are often lauded for their depth, exceptional writing, and the willingness to experiment. Unlike many industries that might stick to tried-and-true formulas, Malayalam filmmakers aren't afraid to take risks and potentially fail. This adventurous spirit ensures that the stories they tell are fresh, genuine, and compelling. Additionally, the open-mindedness of the Malayalam audience plays a crucial role. I actually salute the audience, because if not for their open mindedness, I don’t think filmmakers would have the backing to say what they actually want to convey! They embrace new and innovative scripts, giving filmmakers the confidence to push boundaries and tell the stories they truly believe in. This mutual trust and respect between the filmmakers and the audience is key to conveying realistic stories so effectively.”
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Never underestimate your audience
Pooja Mohanraj adds, “The majority of movies don’t underestimate their audiences. There is a good amount of respect for how audiences are treated while making a film. Filmmakers are not spoon-feeding or trying to impress the audiences constantly in every scene. Instead, they treat the audiences as people with a certain level of intelligence and capability of understanding what is happening in the story and what a movie is trying to convey.”
Understanding the craft
Talking about the craft of filmmaking, Jonita adds, "Malayalam filmmakers excel at balancing entertainment and realism due to their profound understanding of storytelling and their audience. They are skilled craftsmen who work diligently on their projects, ensuring that the commercial aspects don't overshadow the core of the story. This is one thing Malayalam scripts are popular with all other industries too. Entertainment, after all, is a powerful medium to convey messages and engage viewers. By integrating realism with engaging narratives, a good filmmaker manages to create films that are both thought-provoking and enjoyable. This balance is essential, as cinema ultimately serves to entertain, and Malayalam filmmakers I think, have mastered the art of merging these elements seamlessly."
When asked if Malayalam cinema helps it connect more deeply with its audience, Jonita says, "Absolutely, the authenticity in Malayalam cinema is a significant factor in its deep connection with the audience. The genuine portrayal of stories and characters resonates not just with local viewers in Kerala, but also with a wider audience who appreciate well-crafted cinema. The realistic approach provides an inspiring and relatable experience, often drawing from real-life incidents and struggles that audiences find compelling. This authenticity fosters a strong emotional connection, making the films more impactful and memorable."
Is there something called over-realism?
When asked if over-realism can kill a movie experience, Jonita says, "The impact of realism on a movie experience largely depends on the filmmaker's execution. When done well, realism can greatly enhance a film, making it more relatable and immersive. It requires a delicate balance, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and entertaining. A well-crafted film, where pre-production, on-set performance, and post-production are all executed flawlessly, will captivate audiences regardless of its realism or fictionality. Realism, when balanced with commercial elements, can create a complete and fulfilling cinematic experience that audiences will love and remember."
Great story lines, but few takers outside the state
From directors like S. S. Rajamouli to Anurag Kashyap, many filmmakers have hailed Malayalam cinema. The industry also boasts of well known actors like Mohanlal, Mammootty, his son Dulquer Salmaan, and Fahadh Faasil, among others. In fact, Jeetu Joseph's Drishyam (2015, later remade in Hindi), was the first Indian movie to be remade in Korean. However, the cinema finds less takers outside the state, and remains predominantly limited to Kerala, which has the lowest population in South India, apart from being popular in the Gulf, that sees a heavy Malayalam speaking population. Venu Kunnappilly, producer of the blockbuster 2018 (2023) told Film Companion that most outside distribution companies are not keen to take Malayalam cinema, due to its lack of star appeal and small budget. Inspite of bigwigs like Mohanlal, the most expensive movie made in the industry has been Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham (2021), with a budget of 100cr, starring the superstar himself. Unfortunately, the film bombed, and the makers went back to content driven cinema.
