Maheshinte Prathikaram: movie review

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Maheshinte Prathikaram (Mahesh's Revenge) is a Malayalam movie, released in 2016. This movie is based on a true story. What is this movie about? Pretty much about the events that transpire in a small town, in the verdant district of Idukki, God's own country. In the life of a photographer, Mahesh, who has been continuing his father, Vincent Bhavana's photography business in town. Things go on normally in town - Mahesh goes about coverings weddings, funerals, portraits, family shoots, and the like. And then his childhood sweetheart comes back into town..



Have you ever pictured the embers of love rekindling during a funeral? This movie is a daring one. Those furtive glances have been captured in such a delicate and truthful way.But then, life does not go on as we plan. What seemed to be innocent love may turn towards money (a "Stable" future), leaving one with a dagger in the heart. There will be heartbreak, and we're left hurting. Then comes the rain, hope, and with it, there are signs of life..

There is an absolutely brilliant sequence which leads to a fight (which is the pivotal point in the movie). You may watch this twice, just to understand why things are happening the way they are.
Also, post this, Mahesh enrolls in Karate classes in a very matter - of - fact way, without over dramatizing things.

Mahesh's father, Vincent Bhavana is prophetic and is an enigma. In the initial part of the movie, people think he is rambling because of his old age. The truth is, his words are measured in gold. His advice to his son, on photography, is transformative. The way he waits patiently at night, alone, for the "perfect photo" is a revelation. Vincent embodies the angst (madness?) of the artist  This is one of the best sequences in the movie:



The acting is top notch. The cinematography does justice to the beauty of the location. The writing is intelligent. Although there is a revenge theme in the movie, the writing is such that, there are moments of lightheartedness which diffuse the underlying tensions.I love the way things are introduced in a matter- of- fact way, in this movie. Things are kept so simple, truthful, and devoid of any fluff, whatsoever. The people are presented very naturally - minimal makeup and simple clothes. The goodbyes are short. The pain is personal. The tears are real. The memories are painful, but no time is wasted in thinking about the past. The vow is authentic. The stolen glances are captured so well.  When you look at this movie, there are many instances here which are unconventional. Song is an accessory to the narration, and not something which springs up nonsensically. That is the way it should be. The lyrics of the songs looked quite poetic, even after the translation ( I do not know Malayalam, I watched this with sub titles). If you watch closely, one of the main characters in the second half appears many times in the first half :) there are such touches which make the movie special. These things makes this such an interesting watch.

I haven't visited Idukki (but would love to, any day :) ). The beauty of the region is captured amply by Shyju Khalid, the cinematographer. You will love this movie, if you like movies which resemble reality, if you do not mind a kind-of sluggish first section, If you like photography.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*

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