First of all I wish to thanks “Prakash Bare” for being a unique producer who has the guts to back up projects like “Papilio Budha”. Secondly, Kudos to writer & director “Jayan K.Cheriyan”, who brings a fresh & new tide in the vast ocean of Malayalam Cinema.
“Papilio Budha” is not a big movie, but it is many times powerful than all the 50-70 crores projects being talked about in the news. It’s a movie which shows the signs of intelligence and the art of film making flowing in the veins of our young directors. It’s a movie made with courage, with conviction and with a strong point to raise in favor of a common man.
Without giving away the main plot, the story is about the atrocities committed against Dalits, women and the enviornment. In simple words it’s like fire between two stalwarts of our Malayalam Cinema and they both make it just worth watching. I remember seeing two giants together on the screen last time in “Vida Parayum Munpe” (Prem Nazir & Ravi Menon) and way back in ”Naayattu” (Prem Nazir & Jayan). And like those two movies, this one too satisfied my expectations to a large extent.
Seeing a faded portrait of Comrade EMS along with a childhood photograph of Shankaran (Sreekumar) on the wall, the lepidopterist along with him (David Briggs) cannot hide his curiosity and inquires as to who "the guy with the baby" is! When asked by Shankaran as to why he hasn't chosen to take the portrait down, despite having severed ties with the Communist movement long back, Kariyan sighs and remarks that Gods have a tendency not to disembark from the lofty positions that they are once hailed to. We are alarmed to see that Shankaran is yet to come to terms with his Dalit blood, despite having been educated at the JNU, and regardless of his incessant interactions with a movement that has been raising its voices against oppression of the marginalized. The script is strictly to the point and that takes the viewer to the edge of his seat with every passing minute. Many movie buffs may judge the main twist post interval but even after you have cracked it, the movie still has the grip to keep you glued to your seats.
Performances have many surprises in store for the viewer. First of all, Prakash Bare is completely convincing and once again impressive in his act of an angry young police officer.The four Adivasis and the entire supporting star cast has done a commendable job which makes you believe the unexpected happening on the screen. Cinematography and Background Music both completely support the vision of the director.
He is appalled at his invisibility even in broad daylight, and when his efforts to merge in seamlessly with the rest of the world meet a dead end, he walks back into the arms of a dear companion, dejected and absolutely crestfallen. Drenched in the rain that batters over the forests, Shankaran seeks the light of a glow worm to steer himself back home.
The last 20 minutes need a special and standing ovation for both the director and the actors. The long, strong and impressive explanation by Sreekumar about his reasons is a kind of landmark in Malayalam Movies. You will find each word, completely justifying our day to day experiences in life. You will feel that whatever may be the outcome, this man (Sreekumar) is somehow saying the right thing, which you may have felt at some moment in your life.
The worth praising fact about the movie is that it doesn’t take sides for any religion or its followers. There are references to some Hindu & Muslim characters, but they do not indicate any partiality on behalf of someone particular character. At many times, the silence of the actors, just says it all.
And the best part is that the director refuses to tell the real name of the man causing all troubles in the end. And the narration says that “If a name is given then it will lead to un-necessary conclusion, so let it be a common man who chose to fight for his own safety”. And that, in my opinion is the most unexpected and original climaxes you may have seen in a Malayalam movie. A well written and fantastically executed climax scene, when both Thamby Antony & Prakash Bare shake hands and cross each other is simply excellent.
The two volcanoes of talent, Thambi & Prakash Bare have nothing to prove about themselves, but they do prove one thing.....that we are not making much films which can tap the talent available in the state.
Imagine Thambi in “In Gost House Inn....” & Prakash Bare in “Friday” after watching “Papilio Budha”. You will surely understand what I am trying to say. I also remember “Murali” & “Thilakan” together in “Ekantham” in the same context.
Coming back to the movie, “Papilio Budha” certainly takes its place among the Top10 movies of both Thambi Antony & Prakash Bare. And the director “Jayan K.Cheriyan” is a talent to watch out in the coming future.
An essential Watch, even at the cost of a holiday from your work.
Rating : 4.5 / 5
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