Movie Review: Malikappuram (2023)
Malikappuram is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Vishnu Sasi Shankar, starring Unni Mukundan and Devinandha in the lead roles. The film is based on the journey of an 8-year-old girl, Kalyani (Kallu) who is determined to visit the Sabarimala temple to meet her lord Ayyappan. Despite facing obstacles and delays, she sets out on the journey with her friend Unni. Along the way, she faces challenges and discovers her own redemption.
Major Starcast: Unni Mukundan, Devinandha, Sreepath, Saiju Kurup etc.
Overview
The film explores themes of faith, determination, and the purity of a child's wish to see their deity. The film's writer, Abhilash Pillai, writes the movie with an intent to cater to children and encourages them to have faith in anything, regardless of modernization. The film is set in a small village with its own set of politics including that of the existence of Brahmins and the others who are non-vegetarians. The story takes a long time to set the base, but the pacing in the second half picks up and creates a movie that starts entertaining.
The film's imagination of a god-sent man in Unni Mukundan is unique, as he is not portrayed as the stereotypical god-like character. Rather, his arc is twisted in such a way that it makes the audience reconsider their entire understanding of the film. The film's portrayal of a young girl's unwavering faith and desire to visit the temple is well-done, and it captures the audience's attention.
Acting Performances
The acting performances in the film are noteworthy, with Unni Mukundan having an adorable screen presence and playing a mysterious part that has to be human and divine at the same time. Devinandha does an excellent job as Kalyani, expressing emotions naturally and without effort, making it appear as if she isn't being guided by a filmmaker. Sreepath also does a commendable job, bringing humor and cuteness both to the screen.
Direction
The direction by Vishnu Sasi Shankar is well-done, and he manages to translate the material on the screen effectively. The filmmaker uses his DOP Vishnu Narayanan’s clever camera work to create frames that are beautiful and very catchy. When they move to the forest, the entire vibe elevates. The way Shankar shows the 18 step climb at the temple, it has to be the most visually striking and impactful moment in the film.
Music
The music by Ranjin Raj is also apt for the setting, adding to the overall atmosphere of the film.
Details
However, the film's pacing in the first half is slow and the filmmakers don't delve deeper into certain subjects and themes. The villain played by Sampath Ram also seems like a plot device that the writer didn't know how to use effectively.
Overall, "Malikappuram" is a unique exploration of faith and the strength of a child's desire to meet their deity. The film's intent to cater to children is successful, and it encourages children to have faith in anything is never irrelevant even with modernization. The film features strong performances from the cast, and the direction, music, and cinematography are well-done. However, the pacing of the first half of the film is slow and the filmmakers don't delve deeper into certain subjects and themes.