Mathilukal (1989)

The film derives from an autobiographical novelette by the late Vaikkom Mohammad Basheer, one of Kerala's most lauded litterateurs. Basheer, the protagonist, is in prison on fabricated charges; with his intellect, his simplicity and his self-deprecating humour he touches the lives of his cellmates. In time, he wins their minds and hearts; so much so that when news comes that political prisoners are to be amnestied, the inmates hope and pray that Basheer's name tops the list.

It doesn't.

And then, the voice of a female comes floating over the wall that separates, and segregates, the sexes. That voice is his anchor and his solace; a relationship develops. Finally, they get an opportunity to meet without the intervening wall -- 24 hours before the meeting, however, comes word that Basheer is to be released.

He has a choice -- between the unfamiliar world outside and the one inside that, suddenly, seems so full of promise.

Starring: Mammootty, Lalita, Thilakan, Murali, Karamana Janardhanan Nair, Jagannath Verma, and others

Back  |  Next