Directed by -Vishnu Sasi Shankar
Released by (in Tamil) -Trident Arts
Cast-Unni Mukundan , Baby Thevananda, Sampath Ram, Manoj K.JayanSaiju Kurup etc
Rating -***1/2
Swami Ayyappan (1975) was an exceptionally outstanding film directed by K.Subramaniam which had enchanting music by G.Devarajan.
The film was acclaimed both critically and commercially.
Malikapuram which has proved a super duper hit in Kerala can certainly be termed as a worthy successor to that flick of the mid-seventies which propagates not only the Bhakthi cult but also the need for human beings to live a pure life without causing hindrance to others!
What you do to others will come back to you in multifold, it is said! Likewise, when true devotees are in trouble, God will come to their rescue at the right moment even taking human form!
The above mentioned two postulates have been driven home, nailing the message in the minds of the viewers in an effective manner, thanks to the handling by Vishnu Sasi Shankar whose father, Sasi Shanker had helmed Perazhagan in 2004!
Ranjin Raj’s music helps to retain the film’s momentum while Vishnu Narayanan’s camera has brilliantly captured even the remote areas of Sabarimala!
The theme is about the longing of a little girl to visit Sabarimala Shrine, the idea mooted out by her dad as also the stories narrated by her grandmother.
But her father meets with an unexpected end owing to the force of the circumstances.
Yet the girl sets out to visit the Shrine with her colleague, another small boy while the villain of the piece (Sampath Ram) contemplates of kidnapping the girl for monetary gains.
Out of the blue, another Ayyappa devotee (Unni Mukundan) springs up to save the girl and her companion and also ensures they both are able to have Darshan.
Of course, the screenplay does hold some cinematic compromises but overall the film is certainly watch worthy.
The brilliant performance of the little girl warrants mention.
Unni Mukunthan looks convincing enough to play that ‘character’ that he has donned!
The film’s release has been tactfully made to coincide with Sabarimala season!
There was also a Media Interaction soon after the screening in which Unni Mukundan and the others from the cast and crew chatted in a free flowing manner.
