Cinematic landscapes, valorous tales, and the universal language of film come together in the eagerly anticipated movie ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’, helmed by renowned Malayalam film director Lijo Jose Pellissery. Gracing the silver screen on January 25, the movie marks an inaugural collaboration between Lijo and acting legend Mohanlal, setting the stage for a narrative that transcends geographical and temporal confines.
With a mane knotted into a bun and adorned in throwback attire, Mohanlal’s first look in ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ is as magnetic as it is mysterious. His character reveals dynamism—even in a static poster—with a mighty roar and the grit of dragging colossal ropes. The subsequent trailer offers cinema-goers glimpses of romance, betrayal, courage, and redemption, all framed within the scarred landscape of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer and the coastal enclave of Puducherry. Through the lens of the eminent cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan, we travel back in time to a land of bygone wars and meet a hero all but weathered by battle.
Curiosity has reached new heights since the onset of the film’s promotions, with particularly striking teasers bolstering fan theories and speculation. Yet when quizzed about the exact nature of Mohanlal’s role—whether he’s a wrestler, an illusionist, or something else entirely—Lijo retains an air of mystery, preferring to let audiences embrace the intrigue until the film’s theatrical release.
Tracing the genesis of this ambitious project, Lijo shares that ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ originated from a notion etched during the pandemic lockdown. This seed of inspiration evolved into a lush script that defies the conventional limitations of narrative storytelling. Feeling confident about Mohanlal’s suitability as the film’s protagonist, Lijo, alongside writer P.S. Rafeeque, embarked on crafting the film’s screenplay, marrying their creative sensibilities with a shared passion for evocative storytelling.
Lijo explains that despite the initial intention to frame the narrative in Tamil, his vision soon morphed into something more expansive—envisioning a character journey and terrain that commanded a broader cinematic canvas. Woven with the essences of Indian folklore, yet painstakingly curated to be universally relevant, ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ seeks to honor the roots of its cultural landscape while simultaneously heralding global influences. From the resonating resonances of Japanese samurai culture to the rugged ethos of Western cinema, the film aims to remain authentically Indian without any overt westernized patina.
The director reminisces about his own cinematic infatuation, welcoming the shift from realism back to the grandeur of vintage theater-going experiences. Icons like Sholay and the vibrant stardom of MGR and Rajnikant serve as guiding lights for this contemporary epic, inviting audiences to reengage with cinema as a spectacular event viewed on the vast canvases of the silver screen.
Lijo’s own predilection for Tamil cinema is evident, with ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’ exuding the flavor of his personal history and an affectionate nod to Tamil film legends like MGR and Gemini Ganesh. The title itself may even be a gentle homage to the classic ‘Vanjikottai Vaaliban’, though Lijo stops short of affirming the speculation with a congenial chuckle.
The film world, as Lijo observes, is entering a new era where language barriers are dissolving, and audiences are increasingly embracing stories from every corner of the globe in their multiplicity and diversity. This shift coincides with the audience’s expanding palate for various genres and narrative styles.
Lijo’s reflective vision of cinema does not falter when considering the variances in working with industry titans like Mohanlal and Mammootty compared to newcomers. More than their approach to their craft, it is their wealth of experience that Lijo finds profoundly valuable. Each moment behind the camera, orchestrating scenes with such luminaries, is savored as an exhilarating privilege.
Despite the lofty expectations for ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’, Lijo approaches the film’s release with serene resignation, preferring to trust in the authenticity of his efforts and leaving the verdict to be rendered by those who matter most—the viewers. Looking ahead, the director teases numerous nascent projects vying for realization, ensuring that, for him, cinema persists as an unwavering mental preoccupation.
As the curtain prepares to rise on Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Malaikottai Vaaliban’, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the passion for cinema, both in its creation and consumption, transcends any single narrative, shaping a tale that is as universal as it is unequivocally captivating.
