Unemployment and politics take center stage in the riveting narrative of ‘Malayalee from India,’ directed by the acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Dijo Jose Antony. The film, released on May 1, delves into the lives of two jobless young individuals in the vivid backdrop of a quaint village nestled in Kerala. Antony, with this project, threadbare explores the essence and nuance of being a Malayali set in Mullakara – a place he depicts as a miniature representation of the state itself.
A significant theme in Malayalam cinema, political satire has triumphed time and again with movies like ‘Panchavadippalam’ and ‘Sandesham’ gaining cult status. Antony endeavors to follow their lead, embedding his tale with wit and political undertones, albeit facing narrative hiccups along the way. Starring the dynamic Nivin Pauly as Alparambil Gopi, the film grapples with the polarizing political atmosphere that permeates the region, a political spectrum that has seduced many to its divisive charms.
Antony, while conversing telephonically, sheds light on his protagonist, Gopi, who embodies a quintessentially laidback Malayali man, steering through life with a political stance leaning towards the right, financially sustained by the endeavors of his hardworking mother and sister. The scenic locale of Palakkad serves as the backdrop for Gopi’s journey, which Antony aptly describes as interwoven with the socio-political fabric of Kerala.
The film reunites Antony with scriptwriter Sharis Mohammed, marking their third collaboration and retaining the crew from their previous venture, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ headlined by Prithviraj. Maintaining a familiar team afforded the director a comfort that eased the filmmaking process. Such continuity is a testament to the collaborative spirit underline the directorial endeavors undertaken by Antony, who debuted with the unexpectedly successful film ‘Queen’ in 2018, co-written with Jebin Joseph Antony.
Antony, energized by the fresh narrative Sharis presented, was instantly captivated by the character of Gopi and envisaged Nivin Pauly as the perfect fit for the carefree youngster. Pauly’s commitment was instantaneous, eliciting laughter and excitement upon hearing the story’s premise. This serendipitous fit was further bolstered as Pauly and producer Listin Stephen were already in talks for a collaboration, leading Stephen to produce under the Magic Frames banner.
The film features rising talent Dhyan Sreenivasan as Malghosh, Gopi’s best friend, offering a strong supportive role. An ensemble cast includes Anaswara Rajan, Manju Pillai, Shine Tom Chacko, and Salim Kumar. Antony’s pursuit of originality is evident in his choice to pair Nivin and Anaswara as leads, a duo that hadn’t shared screen space prior.
‘Malayalee from India’ paints a picturesque landscape of a tranquil village life, yet Gopi and Malghosh’s political antics inadvertently spiral into violence, triggering a life-altering chain of events. This not only compels Gopi to seek refuge overseas but also initiates a profound transformation in his worldview, compelling him to discard the polarizing lenses that have skewed his perception.
Music, a cornerstone of cinema and a personal passion for Antony—a former musician turned director—plays a vital role in the film. Eight melodious tracks scored by Jakes Bejoy are testament to his inaugural experiences in the entertainment industry, experiences stemming from his musical journey with a band and subsequent recognition of his directorial fervor during ‘Queen.’
Antony’s tale is a blend of humor, drama, and melodies encapsulating a broader commentary on political consciousness and personal growth. ‘Malayalee from India,’ although stumbles at moments, ultimately emerges to speak volumes about the contemporary political landscape, through the eyes of an endearingly flawed yet relatable Malayali protagonist.
