The film offers an alternative version of the epic battle between two legendary Chekavars from the villain's perspective. One of my all time favourites and a truly magnificent movie. Great casting,sets,costumes,cinematography,music & innovative direction by Hariharan. MT Vasudevan Nair has worked wonders with the script & dialogues. It can be said that he successfully re-wrote history by turning "chadiyan chandu" of kerala folklore into a modern day hero. The portayal of Chandu by Mammootty was so complete that its his face that comes to mind whenever one reads about this historical character in story books or academic texts. Captain Raju too, arguably played the role of his life as "Aringodar". The kalari payat scenes have been beautifully picturised and appear very realistic. And ofcourse the two songs by Yesudas have become perennial favourites. I don't think there's anything about this movie that can termed even remotely negative. The copyright holders should urgently think of releasing this film on DVD. It would be a great tribute to one of the best movies ever made in India. A movie that literally rewrote history. The launch of this movie saw a much maligned character of Kerala's folklore turn into a magnificent hero. Whatever the veracity of the account, the movie saw a million hearts warm to the hapless fate of Chandu. A name that would otherwise have evoked images of treachery and deceit, tuned overnight into a legend in its own right. A movie that still after decades of its launch makes goosebumps crawl through your skin and makes your heart ache for the protagonist. The writer and the movie have successfully portrayed the character in a positive light without completely overturning the folklore. Not only did it portray an image of the protagonist as completely opposed to the folklore but it also managed to change the audience perceptions as well. The kudos goes to the excellent script written by M.T. If this movie were a propaganda effort of Chandu in his lifetime i am left in no doubt that he would have become a hero in his own lifetime. No word of praise would be enough for this legendary movie. It would not be an exaggeration to say that its a poetry written in celluloid.
Wanncarl replied
295 weeks ago