Synopsis
A man comes to his native village in Kerala after a long time, the village that seems to have changed a little now. As he walks across unfamiliar faces and ruins of the places that once existed there, a group of villagers spot him and start investigating the stranger. I want a place to rent, for a few days” he says. The villagers decide to help and put him up at the master's house which is the only place vacant in the village. The master, an old man doesn't live there anymore and the care taker can easily be convinced. The stranger starts living in the dilapidated house by paying a small amount of rent only to develop an awkward level of comfort and attachment. When it rains, he starts repairing parts of the house trying to make it more livable. Soon after, the care taker tells him to vacate as per the master's orders or the master himself will come to get his house vacated. The man refuses to vacate leaving no choice for the master but to send some people to throw all his stuff out of the house. Who ends up claiming the house?
Cast
Siddhique
Ishit Yamini
Director
Santosh Sivan
Santosh Sivan, a luminary in the realm of Malayalam film directors, stands as a testament to unparalleled storytelling prowess. His cinematic journey has been adorned with a plethora of prestigious awards and accolades that underscore his virtuosity. With multiple National Film Awards to his name, including those for Best Cinematography and Best Feature Film, Sivan & contributions have been recognized on the highest stage. His directorial ventures have also garnered critical acclaim, with films like & The Terrorist & Asoka & receiving international acclaim. Sivan films resonate with a riveting storytelling style, seamlessly intertwining visual splendor with profound emotional depth. A true visionary, Sivan & ability to capture human nuances on screen not only treats the eyes but also touches the very essence of the soul.
Synopsis
The male protagonist is a self-made man. From a starving boy, living on the scraps meted out by the cooks in the "Itam" of the village, dreaming of a full meal, to the general manager of a company, he has come a long way. Now, he lives and works in the city, in a company owned by a foreigner. A life of unrestrained pleasures. Movies, booze and pleasures of the flesh are part of his existence.
His family lives in the village, a couple of hours away. His wife, Bharathi who is 8 months pregnant with his second child and his five-year old daughter Baby live in his father-in-law's sprawling family estate. Bharathi being the only daughter, has to look after the estate. Unknown to her, her husband has a lover in the city, Ms.Margaret D'souza. She enthralls him with her beautiful body. He finds excuses not to go to the village during the weekend, the primary one being the sea air which makes him sick. He prefers the company of Ms. D'souza, listening to English blues and making love. He knows that Bharathi feels indebted to him for marrying her as she is neither beautiful nor educated. She is very innocent and trusts him completely. It is strange that he doesn't find freedom and peace with either of them.
After a weekend in the village, as he lies to his wife to retum to the city, he is in for a surprise. What has his lover Margaret D'souza been planning in his absence? How will he cope up with the news?
Cast
Indrajith
Aparna Balamurali
Director
Rathish Ambat
Under the directorial helm of Rathish Ambat, renowned for his masterful execution of 'The Great Backwaters' campaign for Kerala tourism, this narrative shines as one of the most intricate tales in MTV Nair's repertoire. With a track record of awards and accolades, Rathish Ambat has solidified his position as a visionary director.
Synopsis
Venugopal, a Malayalee in his late 50's, is a journalist working with a well-known daily. He gets an invitation to present a paper in a Seminar of press persons from South Asia, being organized in Sri Lanka. Venugopal decides to go for the selfish reason that Sri Lanka has always intrigued him. His father had worked in Ceylon in the 1930s and had returned to Kerala only during the Second World War.
Venugopal, the youngest of four brothers, is the youngest child and so, often the most neglected, by his father. He remembers a young girl whom his father had brought home from Ceylon. Her name was Leela. Venu recalls that there was a lot of speculation about who the girl was and why his father had brought her home.
Consequently, his parents fight over the issue and Venugopal's father leaves the house with the girl in tow.
Venugopal is bitten by an urge to find the whereabouts of Leela, in Ceylon, After the seminar, he decides to go to Kadugannava. Along with Ashley, a Sri Lankan government official, whom he befriends and finds to be a good guide, Venugopal sets out to Kadugannava, where once his father lived. He has only a handful of memories to guide him. Contrary to his belief, he realizes that Kadugannava is nothing but a small village.
Does he find Leela?
Is she still alive?
Cast
Mammootty
Director
Ranjith
Ranjith's remarkable directorial achievements have earned him several accolades, including National Film Awards and Kerala State Film Awards for his impactful films. His movies have also been celebrated at international film festivals, showcasing his global impact on cinema.
Synopsis
The story is set in the early 90's. Sudha lives with her husband in Madras and works in a bank. One day she comes home to her village in Kerala, planning to break the news of her failing marriage to her mother. But she is surprised to learn that news has already reached her mother. She is confronted by several people about her decision. Her old school friends Sumathi and Sreedeviyamma, and her sister, and of course her own mother try to dissuade her.
Each of them have their own ways of reasoning. Sumathi claims the marriage would have survived if she had had kids. According to her that's the best way to keep mischief at bay. Sreedeviyamma and her sister rave and rant about what the rest of the family would say to this scandal. Divorce has never happened in their "tharavad".
Sudha's mother too tries in her own subtle way to convince her to make peace with Prabhakaran. But she remains calm and determined. She is thankful that they know only about her failing marriage, not the reason behind it, which is her secret.
Upon her mother's insistence she visits Cholayile Valiyamma, an octogenarian who is almost blind with age. She goes there dreading another sermon on the do's and don'ts in a marriage. But she is surprised when the old lady asks her point blank, about her new lover. To Valiyamma, life is to be lived as one chooses, not to please others. The old lady supports Sudha's decision and goes on to narrate her own life experiences including her first marriage that failed, second one that survived and another love-interest that occurred in between. What does Sudha finally decide? Does she go back to her husband or go on to live an unorthodox life?
Cast
Harish Uthaman
Parvathy Thiruvothu
Director
Shyamaprasad
Ranjith's remarkable directorial achievements have earned him several accolades, including National Film Awards and Kerala State Film Awards for his impactful films. His movies have also been celebrated at international film festivals, showcasing his global impact on cinema.
Synopsis
In the small village of Vazhakaduva, Bapputty's life takes an unexpected turn. As a diligent boatman, he sets out on a routine journey with his passenger Abdukka, but tragedy strikes when Abdukka succumbs to sudden illness mid-voyage. Bereaved, Bapputty takes it upon himself to deliver Abdukka's possessions to his mother Beepathumma, and sister, Nebeest. In the quiet moments spent within the village, an undeniable bond forms between Nebeesu and Bapputty, evolving into a heartfelt love.
While Bapputty remains in Vazhakaduva, a wealthy returnee named Kunjali makes his way back to the village.
Armed with opulent luxuries and a rumored fortune, Kunjali is drawn to Nebeesu's beauty and graces her with extravagant gifts. Faced with the prospect of marrying Nebeesu, Bapputty takes on a perilous assignment to transport hefty timber logs through torrential rains. Through resilience and determination, he successfully completes the task, paving the way for a future with Nebeesu. However, fate takes an unexpected twist when Bapputty and Kunjali's paths intertwine at Beepathumma's abode, resulting in a tense confrontation and a stern ultimatum from Kunjali.
In the midst of turmoil, misunderstandings cloud Bapputty's perception of Nebeesu's intentions. It is only after grappling with doubt that he discovers her unwavering love. In a bid to escape the obstacles that stand in their path, Bapputty and Nebeesu plan to elope via ferry. Yet, their plans are foiled when Kunjali reappears, fueling a series of events that culminate in an act of unspeakable cruelty, Bapputty's indomitable spirit is awakened. leading him to confront Kunjali and defiantly declare his intent to marry Nebeesu, transcending the challenges that fate has thrown their way. Whether the finale embraces a radiant dawn or somber dusk, the story's denouement remains a canvas where the colors of love and fate collide.
Cast
Mohanlal
Director
Priyadarshan
Priyadarshan, the legendary Malayalam film director is known for his exceptional storytelling and innovative filmmaking. With a string of critically acclaimed films like 'Kilukkam,' 'Chithram,' and 'Hera Pheri,' Priyadarshan has showcased his mastery in blending comedy, drama, and emotions seamlessly on screen.
Synopsis
Balu is visiting his sister in Philadelphia, USA. It is his first visit to America. His sister lives there with her Maharashtrian husband, Jayant Shinde, who works in San Jose. Balu is a journalist, highly qualified, but unable to get permanent appointment in any publication because of his alcoholic nature. He nearly died of it. Saved only by the prayers of his near and dear ones, as another sister put it. So he is packed off to USA for recouping, Balu claims that he is completely off the bottle. His sister is hopeful that he may get a scholarship in some decent institution. His sister has a pet cat, who is named Sherlock Holmes Shinde, by her husband. She is very attached to the cat which is her only companion as Jayant is often away in San Jose for weeks together. She explains to Balu about how the nails of cats are removed before they are taken to their adoptive homes. Balu feels sad for the cat.
Sherlock is quite like his name. He follows Balu everywhere. The cat doesn't seem too friendly. After a point it seems that the cat is spying on his activities during his sister's absence. Balu is shocked to find that his sister knows what he is upto during the day while she is at work. Over the next few weeks his irritation towards his feline companion increases.
Cast
Fahadh Faasil
Nadia Moidu
Director
Mahesh Narayanan
Award-winning filmmaker Mahesh Narayan, the film promises to be a roller-coaster ride through the psyche of its characters. Mahesh Narayan, acclaimed for his exceptional direction in films like 'Take Off' has a knack for weaving intricate narratives that resonate with the audience.
Synopsis
Professor Gopalankutty is a historian. He has come to his village with his family on a short visit, the purpose being to investigate the stone inscriptions found in an old temple near his village. His twelve-year-old daughter Renu accompanies Nire on his jaunt to the village temple.
At their village horne, there is news of a young girl - Narayanie daughter, lying injured near a stream. There are rumours that she was pregnant and tried to commit suicide by ingesting something poisonous. On their way back after meeting a relative, they cross a stream where Renu notices the girl lying on the ground on the banks of the stream. The young woman is moaning softly. Renu asks her father to stop and help, but she is pulled away by Gopalankutty from the scene. Strangely all the villagers talk about the girl and her family but no one goes out to help her. It is as if she was fated to die and they await her death. They are more worried about doing the burial before the evening sky breaks into a shower.
The end of the story showcases the various manifestations of hypocrisy in society.
Cast
Biju Menon
Shantikrishna
Joy Mathew
Director
Priyadarshan
Renowned director Priyadarshan, celebrated for his exceptional storytelling and impeccable direction, has been a trailblazer in the Indian film industry. With a plethora of awards including six National Film Awards, several Kerala State Film Awards, and a Padma Shri, his contributions have left an indelible mark.
Synopsis
Kuttinarayanan is the "Upakari" in the village. Wherever there is a birth, wedding, or a death, Kuttinarayanan is at the forefront managing everything. He is known for his services mainly in households where old people are on their death bed. His presence is known to facilitate an easy passing of the soul.
Thus, when a call comes for Kuttinarayanan from Madhavan master's house, he is not surprised. Master had a fall in the past and never really recovered. His condition has deteriorated and so Achu, Master's nephew has sent for Kuttinarayanayan. Master's children, Sethulakshmi, Vishalam and Ravi are all in the city. Everyone has been informed. One by one, the daughters arrive. They are both jealous of each other. Neither of them waste an opportunity to snub the other. Madhavan master lived an ideal life but his children seem to have nothing of his goodness in them. They are selfish, greedy and pursue guilty pleasures of their own.
Kuttinarayanan's calculations never go wrong. He predicts that Master will die the following day, at a time when Ekadasi and Dwadasi meet, the most auspicious hour when the doors of Heaven open. But nothing happens. How does the story end?
Cast
Kaillash
Indrans
Surabhi Lakshmi
Renji Panicker
Director
Jayaraj
Jayaraj, a maestro in the realm of filmmaking, has solidified his legacy with an array of remarkable achievements and accolades. Renowned for his exceptional storytelling prowess, he has bestowed upon the world a collection of cinematic gems that have left an indelible impact. Films like 'Kaliyattam,' a modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Othello,' earned him the coveted National Film Award, showcasing his mastery in reinterpreting classic tales for contemporary audiences. 'Vidyarambham' and 'Desatanakkili Karayarilla' stand as testaments to his versatility, delving into social issues with unmatched sensitivity. Alongside his National Award, Jayaraj's shelf gleams with numerous state awards and international recognition, celebrating his ability to touch hearts across borders.
Synopsis
The story is set in Chennai. Sunil Roy, a journalist, sees an advertisement for old furniture in a flat that was going on sale. He is badly in need of a particular piece which he hopes to find there. Upon reaching the apartment, which is near the sea, he is greeted by the lady of the house, Mrs. Parekh. She seems flustered at having to deal with the sale process alone, as her husband is away on business. Sunil realizes that the piece he wanted was sold earlier and decides to leave. But the lady requests him to stay a bit. They make small talk.
Sunil thinks the lady is kind of strange in the way she speaks her thoughts. Soon, another set of buyers come in, Mrs. Parekh introduces Sunil as her husband, "Mr. Parekh", and prompts him to deal with the prospective buyers.
He is surprised by her actions but plays along. All of the customers are given due attention by Sunil. None of them leave empty-handed and the lady is extremely pleased with the outcome.
Mrs. Parekh invites him for a drink, now that the job is almost done. She opens up about her life in bold, ironic statements to Sunil, a total stranger. Hers is a lonely life. Busy husband, one child studying abroad. However, things take a turn when the last customer arrives.
Cast
Madhoo
Asif Ali
Director
Aswathy Nair
Aswathy V. Nair, daughter of MTV Nair, makes her directorial debut with a captivating story.