Piravi

A heart wrenching tale of an old man waiting for his son to return home. This 1988 classic directed by Shaji N. Karun is based on the story of Rajan, a student who was tortured and allegedly killed by policemen.

Premji portrays the pain and suffering of Raghava Chakyar, who indefinitely waits for his son Raghu’s return. His expressions and subtle performance makes the viewer connect with the character of the old man. The film has minimal dialogues but the camera work of Sunny Joseph makes nature and the landscapes convey unspoken sentiments. Shaji’s direction is unique. He uses the untouched village backdrop as a character alongwith the monsoons playing an important role in the film. His portrayal of the boatman as a catalyst of hope speaks volumes of his ability to create fine moments in the film.

This Malayalam film, which means ‘Birth’ has won National and International acclaim and was screened in over 40 film festivals. IMDb has a rating of 9/10 for Piravi.

The film won National Awards for Best Actor (Premji), Best Director and Best Film in the year 1989.

I watched this movie today and it made me think of the helplessness of many who do not have the ability to question or confront the exploitation of corrupt political systems. If you are someone who watches slow paced movies with a lot of depth, do not miss ‘Piravi’. This film is a gem in the genre of parallel cinema.

To the best ‘Ammi’ in the whole world !

Amma left for India today. It was easy bidding goodbye to her at the airport…. The ‘cursory hug’, ‘Will call you daily’, ‘Travel safe’, ‘Call me when you land’ etc. etc.

It was only when I walked into the empty house I realized that it was no longer ‘home’.

It’s merely not about the delicious food she makes, not about the smallest of things she made note of before I left for work, not about the fact that she would stay silent when I had to take my early morning calls at home, not even the fact that EVERYTHING was taken care of everyday.

I reminisced the innumerable times when I lay lazing on the couch and demanding her to get stuff done for me… “Get me some water” or “What’s there for me to munch?” or “Can you get me my phone from the other room?”. I cannot remember her ever asking me to do the smallest of such jobs.

My weekend grocery shopping is never going to be as organized as it was. Watching movies at home is not going to be fun without her comments. There will be no one to ask me how my day was at work, when I return home. Will miss every minute of her not being at home.

Such departures make us want to cherish the moments of togetherness even more.

Back to the regular grind of work and home, will sure keep me occupied enough to cloud the emotions. I keep reminding myself that, “This too shall pass…. For better things to come….”

Here’s to Amma, for being the best Mom and for more such reunions……………………………..