When capitalism and feudalism slaved millions of workers across the globe communism become an inevitable way of struggle and way of life. It empowered the working class. Religious values were challenged and often beaten where various regiments laid down their crown. All across the globe Communism got it’s supporters, since there had no scarcity for poverty and no stop of cruelty against the working class. Russia and China were the main sources or Poles of power which feed the growing needs of the communist countries. Where almost everywhere communism came into force by simple force or compulsion, it is in Kerala that a first communist government was selected in a democracy. Soon after they got into power, the much important land reform takes place. Years went by and the global communism paid for its lack of vision and accountability. The model experienced a strategic failure. In Kerala too, the communist took a middle way where earliest communist were not believed in any religion most of the present day communist do so. Earlier the party belongs to the working class, now it is occupied by the middle class where workers got their voice only in rallies. When they took land in the name of farms for the farmers, the smaller pieces of land made the agriculture less economical and changing social conditions and education left many to feel that working in fields is shameful. There were still people who stick to their ideologies but without any practical knowledge. For them party was like a job. One struggle to continue - an alternative home - one career to live with.
In Arabikatha, the writer Dr. Iqbal Kuttippuram narrates a character called Cuba Mukunthan. Mukundan (Srinivasan)’s father Society Gopalan (Nedumudi Venu)was the party secretary and worked for the party selflessly. For Mukundan, party is in his blood and he believes that his life is entirely for communism. Party is his vedantha. He is guided by party ideology and instructions. There is no personal consideration. When the communists fought against a factory owned by Kunjunni (Jagathy), since the factory pollute the entire area. Karunan (Guruvayur Sivaji) is another communist leader who has a style of pleasing the owners to get best out of them so that he can come into power at any cause. Karunan & Kunjunni set a trap and plan a conspiracy to get rid of Mukundan. in a critical situation when Society Gopalan was suddenly taken to hospital. They established that Soceity Gopalan has cheated the society for Rs 20 Lakhs where Mukundan took the responsibility to pay back the money. This leads Mukundan to land up in Dubai to pay off the debts. Mukundan was not ready to come to Dubai (He wanted to go to China or Cuba, but knowing that there will be no jobs in avail, he settled with Dubai). They also console him saying that by coming to Dubai he can understand the problems of the working keralites over here and report it to the secretariat. When landed up in Dubai, Mukundan come face to face with the reality and his inexperience. He don’t have the language to talk and he don’t have any work experience. While struggling, Mukundan finds a young girl Shumin (Chang Shumin) and immediately liked her. The reason is that she is from China, a communist country. Where Mukundan is always dreaming of China overtaking America, he was not sure whether his liking was for the country or to her. How Mukundan manage to sail through in Dubai with his attitude and inexperience, whether he will marry Shumin, what happen to Karunan and co. etc. are for you to observe in the theatre. Still remaining a major part of the story and I am sure you will like each moment of it.
Lal Jose is a director who is showing a permanent quality in his film making. He knows the pulse of the audience and knows how to tickle their emotions. While maintaining his box office balance in higher amounts he made sure that there is no sacrifice in quality. He selected the best suitable cast and his crew was very able, efficient and supportive. All marks to Lal Jose. Here is the director the new generation can look for. We need more directors like him. Unfortunately he is the only one who is successful so far.
Dr. Iqbal Kuttippuram is the next person who contributed to the success at the most with his brilliant script. Each character is genuine and perfectly created where the situations were realistic & and add to the cause of the film. Ways to go Dr. Iqbal.
Srinivasan steals the show with his nearly perfect acting. He suites the role very much and he lives the character. Sivaji did a good job, but somehow I felt the role could be done better. Chang Shumin gave performed brilliantly and she gave the fresh look for the character. Her lip moment were perfect in those song scenes the only place she try to imitate Malayalam. Indrajith (as Anwar, a follower of Mukundan), Jagathy & Salim Kumar did their roles beautifully. Rest everybody is fine. Atlas Ramachandran come down to create a joke of himself and succeeded.
In Lal Jose films, we cannot expect many songs, but the songs which we get will be nostalgic, meaningful and good. So is the case with the film.
Choroegraphy well mixed with the songs and the story. Manoj Pillai’s Camera beautifully absorbed the beauty of Dubai and Kerala for the need of the film.
In fact there were 2 issues the movie dealt with. One, the communism and 2nd the problems of expatriate Indians. When the focus went with communism, everybody were discussing whether the characters resembled Pinaray or Achuthananthan, the real issues highlighted by the film didn’t got the necessary attention. However, that doesn’t prevent the film to give the message loud and clear.
We need people with value who know the importance of hardwork and ready to work for the society, back at home. Please correct the party acts before it get late.
Any flaws in the film? Yes, but ignorable if we watch it for entertainment. For discussions, there are serious issues and many flaws. A nice film to watch after a long wait.
The struggle continues. Until the wise take over let us follow the ignorant.
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Check the movie web site if you are more curious:
https://arabikatha.com/index.html
And of the Director’s
https://directorlaljose.com/