’Kireedam’ was the first Mohanlal Movie I watched and this dates back to the year 1991. Although was just about 10 years old, the story left a tremendous impact on me and Lalu’s performance in the climax still leaves a lump in my throat. Until Kireedam happened, being tamilian I was of the opinion that Kamal Haasan is the best actor but all that has changed since! Clearly Mohanlal is aeons ahead of others (the closest is of course Mammooty) and is virtually peerless.
Surely credit must be given to Lohithadas for coming up with such a brilliant script. The depth of the characters in this movie is arguably the best ever from Lohi (others might argue otherwise). The script is devoid of any unnecessary scenes or characters and more importantly it is poignant but never melodramatic or over-top at any point. It is a simple story told in a beautiful way. Sibi Malayil’s direction is perhaps the best during this golden period. His class in direction is up there with the likes of Aravindan, Padmarajan, Hairharan, Bharatan, etc.
Thilakan and Mohanlal have not acted, they have lived their respective roles. Their chemistry and performance as father and son remains etched in our memory forever. The remorse, grief and poignancy brought out by the principal characters is top notch and is the stuff great acting is made of. The art of restraint (a feature of malayalam cinema only) is at it’s best in this movie. Mohanlal displays a myriad of emotions and is a lesson in acting for budding and seasoned actors alike, if you will!
The climax of the movie has to be one of most heart-wrenching and depressing even to this date. Mohanlal’s performance in the climax leaves you speechless, you feel what ’Sethu’ is going through , his life crumbling in front of him and leaving him helpless. No other actor can evoke such feelings, I assure you. Credit to Lohi for the last scene where Keerikadan Jose’s photo is replaced by Sethu’s photo.
It is a pity that Lal got just the Jury’s special award and not the national award. It is also a pity that Kireedam did not receive any other recognition at the national level. All said and done, this will remain a cult classic not just in Malayalam cinema but Indian cinema itself.