PremiumI.V. Sasi’s Kanamarayathu turns 37: Here are a few films by the director you must not miss
Alfred Francis
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Kanamarayathu is a coming-of-age drama directed by I.V. Sasi, starring Mammootty, Rahman and Shobhana in lead roles. The movie is a love triangle revolving around Sherly (Shobhana), an orphan, her sponsor Roy (Mammootty), and her admirer Baby (Rahman). Sherly falls for Roy without knowing that he is her sponsor. Roy also has feelings for her but does not admit it due to the huge age gap.
It has been four years since we lost the great filmmaker I.V. Sasi, whose stories mirrored the innermost desires of humans in a style so unique to him. Needless to say, this also included movies surrounding the love lives of teenagers. OTTplay takes you through the movies by the legend you must watch.
1
Aavanazhi
This film is the first among I.V. Sasi’s Inspector Balram trilogy featuring Mammootty. Mammootty plays CI Balram, a sincere and hard-working police officer who is often undermined by the judicial system. He turns an alcoholic after his lover leaves him. He catches Sathyaraj, a murderer on the run. However, he is acquitted by the court due to a lack of evidence. A humiliated Balram decides it is high time to deal with Sathyaraj in his style. Balram fabricates several cases and creates fake evidence to incriminate Sathyaraj. Mammootty’s hyper-masculine avatar is a delight to watch.
2
Anuragi
Annie (Ramya Krishnan) gets into an accident while on a trip and ends up in the jungle. She is helped by Sham (Mohanlal), a charming young man whom Annie falls for. However, Annie is shocked to know that Sham is already married and is a father to a kid too. She confronts Sham and he informs her that she is suffering from PTSD and has been admitted to an asylum. Both confess their feelings and take their relationship forward. As he returns home, Sham is shocked to find his wife (Urvashi) has recovered. Now he’s in a dilemma. Should he stay with his wife and support her? Or should he return to Annie as he promised?
3
Mrigaya
Another classic by I.V.Sasi with Lohithadas’s script starring Mammootty. Father Panangodan is in charge of a parish that is the hunting ground of an infamous man-eater. He hires Varunni (Mammootty), the son of an old hunter to kill the tiger. The villagers look at Varunni with contempt as he is a drunkard and womaniser. Yet, a kind Varunni strikes a rapport with Bhagyalakshmi, a young girl. Mahesh, who loved Bhagyalakshmi gets jealous and fights Varunni, but falls to his death. Varunni, feeling partially responsible, decides to repent his wrongdoings and save the village.
4
Mrugaya
Another classic by I.V.Sasi with Lohithadas’s script starring Mammootty. Father Panangodan is in charge of a parish that is the hunting ground of an infamous man-eater. He hires Varunni (Mammootty), the son of an old hunter to kill the tiger. The villagers look at Varunni with contempt as he is a drunkard and womaniser. Yet, a kind Varunni strikes a rapport with Bhagyalakshmi, a young girl. Mahesh, who loved Bhagyalakshmi gets jealous and fights Varunni, but falls to his death. Varunni, feeling partially responsible, decides to repent his wrongdoings and save the village.
5
Arhatha
Devaraj (Mohanlal) is appointed as the Chief security officer in a chemical factory owned by Krishnadas and his son Mahesh (Suresh Gopi). Devaraj has an ulterior motive. The factory is infamous for the draconian rules of Mahesh, who controls it with an iron fist. Above all, this is a personal mission for Devaraj, whose father was murdered in the same factory years ago.
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6
Midhya
Rajasekharan/Rajan (Suresh Gopi) is more like a brother to Venugopal (Mammootty), given the former is the son of the Venu mentor Shivan. Venu takes care of Rajan and helps him grow as a businessman. He also sacrifices his love for Devi, when he comes to know that the latter is engaged to Rajan. However, Rajan gets into bad company and is involved in illicit activities in his company because of his greed. He even suspects that Devi and Venu are having an affair. How will Venu clear his misunderstanding? Or is it too late already? Watch the movie to know more.
7
Devasuram
This movie is considered an action epic in the Malayalam film industry. Mohanlal gave life to the character, Mangalassery Neelakandan, a “feudal lord” with a kind heart and wayward ways. Neelakandan harbours enmity with Mundakkal Shekharan, and the two spare no chance to spar with one another. Neelakandan is betrayed one day and gets beaten up and loses his mobility. To add to his woes, those whom he considers his friends desert Neelankandan. Bhanumathi (Revathi), a dancer whom he insulted earlier, nurses him back to health. This makes Neelakandan realise that he has been all but arrogant and cruel and resolves to reform himself.
