Kerala   

Exploring a different intimacy

Ore Kadal

In a society where any frank discussion on sex is still a taboo, director Shyama Prasad tries to probe the issues involving an extra marital affair.

The film is based on Sunil Gangopadhyay’s novel Hirak Deepti. Dr. S.R. Nathan (Mammootty) is a world-renowned professor of Economics. A theorist to the core, he always harps on his pet topics of poverty and developmental issues that concern the third world. He is a loner who hits the bottle. Not a womaniser though, in his own terms, he loves their company.

But his close friend Bella (Remya Krishnan) is more practical. She tries to identify herself with some of the stark realities of life.

Deepti (Meera Jasmine) is a housewife who stays in the same apartment complex with her husband (Narain) and son. Her husband is on the lookout for a job. On his persuasion, Deepti approaches Nathan.

Their chance encounter ends up in a complex relationship. But Nathan is unperturbed and quite unmindful of his ways. While Deepti gets a feeling of guilt, Nathan just shoos it away. In fact, he is working on a book on middle class attitudes and notions. Yet, when confronted with real questions, Nathan loses ground — a reference to the pseudo-intellectual image.

Here, the director closely examines the disturbing relationship between two individuals. Deepti is not able to pull herself away from Nathan.

The undercurrents in the minds of Deepti and Nathan, their tormented souls turbulent as the sea are captured on frame dexterously by Alagappan, the cameraman. Though the film does not give any direct message, it does hint at what makes or breaks a relationship.

Mammootty’s portrayal of Nathan is nonpareil. Meera Jasmine as the disturbed housewife delivers a creditable performance. Girish Puthenchery’s lyrics are scored by Ouseppachan.

G. Jayakumar

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Steep increase in fares to the Gulf
Promoting pottery as a vocation
A walk down memory lane
Monkeys get a taste of Onasadya
Lull after brisk business
The customer is king
Peoplespeak
Exploring a different intimacy
Carnatic recital by girl in ‘hejab’
A day for family reunion
Onam in name only?
Kendriya Vidyalaya student wins top prize
VS delaying decision: Chandy
MVR alleges bid to rig Pariyaram poll
Increase in fares to the Gulf
Rare gesture
Battling it out
Show of strength
Sanctioned by tradition
Celebrating life
Today at Sabarimala
Centre urged to publish White Paper
Study camp on Haj to begin today
Clarion call
Bond of brotherhood
Samastha says ‘no’ to reforms that negate values
In line with tradition
Mesmerising lights
In keeping with tradition

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu