Appunni

Appunni is a 1984 Malayalam drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikad, starring Nedumudi Venu, Bharat Gopy, Mohanlal in lead roles. The movie is a beautiful portrayal of the life of a poor, lower-caste man named Appunni, who struggles to make ends meet in a society that is divided by caste and class.

The story of Appunni revolves around his struggle to get married and to find a suitable bride for himself. Appunni is a lower-caste man who works as a laborer, and his financial condition is not good enough to find a bride who is well-fitted for him. After many failed attempts, Appunni finally meets a woman named Thankam, who belongs to the same caste as him, and they both fall in love.

However, the society they live in is not willing to accept their love, and they face a lot of resistance, especially from Thankam's family. The societal norms and caste hierarchy are so deeply ingrained that people cannot even think of the possibility of a lower-caste man marrying someone from a higher caste. The movie beautifully portrays the struggles that Appunni faces in fighting against these norms and societal expectations.

The movie also shows the strong chemistry between the lead actors, Nedumudi Venu and Mohanlal, who play Appunni's friends. They bring a humoristic tone to the movie and provide a great emotional balance to the serious storyline. Bharat Gopy, who plays Thankam's father, also delivers a powerful performance, depicting a man who cannot see his daughter marrying someone from a lower caste.

The movie also beautifully depicts the scenic beauty of the village in which the characters live. The lush green fields, the serene river, and the simple lifestyle of the people add to the charm of the movie. The songs are also a highlight of the film, especially the love ballad 'Anuraaga Vilochananayi,' which is still very popular among the music lovers of Kerala.

Overall, Appunni is a beautiful movie that depicts the societal norms and challenges faced by the people living in a caste-divided society. It portrays the struggles of the lower-caste people and how their emotions and feelings are often suppressed due to the societal expectations. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to appreciate a well-made movie that portrays the realities of life in a simple yet powerful manner.

The director, Sathyan Anthikad, is known for his ability to depict the human emotions with great sensitivity, and he has done an excellent job with Appunni. The movie was a critical and commercial success when it was released, and it still remains one of the must-watch movies in Malayalam cinema.