Guru

Guru is a brilliantly crafted Malayalam film released in 1997, directed by the esteemed Rajiv Anchal, who won the Kerala State Award for Best Director for this movie. The film showcases the exceptional performances of renowned actors including Mohanlal, Madhupal, and Suresh Gopi in a storyline that addresses various socially relevant issues.

One might define Guru as a philosophical and sociopolitical drama. Mohanlal, who has made an indelible mark in the Indian film industry, gives one of his best performances as Raghuraman. Raghuraman is a secular man who works as a clerk in a very significant government institution. He's an intelligent character with a unique ability to easily adapt to new circumstances.

Despite his secular beliefs and faith in science and rational reasoning, Raghuraman is shown as a man trapped in the conservative societal norms and values, influenced by his father's orthodox Brahmin ideologies. Mohanlal brilliantly brings this character to life, highlighting every emotion and turmoil Raghuraman briefly experiences throughout the film.

Opposite Mohanlal, the character of Vaidehi portrayed by actress Gautami Tadimalla adds a new narrative dimension to the plot, complementing the character of Raghuraman. Suresh Gopi also showcases his remarkable acting skills in the role of Dr. P Narendran, a nuclear scientist.

The film, in essence, explores a spiritual journey. Raghuraman, the protagonist, gets exposure to a new and unseen world that challenges his beliefs and understanding of life and reality. The movie brings up confrontations between science and spirituality, secular and religious beliefs, skepticism, and faith. It leaves room for its audience to contemplate and form their own perspectives on the subjects it presents.

Guru explores the functioning of society, politics, and power structures, subtly unmasking the unspoken atrocities they breed. The movie also showcases power play tactics and its impact on people's lives through the lens of propagandist politics in an intricately designed narrative.

The cinematography of the film, handled by Madhu Ambatt, is an essential aspect of its grand storytelling. The beautiful and meaningful shots highlighting the interactions and relationships between characters add depth to the narrative. Anchal and his crew have gone to great pains to design a narrative that balances both the visual and philosophical aspects in perfect harmony.

The music composed by Ilaiyaraaja contributes significantly to the movie's mood, reflecting the storyline's fluctuating emotional levels. The spectacular background score and songs contextualize and complement the scenes, enhancing the overall impact of the movie.

Anchal, with his film Guru, gives an eye-opening and thought-provoking narrative, questioning the preconceived norms held by society. While the movie sends its audience on a rollercoaster ride of ideas and perspectives, it also compels them to introspect and reflect on their own realities.

Although Guru was not a commercial success during its time of release in 1997, it gained critical acclaim and a cult following over the years for its innovative storytelling and sophisticated theme. It was India's official entry to the Best Foreign Film category for the Academy Awards for that year.

In conclusion, Guru is a profound and intricate piece of work that presents an exploration of the philosophies of existence and reality, politics, and religion. The narrative, coupled with top-notch performances and excellent work from the technical team, puts the film on the list of timeless classics in Indian cinema.