Irakal

Last updated • 5 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Irakal
Irakal.jpg
Directed by K. G. George
Written byK. G. George
Produced by Sukumaran
Starring
Cinematography Venu
Edited byM. N. Appu
Music by M. B. Sreenivasan
Production
company
M.S. Films
Distributed byGandhimathi Release
Release date
  • 17 September 1985 (1985-09-17)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Irakal (transl. Victims) is a 1985 Indian Malayalam-language psychological thriller film written and directed by K. G. George and produced by Sukumaran. The film stars K. B. Ganesh Kumar, Thilakan, Sukumaran, Ashokan, and Radha. [1] [2] It won two Kerala State Film Awards—Second Best Film, and Best Story. Irakal is considered the first dark movie in Malayalam and is regarded as a classic film. [3] [4]

Contents

Plot

A ruthless Syrian Christian rubber baron, Mathews aka Mathukutty, builds an empire through business acumen and greasing palms of cops and labour union leaders. His business includes marijuana and hooch. His son, Koshy, who is the second-in-command in his business and illegal activities, is equally ruthless and violent. His second son, Sunny, is an alcoholic, but a normal guy struggling to get out of his father's stranglehold. He rebels once in a while but is incompetent and lazy to go his own way. Mathukutty's only daughter, Annie, is a nymphomaniac, who has no feelings for her husband Andrews or daughter. Her husband is fed up with her wayward lifestyle. Annie comes to live with her maternal family every month, in the pretense of some fight with her husband, so that she can sleep with Mathukutty's henchman and rubber employee, Unnunni. Mathukutty and Koshy are not aware of Annie's wayward lifestyle and think their son-in-law is unduly suspicious by nature. They mince no words while chastising Annie's husband for being the guilty party in the marriage. Koshy even roughs him up when Andrews refuses to come for a reconciliation meeting.

Mathukkutty's youngest son, Baby, is an engineering student. At college, he fantasises about murder and gushing blood. He shows early signs of antisocial behaviors which manifests itself when ragging a junior (freshman). He strangles a junior student with an electric wire. Baby is suspended from the college and returns home. The junior student is admitted to the hospital in a serious condition. His family gets to know of the incident through a newspaper article and dismisses it as a ragging incident gone bad. Baby always keeps the electric wire in his bag as a memento of the incident. Baby is a marijuana addict and shows no alarming outward symptoms of his mental illness. His uncle, Bishop, senses something wrong with his nephew and cannot get through to him.

Baby observes Annie's affair with Unnunni and decides to murder him. He manages to strangle Ununni to death at the tools shed where Unnunni and Annie meet up. Baby hangs the body to stage a suicide. Upon discovering the body, the family disposes of the body to avoid any police investigation into the unnatural death.

Baby has violent dreams, constantly plays with his father's rifle, and imagines murdering Annie, multiple times, using his electric wire and gun. He likes Nirmala, a village girl from a poor family. Nirmala, a young teenager, keeps him interested and even makes love to him under the shade of coffee shrubs in broad daylight. She loves Baby but is well aware of the caste and class divide between them. Nirmala gets engaged to a local shop owner, Balan. She ends the relationship with Baby. Baby murders Balan by strangling him with his preferred weapon, the electric wire. The murder goes unsolved as Baby removes money from the shop making it look like a robbery gone bad.

Nirmala believes that Baby is behind Balan's death and confronts him when they meet at the river. Baby tries to kill her as well, but Nirmala escapes without knowing his intention. Nirmala's mother fixes her wedding to Raghavan, a rubber tapper and Baby's friend. Baby tries to strangle Raghavan too, but fails in his attempt. Raghavan sees Baby's face when the mask he was wearing comes out and reports it to the police. The cops start searching for Baby, who goes into hiding. While his family tries to find him, he suddenly appears with a revolver. He shoots at Koshy, who confronts him, and his father when he shouts at him to stop. Mathukutty escapes the shot, but Koshy is hit though not fatally. While the scuffle is going on, Baby is shot dead by Mathukkutty, using his rifle. His family, in pursuit of making money, did not realise the animal and danger he was becoming through avoidance of society and them.

Cast

Analysis

The film is an in-depth exploration of the psychology of violence. Its theme in undertones depicted the political conditions of the country during that time including The Emergency. Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi are symbolically presented by Thilakan and Ganesh respectively in the film, though George didn't say it directly. [5] Film critic K. B. Venu noted similarity between the film's story and the Koodathayi Cyanide Murders case. Some consider Irakal as one of the best works of George. [6] Certain critics cite the 2021 film Joji could have taken inspiration from this film with regards to theme. [7]

Awards

The film won four Kerala State Film Awards for Second Best Film, Second Best Actress for Sreevidya, and Second Best Actor for Thilakan.Best Story for K. G. George. [8] In 2016, George was awarded the Muttathu Varkey Award for writing the screenplay of the film. It was the first time in the history of the prestigious award that a screenplay was chosen to be awarded. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. G. George</span> Indian film maker and screenwriter (1946–2023)

Kulakkattil Geevarghese George was an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter who worked in the Malayalam cinema. He was the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, along with Bharathan and P. Padmarajan, in the 1980s. He was awarded the J. C. Daniel Award, Government of Kerala's highest honour for contributions to the Malayalam cinema.

<i>Amaram</i> 1991 Indian Malayalam drama film

Amaram (transl. Stern) is a 1991 Indian Malayalam drama film directed by Bharathan and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Mammootty, Maathu, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, Ashokan, Murali, Chitra, and Kuthiravattam Pappu in the main roles. The film's score is composed by Johnson while the songs are by Raveendran.

<i>Naduvazhikal</i> 1989 film

Naduvazhikal is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action crime film directed by Joshiy and written by S. N. Swami. The film was loosely based on The Godfather. It tells the story of Arjun (Mohanlal), who takes up the business empire of his father Ananthan (Madhu), who has been sent to jail, and his clashes with his father's rivals, the Chekkudi brothers. The film also features Murali, Devan, Thilakan, Kuthiravattom Pappu, Jagathy Sreekumar and Manianpilla Raju in supporting roles. The music was composed by Shyam. The film was released on 5 May 1989 to positive reviews and was one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The climax of the film was highly appreciated by critics and audience like.

<i>Pingami</i> 1994 film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad

Pingami is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Reghunath Paleri based on his own short story Kumarettan Parayaatha Kadha. It was produced by Mohanlal through the company Pranavam Arts, and stars himself along with Puneet Issar, Jagathy Sreekumar, Thilakan, Innocent, Kanaka, Sukumaran, Janardhanan and Oduvil Unnikrishnan in supporting roles. The film follows Captain Vijay, who forms a close bond with Kumaran, a severely injured man. However, when he dies, Vijay decides to investigate the cause of his death.

<i>Evidam Swargamanu</i> 2009 Indian film

Ividam Swargamanu is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language family drama thriller film directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by James Albert. It was produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the company Aashirvad Cinemas. The film stars Mohanlal, Lalu Alex, Thilakan, Sreenivasan, Shankar and Lakshmi Rai. The music was composed by Gopi Sunder. It tells the story of Mathews, a farmer who has to fight the real estate mafia over selling his farmland which he refuses to give away.

<i>Witness</i> (1988 film) 1988 Indian film

Witness is a 1988 Indian Malayalam language crime thriller film, directed by Viji Thampi and co-written by Jagathy Sreekumar, starring Jayaram, Jagathy Sreekumar, Parvathy, Madhu, Sukumaran and Thilakan in the lead roles.

<i>Mampazhakkalam</i> 2004 Indian film

Mambazhakkalam is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film directed by Joshiy, written by T. A. Shahid and produced by M. Mani. It stars Mohanlal and Shobana, alongside a large supporting cast. The film features original songs composed by M. Jayachandran and background score by S. P. Venkatesh. It was a box office hit.

<i>Elsamma Enna Aankutty</i> 2010 Indian film

Elsamma Enna Aankutty is a 2010 Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Lal Jose and written by M. Sindhuraj starring Ann Augustine, Kunchacko Boban and Indrajith Sukumaran. The film was produced by Rejaputhra Visual Media and distributed by Lal Creations.

<i>Karakanakadal</i> Indian film by K.S. Sethumadhavan

Karakanakadal is a 1971 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and produced by Hari Pothan. The film stars Sathyan, Madhu, Jayabharathi, Vincent, Sankaradi and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. It is based on the novel of the same name by Muttathu Varkey. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.

Nakhangal (transl. Nails) is a 1973 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by A. Vincent and produced by Hari Pothan. It is based on the novel of the same name by Vaikom Chandrasekharan Nair. The film stars Madhu, Jayabharathi, K. R. Vijaya and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. It was released on 8 September 1973.

<i>Adimakal Udamakal</i> 1987 Indian film

Adimakal Udamakal is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language social problem film directed by I. V. Sasi, written by T. Damodaran, and produced by Raju Mathew. The film stars Mohanlal, Mammootty, Nalini, and Seema, with Ratheesh, Mukesh, Urvashi, Jagathi Sreekumar, Captain Raju, Lissy, Sukumari and Santhakumari playing supporting roles.

<i>Aagneyam</i> 1993 Indian film

Aagneyam is a 1993 Malayalam-language film directed by P. G. Viswambharan and written by John Zakaria and Kaloor Dennis, starring Jayaram, Nedumudi Venu, Sunitha, Gautami, Maathu, Sankaradi, Thilakan, and Mala Aravindan in the lead roles.

<i>Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty</i> 2013 Indian film

Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty is a 2013 Indian Malayalam comedy film written and directed by Ranjith and starring Mammootty in the lead role of an Achayan from Kozhencherry, Central Travancore and also in a cameo as himself. The cast includes Nedumudi Venu, Balachandra Menon, Siddique, Harisree Asokan, Suresh Krishna, P. Balachandran, Balachandran Chullikad, Prem Prakash, Meera Nandan, Muthumani, Krishna Prabha, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. It was produced by Prithviraj Sukumaran, Santhosh Sivan, and Shaji Nadesan under the banner of August Cinema. The film was released on 8 August 2013 on the occasion of Eid-ul Fitr and was a critical and commercial failure. However, modern reception has been positive.

<i>Munnariyippu</i> 2014 Indian film

Munnariyippu (transl. Warning) is a 2014 Indian Malayalam-language psychological experimental thriller film directed by Venu and produced by Ranjith, screenplay by Unni R. The film stars Mammootty and Aparna Gopinath, with Nedumudi Venu, Joy Mathew, Prathap Pothan, Sreeraman, Renji Panicker, Saiju Kurup, Joshy Mathew, and Sudheesh in supporting roles. Prithviraj Sukumaran appears in a cameo role.

<i>Mohiniyaattam</i> (film) 1976 Indian film

Mohiniyaattam is a 1976 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Sreekumaran Thampi. The film stars Adoor Bhasi, Lakshmi, T. R. Omana and Nilambur Balan in the lead roles. The film has musical score by G. Devarajan. P. S. Nivas won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for the film. The film won three Filmfare Awards South.

<i>Champion Thomas</i> 1990 Indian film

Champion Thomas is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language film directed and produced by Rex and written by Jagathy Sreekumar. It stars Sreekumar, Sreeja, Sunny Augustine, Innocent, and Mukesh. The film has a musical score by M. G. Radhakrishnan.

Janam is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Viji Thampi and starring Murali, Siddique and Geetha in the lead roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mathukkutty</span> Indian radio/TV personality (born 1985)

Arun Mathew, better known by his stage name Mathukkutty, is an Indian radio jockey, television host, actor and director. He is known for his association with the Malayalam television shows on One TV, Mazhavil Manorama, Flowers, Zee Keralam, Surya TV and for his role in the Malayalam film Ithihasa, Campus Diary, Kamuki and Hridayam. His debut film as director was Kunjeldho.

<i>Vaarikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam</i> 2019 Indian film

Vaarikkuzhiyile Kolapathakam is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language mystery thriller film written, co-produced and directed by Rejishh Midhila. It stars Amith Chakalakkal and Dileesh Pothan, with Mejo Joseph, Amira Varma, Nedumudi Venu, Shammi Thilakan, Lena and Nandhu in supporting roles. Lal made a cameo appearance. It was released on 22 February 2019. The film is getting ready for a release in China. The film received positive reviews and was praised for Amith's performance. The film was a commercial success.

References

  1. ↑ "Irakal". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  2. ↑ "Irakal". malayalasangeetham.info. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "From 'Sadayam' to 'Kaiyoppu': 10 Malayalam films that flopped but have a cult status". The News Minute. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  4. ↑ "Start the week with a film: KG George's 'Irakal' is a singular study of a psycho". Scroll. 25 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Kamalanayanan, Sreejith (17 September 2016). "Honour for an influential filmmaker". Friday Mania. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  6. ↑ "Case evokes thread of psychological thriller 'Irakal'". 7 October 2019.
  7. ↑ Menon, Neelima (10 April 2021). "'Joji' and 'Irakal': Alike in theme, different in tone". thenewsminute. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  8. ↑ "+++++++++++++ official website of INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATION DEPARTMENT OF KERALA +++++++++++++". Archived from the original on 19 November 2009. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  9. ↑ "MUTTATHU VARKEY AWARD". The Hindu. 29 May 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.