Amal Neerad’s brilliantly constructed film, Bougainvillea, is a gripping neo-noir psychological thriller that explores the labyrinth of the human mind alongside a complex police investigation and a probing examination of gendered relationships. Starring Jyothirmayi as Rithu and Kunchacko Boban as Roy, the film showcases the duo’s seamless portrayal of their characters, while Fahadh Faasil, ever-reliable, provides stellar support with his nuanced performance.
Bougainvillea captivates audiences with its intricate plot and artistry that leans heavily on Sushin Shyam’s haunting yet understated musical score, alongside Anend C Chandran’s evocative cinematography. Together, they weave a suspenseful narrative of mental manipulation that leaves viewers questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion. Rithu’s tumultuous journey to distinguish between truth and her own hallucinations forms the film’s spine-chilling core.
While Bougainvillea stands out for its contemporary take on psychological drama, Malayalam cinema has a rich tradition of films intertwining themes of memory loss and intense investigative narratives, each crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. Among these, four notable films have etched themselves indelibly in the hearts of cinephiles, enduring through the years.
First on the list is Rosshan Andrrews’ high-octane thriller, Mumbai Police. The film dives into the mind of its protagonist, Anthony Moses, played skillfully by Prithviraj Sukumaran. A police investigation into a fellow officer’s murder is complicated by Anthony’s partial amnesia from a traumatic accident. As Rahman’s character tracks down the sniper responsible for killing Aaryan, played by Jayasurya, it becomes clear that the case is a deeply entangled web. Anthony’s personal upheaval mixes with his professional obligations, leading to a rollercoaster narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Although the film received some criticism for its handling of homosexuality, its clever script and relentless pace solidify its reputation as a distinguished thriller.
Bringing a softer yet poignant touch to the psychological drama genre is Padmarajan’s Innale. This film tells the tender tale of a woman, played by Shobana, who suffers from amnesia following a road accident. Her subsequent journey of recovery unfolds within a hospital in the serene backdrop of a hill station. Here, she is named Maya and cared for by Dr.
. Sandhya (Sreevidya) and her son Sarath (Jayaram), who eventually falls for her. The narrative thickens as a seemingly random newspaper encounter pulls in Dr. Narendran (Suresh Gopi), Maya’s long-lost husband, who arrives unexpectedly, challenging the fragile new life she has unknowingly constructed. He chooses to keep his discovery a secret, leading to an achingly bittersweet resolution that lingers with the audience long after the credits roll.
Adding a twist of legal intricacy to this conversation is SN Swamy and K Madhu’s Adikkurippu. This courtroom drama weaves political machinations with the suspense of forgotten identities. Basheer, played expertly by Jagathy Sreekumar, is a drifter who loses all memory of his past following a harrowing maritime ordeal. Attempts on his life hint at a larger conspiracy at play. Mammootty’s portrayal of Bhaskaran Pillai, the astute lawyer who pieces together Basheer’s past and aids him in uncovering the embedded secrets, is a standout performance in this legal thriller, reminiscent of classic Arthur Hailey mysteries.
Lastly, the intricate exploration of buried memories takes center stage in Utharam, directed by Pavithran and scripted by MT Vasudevan Nair, based on Daphne du Maurier’s short story, “No Motive.” The plot follows the unsettling case of Selina (Suparna), a seemingly content homemaker who inexplicably ends her own life. Her husband turns to her confidante, journalist Balu (Mammootty), to unravel the reasons behind her death. Balu’s investigative journey to uncover Selina’s suppressed past unearths a heart-wrenching tale of trauma and forgotten truths. The film concludes on a hopeful note as Balu and Shyamala (Parvathy) bring closure to the tragic chain of events that led to Selina’s demise.
Published on October 29, 2024, at 11:33 am IST, these films serve as a testament to Malayalam cinema’s adept storytelling, blending mystery with the profound depths of human memory and identity exploration. They continue to resonate strongly with audiences, offering a treasure trove of narrative brilliance within Indian cinema’s vibrant landscape.
