Amal Neerad’s meticulously crafted film, “Bougainvillea,” is a neo-noir psychological thriller that not only explores the intricacies of police investigations but also delves into the complex realm of gender dynamics and the frailties of the human mind. The film features riveting performances by Jyothirmayi as Rithu and Kunchacko Boban as Roy, who capture their respective roles with ease and authenticity. Meanwhile, Fahadh Faasil, who is perpetually in fine form, skillfully supports the lead roles with his nuanced acting.
Set against a chilling backdrop shaped by Sushin Shyam’s subtle yet haunting sound design and captured through the evocative lens of cinematographer Anend C Chandran, “Bougainvillea” keeps audiences on the edge, crafting a narrative where reality blurs with hallucination in Rithu’s tormented mindscape. This thriller plays out as an intense game of mental chess, leaving viewers to continuously puzzle over what is real and what is imagined until the very end.
While “Bougainvillea” marks a significant contribution to the genre, Malayalam cinema has a rich history of films that skillfully intertwine themes of amnesia and investigation. These cinematic experiences provide gripping narratives that linger in the minds of cinephiles. Here, we revisit four such movies that have become iconic in portraying the interplay of memory and identity.
Rosshan Andrrews’ “Mumbai Police” is a fast-paced thriller centered around a police investigation into a fellow officer’s mysterious death. It plunges into the labyrinthine psyche of its protagonist, Antony Moses, portrayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran. Antony suffers from partial memory loss after a car accident while en route to meet his brother-in-law, Farhan Aman, played by Rahman. The gripping narrative follows Rahman as he assigns Antony with tracking down the shooter of fellow officer Aaryan, played by Jayasurya. Despite his memory challenges, Antony’s skills as an investigator shine, leading to an exhilarating pursuit full of twists that keep audiences engaged until the film’s conclusion. Although the movie faced critique regarding its treatment of homosexuality, it remains a tightly scripted example of a thriller done well.
In P Padmarajan’s enchanting drama “Innale,” we witness a poignant exploration of memory through the story of a young woman who loses her memory in an accident. Shobana’s character, affectionately named Maya by Sarath (played by Jayaram), pieces together her life while recovering in a hill station hospital.
. Maya forms a new bond with Sarath, juxtaposing her former life with her husband, Dr. Narendran, portrayed by Suresh Gopi. When Narendran arrives to reclaim his lost partner after recognizing her in a newspaper, Maya’s failure to remember him leads to a bittersweet resolution. This narrative masterfully evokes emotional depth and leaves viewers reflecting on the nuances of identity and love.
Adikkurippu, crafted by SN Swamy and helmed by K Madhu, is another standout work in the Malayalam film landscape. This legal thriller, enriched with courtroom drama and political machinations, stars Mammootty as Bhaskaran Pillai, with Jagathy Sreekumar and the late Sukumaran in significant roles. Jagathy’s character, Basheer, a man marooned after a traumatic maritime event, suffers from amnesia. As attempts on his life unfold, layers of suspense reveal a larger conspiracy. The film balances action with intrigue, as Bhaskaran Pillai endeavors to unravel the mysteries cloaking Basheer’s past, drawing parallels to Arthur Hailey’s compelling novels.
Lastly, “Utharam,” scripted by the acclaimed MT Vasudevan Nair and inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s short story ‘No Motive,’ offers a dramatic narrative helmed by Pavithran. This film unpacks the aftermath of a seemingly content housewife’s suicide. Her grieving husband enlists the help of her best friend to comprehend her tragic decision. Leading the investigation into her life is Balu, a journalist character played by Mammootty, who uncovers a tragic past long buried following Selina’s devastating accident. The film ties together poignant threads of suppressed memories with cathartic resolutions.
These films, much like “Bougainvillea,” express the profound impact of memory on human experience, offering a canvas upon which directors and actors paint vivid, psychological portraits that captivate and move audiences deeply. Each film presents complex narratives where memory serves as both a blessing and a curse, reflecting the intimate journey into the mind’s enigmatic corridors.
