If one watches the trailer of “Malick”, they know they’re in for a gangster epic, spanning decades and changing political landscapes with an obviously exceptional performance from current darling Fahaad Fasil. It also shows us the filmmaker’s viewpoint on interfaith conflicts. The movie just builds on these themes with exceptional filmmaking and performances.
Sulaiman “Ali” Ikka is an immigrant who comes to Ramadapalli with his mother and sister, escaping a plague. The localities accept them, give them housing and education and they become one among them. But they aren’t really one. They are let in but kept at a distance. This goes both ways. The immigrants holding on to their faith as their only strength, the localities holding onto theirs with the pride of being land owners. Amidst all this, is a struggle for individual identity. An area which is used by surrounding villages as a garbage land-fill and the fishermen and women aren’t paid their dues. The present generation not only has to keep their inter-faith friendship afloat, they also have to be independent from the rulers. Ali Ikka becomes the rebel who fights against the powers that be to establish their own identity. He along with his group of friends change the landscape of Ramadapalli, clearing out garbage and establishing schools. But they are not weary of politics which is round the corner. How Ali Ikka becomes a messiah and a victim of politics forms the rest of the film.
The title of the film is “Malick”, although it is not just his story. He only sets this saga in motion, through him we see the evolution of a settlement. From immigrants to citizens to vote banks. Every character in the film represents a sect or an ideology. The screenplay gives equal weightage to every character in the film. There is no character who doesn’t contribute to the progression of the story.
The film is directed by Mahesh Narayanan, known for features such as “Take Off” and “C U Soon” (which was India’s first computer screen film). He has also written and edited the film. It is safe to say that the film is completely his vision and it is stunning. The long sweeping takes of the Ali Ikka household and Ramadapalli, the placement of songs and background score, and especially handling of multiple character arcs has to be lauded. Not everything is explained, but everything is shown. Also, his homage to “Nayagan” and “The Godfather” is classy.
While we all were ready to fall in love with FaFa’s eyes all over again, the star of this film is Vinay Forrt as David. He is the only character which not only represents an ideology, but is also his own person. We feel for everything he goes through. Kudos to Forrt for humanizing an ideology. The cinematography is in the style of a documentary which adds to its realism. The music by Sushin Shyam stands out in rousing moments.
Watch the film for a nuanced view of a political topic, some excellent filmmaking and phenomenal performances. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Good job Nishanth. Keep writing. All the best.