Watch Abhayam Thedi

Abhayam Thedi, released in 1986, is a Malayalam movie featuring the legendary actor Mohanlal, the versatile actress Shobana, and the evergreen Thilakan. The movie is directed by I.V. Sasi and the story is written by T. Damodaran which revolves around the life of a young woman who is robbed and left stranded with no help from those around her. She then meets an auto driver who helps her to find a job and later, helps her to face the challenges in her life.

The film begins with the introduction of Shobha (Shobana), a young woman who has come to Cochin in search of a job. She boards a bus and meets a man who steals her purse, leaving her stranded without any money. She is forced to fend for herself and manage without the help of anyone. During this time, she meets Damu (Mohanlal), an auto driver who becomes her only confidant in the city.

Damu is a man of many talents, despite his humble profession. He is a skilled mechanic, has a good command of English, and is also a counselor to many of his passengers. He takes a liking to Shobha and decides to help her find a job so that she can support herself. His goodwill and kindness towards Shobha soon develop into affection and love.

The character of Shobha is that of a woman who is a victim of the circumstances that she finds herself in. She is forced to navigate through a world that is hostile towards her gender and class. Her experience of being robbed leaves her disillusioned about the inherent goodness of people. However, Damu’s assistance and genuine support help her gain the strength to face the challenges that she is thrown into.

The movie also showcases the inequalities and social evils of the society at the time. The exploitation of women, corruption in the job market, and the prejudice against the marginalized sections of society are all highlighted. The character of Thilakan, as the villainous contractor who exploits the labor class workers, is a reflection of the brutal reality of the time.

The songs in the film, composed by Shyam and written by Poovachal Khader, are an integral part of the narrative. The songs capture the emotions of the characters and enhance the impact of the story. The most notable song in the movie is “Aathmaavil Mutti Vilichathu Pole” sung by K. J. Yesudas. This song stands out because of the poignant lyrics and soulful rendition.

The acting of Mohanlal, Shobana and Thilakan in the film is commendable. Mohanlal’s portrayal of the kind-hearted and sympathetic auto driver is flawless. He captures the essence of the character and brings it to life on screen. Shobana’s performance is also noteworthy as she portrays the transformation of Shobha from a timid and helpless victim to a woman who has the strength to overcome her difficulties. Thilakan’s ability to play the cold, calculative and exploitative character of the contractor is what makes him one of the most talented actors in the industry.

Overall, Abhayam Thedi is a brilliantly crafted movie that is still relevant today. It is a movie that has stood the test of time and still manages to capture the attention of the viewer. The narrative, direction, acting, and music all come together to make it a masterpiece. It is one of I.V. Sasi’s and T. Damodaran’s finest works and serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to impact social change.

Abhayam Thedi is a 1986 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.