Watch Bhayanakam

Bhayanakam, directed by Jayaraj and released in 2018, is a hard-hitting Malayalam film set against the backdrop of World War II. The movie charts the problems faced by people in a tranquil lakeside village in Kerala, who find their lives disrupted by the arrival of the war. The central character of the movie is a postman named Devan (played by Jojo George), who earns his living by delivering letters and packages to the people in the village. Despite the tumultuous times, Devan is not easily phased, and goes about his business with the sheer determination and integrity that he employs in his everyday life.

As the war finds its way to India, the villagers are caught in an uncertain situation, with many of the able-bodied men leaving to join the army. The movie illustrates how the war deeply impacts the village community, leaving them on edge and anxious, as they wait for news of their loved ones serving in the army. Soon, the villagers are faced with new challenges, notably the sudden arrival of a boatload of refugees, who are seeking shelter from the war.

The movie is as much about the relationships between the people of the village as it is about the war. We see how Devan interacts with each of the villagers, delivering their letters and providing a sense of comfort to those who are struggling. His closeness to the village means that he is privy to the most intimate details of their lives, from the joys of weddings to the heartbreak of funerals.

Bhayanakam avoids the usual trappings of a war movie, with no grand set pieces or explosive battle scenes. Instead, the movie focuses on the aftermath of the war, and how it has affected the real people caught up in the conflict. We see how the war has brought the villagers to the brink of starvation, forcing them to make tough decisions in order to survive.

Director Jayaraj is known for his sensitive treatment of his subject matter, and Bhayanakam is no exception. The movie unfolds with an air of quiet contemplation, with Jayaraj allowing the story and the characters to gradually reveal themselves. The cinematography is exquisite, with the serene village and the tranquil lake contrasting with the harsh realities of the war.

The movie's standout performance comes from Jojo George, who imbues Devan with an air of calm and resilience. George conveys the sense of a man who is slowly watching his world crumble around him, but who refuses to give in to despair. Sabitha Jayaraaj is equally impressive as the wife of one of the missing soldiers, playing her role with a mixture of stoicism and heartbreak.

Bhayanakam is a movie that is both subtle and heart-wrenching, ultimately revealing the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a reminder of the way in which war affects real people with real lives, and how it can leave a trail of destruction long after the fighting has ended. For those looking for a movie that offers a fresh perspective on the war, Bhayanakam is a must-see.