Watch Elippathayam

Elippathayam is a 1982 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The movie is produced by M. Mani and stars Jalaja, Karamana Janardanan Nair, and Rajam K. Nair. The movie is considered to be an amazing work of art by many, and is well received both critically and commercially. The movie is centered around Unni, played by Karamana Janardanan Nair, a middle-aged man who refuses to accept the changing times and refuses to get married, even though his sisters have already gotten married and moved out. He lives in a large ancestral home, called Elippathayam, which translates to "Rat Trap," with his two sisters, a servant girl and a few rats, which he allows to run unhindered through his home.

Unni's life takes a curious turn, when a girl named Thankam, played by Jalaja, is sent by her father, a close friend of Unni's, to live with him, due to her family's poor financial circumstances. Thankam takes care of Unni and his home, but as time goes by, Unni's delusions and eccentricities become more pronounced, and it is clear that he is unable to handle certain social situations.

The film perfectly captures the essence of rural Kerala in the 1970s, and the way in which society is changing at a rapid pace, with modernization and industrialization looming large. There are several subtle motifs that recur throughout the movie, most notably that of the rats and their place in Unni's life. There is also a poignant and moving scene where Thankam tries to help Unni gain closure about his past, which is one of the most powerful moments in the movie.

One of the most striking things about the movie is its ability to perfectly capture the solitude and isolation of Unni's life, and the way in which he is stuck in the past, even as everyone else around him is moving forward. The house itself is a metaphor for Unni's life, and the way in which he is trapped by his own delusions and memories.

Overall, Elippathayam is a masterpiece of Indian cinema, and a work of art that will stay with you long after you have finished watching it. The performances by the cast are superb, and Adoor Gopalakrishnan's direction is masterful, bringing the world of rural Kerala to life with a meticulous attention to detail. This movie is a must-watch for lovers of Indian cinema, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted drama that perfectly captures the human condition.