Watch Irakal

Irakal is a 1985 Malayalam film directed by the legendary filmmaker KG George. This psychological thriller tells the story of a dysfunctional family, their dark secrets, and the consequences of their actions. The movie is known for its non-linear narrative and sophisticated storytelling style. The film revolves around the life of a family living in a small town in Kerala. The patriarch of the family, Joseph (played by P.C. George), is a successful businessman who is also a sadist and a womanizer. He has two sons, Ayyappan (Ashokan) and Kannan (Azeez), who work in his business. However, the relationship between the father and sons is far from cordial.

The movie opens with the brutal murder of Joseph, and the rest of the film is a flashback that leads up to the murder. The story is divided into five chapters, each narrated by different characters, unveiling the various aspects of the family's dark past. As the movie progresses, we come across different characters, including Joseph's wife, his mistress, and his employees. Everyone seems to have a motive for the murder, and the audience is left to piece together the puzzle of the family's sordid history.

Irakal is a film that explores the psychological trauma of its characters. The characters in the movie are far from perfect - they have their own secrets, lies, and weaknesses. However, what makes the movie stand out is how the filmmaker captures the characters' vulnerabilities and their underlying pain. The film explores themes such as incest, child abuse, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.

The movie's non-linear structure is one of its key strengths. The narrative jumps back and forth between different points in time but still manages to maintain coherence. The shifts in perspective, coupled with the exceptional character development, all lend to building a cinematic experience akin to a literary masterpiece.

The movie has a predominantly male cast, which fits well with the themes. The performances are all top-notch, but it is Ashokan's stellar portrayal of Ayyappan that steals the show. The character starts off as a simpleton but gradually transitions into a complex character with a disturbed past. Ashokan does a remarkable job in portraying the character's mental state, and the audience is left to sympathize with his plight.

The movie's technical aspects are also noteworthy. The cinematography and editing are excellent, and the use of lighting and music creates an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's dark themes. The movie's score is haunting and adds to the sense of unease throughout.

One of the highlights of Irakal is the screenplay. The movie tells a complex story without resorting to cliches. The characters are fleshed out believably and are not reduced to one-dimensional caricatures. The film avoids spoonfeeding the audience and is tied together expertly in the climax, leaving the audience with a sense of satisfaction.

Despite its strong points, Irakal is not without its shortcomings. At times, the movie can be slow-paced, and the non-linear narrative might not appeal to everyone. However, these issues do not detract from the overall experience of the movie.

In conclusion, Irakal is a masterpiece of Malayalam cinema that explores complex themes with nuance and depth. The film stands the test of time and remains a significant work in the filmmaker's oeuvre. The movie is not just a thriller but a study of human behavior and the effects of trauma. It is a movie that will stay with the audience long after the credits roll.

Irakal is a 1985 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.