Watch Iyobinte Pusthakam

Iyobinte Pusthakam is a Malayalam period thriller film released in 2014, directed by Amal Neerad, who is known for his visually stunning filmmaking style. The movie is set in the early 20th century amidst the backdrop of the pristine and rugged terrains of Munnar during the British Raj in India. It combines an intricate plot with complex characters to portray a compelling narrative weaved with themes of family, power, betrayal, love, and revenge.

The story is centered around Iyob, played by Lal, a loyal, yet brutally ambitious estate manager who rises to wealth and power through dubious means during the British colonial tenure in Kerala. His malicious endeavours land him a vast estate and the title of a landlord. The plot unfolds through the perspective of Iyob’s youngest son, Aloshy, portrayed earnestly by Fahadh Faasil. After a long stint at sea, Aloshy returns from World War I as a decorated naval officer. Ashore, he finds his ancestral home mired in chaos and at the brink of ruin. The family dynamics have changed, and adversarial relationships have taken root while Aloshy was away.

Aloshy's come back after a long period stirs the pot of family relations, where the discord between his two older brothers, played by Vinayakan and Jinu Joseph, and their different ideologies are at the forefront. Their father Iyob's domineering presence and questionable moral compass significantly influence his sons' lives and choices, pitting them against each other in a struggle for power and acceptance. This creates a volatile environment fraught with tension, signaling that all is not well in the land owned by the once esteemed patriarch.

The other significant character in the movie is Angoor Ravuther, a shrewd and menacing character played by Jayasurya. As an antagonist, he brings a level of cunning and ruthlessness to the narrative, challenging the characters and intensifying the plot's intricacies. Ravuther, with his own vendetta, intertwines with the family's fate in unexpected ways, marking his role as pivotal in the film's sweeping drama.

Another crucial character that adds depth to the storyline is the enigmatic Rahel, played by Padmapriya Janakiraman. She emerges as the fulcrum of an undercurrent of romance and intrigue, further complicating the already twisted web of relationships. Her presence provokes decisions that ripple through the family, affecting each member's fate in profound ways.

Iyobinte Pusthakam also boasts a rich tapestry of supporting characters who, through their individual stories and the parts they play, add layers to the master narrative. Each interaction, each subplot conjured by these characters, ties back into the overarching tale of a family in disarray, a legacy in jeopardy, and a man's quest to make sense of the world he left behind.

From the cinematographic standpoint, Amal Neerad’s proficiency is on full display, as he captures the high-range landscapes and period-specific sets with a painter's touch. The enchanting visuals and stunning cinematography are matched by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that sets the mood for the film's intense and emotional journey. This synergy of audio and visual creates an immersive experience that pulls the audience into the story's heart while still being able to maintain a certain distance as observers to the unfolding carnage of this family saga.

The director makes strategic use of flashbacks to help the audience piece together the family's storied past, revealing just enough to keep the suspense alive and the viewers engaged. The narrative, while intricate, is structured meticulously, allowing for a gradual unraveling of the deeply entrenched secrets that lie beneath the surface of the ostensibly noble family.

The scripting of Iyobinte Pusthakam is notable for its rich dialogue and vivid character portrayals, which bring out the essence of the period in which the story is set. There's an evident effort to maintain historical fidelity while intertwining the fictional account, resulting in a film that is not just a cinematic spectacle but also a thoughtful reflection of the era's socio-political landscapes.

Overall, Iyobinte Pusthakam is a compelling drama that combines elements of a family saga with that of a gritty period thriller. Under Amal Neerad's direction, the film is a complex tapestry with outstanding performances, especially from Fahadh Faasil, Lal, and Jayasurya, ensuring that the tale of Aloshy’s return and the subsequent revelations engulf the audience in a riveting storyline all the way through. With a narrative as lush as the landscapes it is set in, this movie offers a feast for the eyes, the ears, and the mind, exploring the darker side of human nature when confronted with ambition and the changing tides of time.