Watch Kaliyachan

Kaliyachan is a 2015 Malayalam drama film directed by Farooq Abdulrahiman. The movie features veteran actor Manoj K. Jayan in the lead role, along with M.P.S. Naboodiri Kalamandalam and Manikandan in supporting roles. The film was produced by Hand Made Films and had its world premiere at the Mumbai International Film Festival. The story of Kaliyachan revolves around a temple elephant named Kaliyachan, who is a fierce and aggressive animal, notorious for his violent outbursts. Despite his behavior, the local villagers have a deep reverence for Kaliyachan and believe that he is a reincarnation of Lord Ganesh.

The film is set in a small village in Kerala, where Kaliyachan is the prized possession of the local temple. The mahout, played by Manoj K. Jayan, has been taking care of Kaliyachan for years and has developed a strong bond with the elephant. However, things take a turn for the worse when the temple committee decides to replace Kaliyachan with a younger and more docile elephant.

The decision to replace Kaliyachan sets off a chain of events that exposes the corrupt practices of the temple committee and the political influence that they wield. The mahout, who is deeply attached to Kaliyachan, refuses to give up the elephant and is forced to go on the run with the elephant. The rest of the movie follows the mahout and Kaliyachan as they navigate through various obstacles and try to evade the authorities.

The film explores themes of corruption, spirituality, and the complex relationship between humans and animals. The film also touches upon the issue of illegal elephant trading, which is a prevalent practice in Kerala. The director, Farooq Abdulrahiman, has done an excellent job of creating a realistic portrayal of village life in Kerala and highlighting the social and economic issues faced by the people who live there.

The performances in Kaliyachan are outstanding, with Manoj K. Jayan delivering a powerful performance as the mahout. M.P.S. Naboodiri Kalamandalam and Manikandan also shine in their supporting roles. The film is shot beautifully, with stunning visuals of the Kerala landscape and the elephant in all its majesty.

Overall, Kaliyachan is a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema and anyone interested in socially relevant stories. The film has won several awards, including Best Film at the New York Indian Film Festival and Best Actor at the Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival. With its powerful storytelling and stellar performances, Kaliyachan is a movie that will leave you thinking long after you leave the theater.