Watch Piravi

Piravi is a critically acclaimed Malayalam-language drama film directed by Shaji N. Karun and produced by Mohan Lal. The film portrays the story of a father, Achuthan Nair, searching for his son, Govinda, who disappeared mysteriously. Achuthan Nair, played by Premji, is a retired government employee who spends his days in constant worry about his missing son, despite being supported by his wife, played by Lakshmi Krishnamurthy. The story is set in a small coastal village in Kerala where Achuthan Nair's life takes a turn for the worse when Govinda, played by Archana, abruptly disappears after an altercation in his workplace.

Despite efforts to find him, Govinda vanishes without a trace, leaving Achuthan Nair in a state of constant confusion and frustration. He incessantly searches for his son, combing through every nook and cranny of the city, but to no avail. His search leads him to meet various people who help him in his quest, including his former colleagues and friends.

The film is one of the greatest masterpieces in Indian cinema as it is a poignant and moving tale of loss and separation. The narrative is structured as a meditation on the father-son relationship, as well as the love of a parent for their child. Achuthan Nair epitomizes the role of a melancholic father who identifies with the plight of parents who have lost their children to societal evils. His performance throughout the film is remarkable, conveying subtle nuances of emotion and feeling.

The cinematography by Renato Berta is exceptional, capturing the beauty of Kerala's landscape as well as portraying the obscure, shadowy places where the father's search takes him. The sound design and music by Maria Morris and Isaac Thomas Kottukapally, respectively, provides a haunting aural backdrop to the cinematography, creating a dreamy and immersive atmosphere that heightens the gravity of the situation.

One of the strongest elements of the film is its honesty in portraying the reality of a parent's worst fear - the loss of a child - and the emotional turmoil that follows. Shaji N. Karun skilfully evokes the feeling of isolation through his camera's roaming shots, capturing the forlorn nature of Achuthan Nair's journeys. The father's anguish is further highlighted in the film's final scenes, which show him coming to terms with the fact that all his efforts have been in vain, leading to a deeply emotional and affecting conclusion.

Overall, Piravi is a moving and memorable tale of loss and search. It is widely regarded as one of the finest films in Indian cinema and has received several awards and critical acclaim, including the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film offers poignant insights into human nature and everyday life in the picturesque state of Kerala, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer's minds.