Watch Puthan Panam

Puthan Panam is a 2017 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Ranjith Balakrishnan, prominently featuring one of the stalwarts of the Malayalam cinema, Mammootty, alongside a talented ensemble cast including Swaraj Gramika and Mammukoya. The film is a socio-political drama that delves into the effects and the underbelly of financial malpractice and black money on Indian society, angst against corruption, and the changing economic landscapes brought upon by governmental decisions.

Set against the backdrop of the Indian government's 2016 demonetization move, Puthan Panam highlights the sociopolitical atmosphere in Kerala, through the eyes of its varied characters. Mammootty plays the character of Nithyananda Shenoy, a middle-aged business tycoon who hails from Kasaragod and is fluent in the regional dialect of the area. His authoritative and influential persona dominates the scenes as he navigates the tumultuous waters stirred by the sudden withdrawal of the 500 and 1000 rupee currency notes which were declared invalid overnight.

Swaraj Gramika and Mammukoya, along with other actors, contribute substantially to the narrative, playing characters that represent the strata of society uniquely affected by the demonetization. Swaraj Gramika especially stands out in a role that connects directly with Shenoy, leading to a series of events that drive the film’s plot forward. Mammukoya's performance adds depth to the story, providing comic relief as well as adding to the social commentary through his character's experiences and reactions.

The film opens up with the chaos that ensued following the demonetization announcement, capturing the panic and rush among the populace to exchange or deposit their old currency before a deadline. In this chaos, we meet Shenoy’s character, who is deeply entangled with the system of black money and feels the immediate impact of the government's decision on his business empire. His journey through the crisis serves as a microcosm for the larger economic and social issues that plague the state and, by extension, the country.

Director Ranjith uses Puthan Panam to explore the themes of greed, financial discrepancies, and the clash between traditional business practices and modernizing forces. He stitches together a series of narratives that bring to light the struggles of the common man and the questionable ethics of the wealthy. The complex relationships between the characters help to drive home the message that the financial system is interconnected, and any disruption to that balance has ramifications for all members of society.

Through the film, the viewers are presented with a vivid portrayal of rural Kerala, its linguistic diversity, and the cultural backdrop which colors the lives of its residents. The meticulous attention given to the dialect spoken in the Kasaragod region is commendable, and this authenticity extends to the art direction and the overall mise-en-scène.

One of the prime focuses of Puthan Panam is the character development of Shenoy, portrayed brilliantly by Mammootty. Shenoy is more than just a business tycoon; he is a flawed human being whose experiences and actions give the audience a front-row seat to his moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts. His interactions with other characters reveal the multitude of layers he has, oscillating between a calculated money-minded individual to someone capable of empathy and introspection.

The film, while a serious drama, has its moments of levity, mostly brought out through the interactions between characters and the situational comedy that arises from their desperate attempts to come to terms with the rapidly changing economic scenario. Mammukoya’s character exemplifies the common man who comically yet poignantly bears the brunt of high-level policy decisions. His performance along with the other supporting cast adds textures to the narrative canvas that the director attempts to paint.

Puthan Panam is not just a story but an experience where the ramifications of demonetization are felt by all characters, rich or poor, powerful, or powerless. As typical of Indian cinema, the film doesn't shy away from the colorful and visceral elements that come part and parcel with its cultural identity. It has its share of dramatic confrontations and moralistic dialogue, reflecting the sentiments and views prevalent during that time frame.

The background score and soundtrack of Puthan Panam, although not a focal point, blend seamlessly with the storytelling, punctuating the narrative at crucial junctures and aiding in building the appropriate mood needed to resonate with the audience. The cinematography helps capture the scenic beauty as well as the cramped, anxiety-inducing spaces populated by the characters, reinforcing the complexities and paradoxes of the narrative.

Wrapped in layers of politico-economic commentary and social drama, Puthan Panam is a film that attempts to offer insights into the psyche of Indian society when thrust into economic upheaval. It tries to paint a picture both vast and deep, focusing on individual human stories while perpetually connected to the overarching theme of financial instability and the human cost of systematic corruption. It reaches out to highlight the struggles, resilience, and ever-present hope of the people in the face of unprecedented adversity.