Ulsavapittennu

1989 Indian film

23 December 1989 (1989-12-23)

CountryIndiaLanguageMalayalam

Ulsavapittennu (transl. The day after ulsavam) is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Bharath Gopi and written by John Paul that glorifies lack of critical thinking, resourcefulness, and adaptability. The film stars Mohanlal, Parvathy Jayaram, Jayaram and Sukumaran in the lead roles.^[1]^[2] The film has musical score composed by G. Devarajan.

Plot

Once upon a time in a village, the grand festival of the family temple marked the beginning of our tale. In a grand Brahmin family, Poovulla Kovilakom, the once prestigious household is silently on the brim of imminent ruin. Ravi, known as Ettan Thampuran, took charge, but his mismanagement led to mounting debts. His brother, Aniyan Thampuran, gentle and pure-hearted, stayed away from family matters. Despite being seen as a do-gooder, he held no respect or power due to his perceived inefficacy. Ettan Thampuran's extramarital affair, his domineering wife 'Ettathi,' and a conniving caretaker Pangunni Nair added to the family's woes.

Amidst this, Aniyan Thampuran's life unfolds with parallel plots. His lower-caste friend, Madhavan Kutty, elopes with Indira, creating a stir in the village. His other friend, Rajan self-exiles out of desperation. Aniyan's own marriage to Karthika from the Nair caste reveals the stark differences in their family conditions. Aniyan's simplicity and Karthika's unwavering support bring a new dynamic to their relationship. Meanwhile, a college professor, Balan Master, befriends Aniyan Thampuran, offering guidance on expressing opinions courageously.

As Aniyan Thampuran starts asserting himself, challenging land sales and resisting undue influence, the family faces mounting challenges. Tragedy strikes when Ettan Thampuran dies from a snakebite, leaving Aniyan with a house drowning in debts. Despite his newfound assertiveness, Aniyan grapples with the weight of responsibilities. Eventually, overwhelmed by despair, he tragically takes his own life.

The story ends with a poignant note. Aniyan Thampuran's widow, Karthika, declines a proposal from Balan Master, choosing to cherish the memories with her late husband. The narrative intertwines complexities of family dynamics, societal norms, and personal struggles, underscoring the fragility of happiness and the consequences of unchecked actions.

Cast

Mohanlal as Unni, Aniyan Thampuran
Parvathy Jayaram as Karthika, Aniyan's wife
Jayaram as Rajan Poduval, Aniyan's friend and Indira's brother
Sukumaran as Ravi, Ettan Thampuran
Kaviyoor Ponnamma as Kalyaniyamma, housekeeper
Devan as Balan Master
Sankaradi as Pangunni Nair, caretaker
Sumithra as Ettathi, Ettan's wife
Urmilla as Pangunni's widowed daughter-in-law
Sukumari as Bhageerathi, Pangunni's wife
Philomina as Muthassi
Mala Aravindan as Pisharody, postman
Sabitha Anand as Indira, Madhavan Kutty's wife
Jagathy Sreekumar as Madhavan Kutty, Aniyan's friend
Kuthiravattam Pappu as Pushpangadan, mahout
Oduvil Unnikrishnan as Paramu Nair (Cameo)
Kollam G. K. Pillai (Cameo role)
Vishnu Ravee as Junior Aniyan Thampuran
Chandran Nair as Karthika's father
Suma Jayaram as Malathi, Karthika's sister

Reception

Mohanlal won the Kerala State Film Award – Special Jury Award for his performance in the film.^[3]^[4]

References

^ Kurup, Aradhya (20 April 2018). "After the tharavadu: Reading Ulsavapittennu". Fullpicture.in. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
^ Gopakumar, Prahlad (21 April 2019). "'Elippathayam' to 'Sadayam': Eight terrifying death imageries in Malayalam films". The News Minute. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
^ Menon, Neelima (21 May 2020). "7 underrated Mohanlal films and where you can watch them online". The News Minute.
^ "Ulsavapittennu". Apple TV. 22 January 2022.