DEVADHOOTAN (2000): AN UNDERRATED MOLLYWOOD CLASSIC

Despite being a brilliantly made film, “Devadhootan” (2001) failed to make an impression at the box-office. The Sibi Malayil directoral’s ill fate was due to the fact that it wasn’t the theme of that particular era. Malayalam cinema has had distinct trends throughout its history. Be it family drama era or comedy movie era or action thriller era. Any movie released out of its era had a very little chance of box-office success. The stereotypes are vanishing now. A fair amount of credit must be given to OTT platforms.

The much creatively made film was released amidst the other films where the needless glorification of the hero is of prime importance. Some of these elements are reflected in this movie too. Despite adding all the commercial success formula, this classic dark mystic thriller film failed to make a mark at the box-office. Maybe it was too dark for a typical Malayalam film released at that time.

Very unfortunate!  RIGHT?

The movie begins with famous musician Vishal Krishnamurthy (Mohanlal) winning a prestigious musical award. As the movie proceeds his memories take us to an old college campus. Madam Angelina Ignatius (Jaya Prada) runs the institution. She leads a solitary life, after her father William Ignatius deceased years ago. Vishal is a former student of the same institution, from where he was expelled due to the reason of playing a special musical instrument (“The Seven Bells”) treasured by Angelina, an accusation he refuses to accept till date. After being ousted from college he struggles to make the ends meet. As he returns to the college for another reason, the door to Angelina’s tragic romantic past opens through him. As the story unfolds, you realise that everything from beginning to end is pre-planned by someone else.

It wouldn’t be faulty to call it a musical. Music is the true essence of this movie. A wonderful tale of how music connects two entirely different individuals. The “Aleena and Maheshwar romance” is truly incomplete without music. It is imperative to mention the great Vidhyasagar, the very own music director of this film. The whole movie feels like it is embedded in music. The music really builds up the emotion of the setting where the plot travels next. It is nearly flawless. This movie brings together a wide variety of musical styles. Be it the pure classical music or the glorious western rhythms, the fusion is marvellous. Even the least noticeable background scores feel tailor-made for the particular theme of the movie. The “Karale Nin Kai Pidichal” song has a separate cult following till date.

Definitely the film is of supernatural genre. Opposed to the classical “Yakshi culture” in Malayalam films, this film doesn’t present a bloody supernatural being with a terrifying look before us. But the film never fails to haunt us. A mystic feeling is imparted into the audience even with the aid of the softest creature alive “the dove”. Dove tries to represent both love and soul synonymously. The music essentially adds to the haunted vibe of the movie.

The stunning locations add to the aesthetic feel of the movie. The beauty of colour tone, characteristic costumes and everything make the movie more watchable. The breathtakingly natural acting is what makes the film really memorable. Jaya Prada marvellously portrayed the hope and true love which pours life into the character of Angelina. Mohanlal has also delivered a fine performance. Adding to the perfection, the supporting cast have done full justice to their roles.

The movie definitely has some flaws. If we bring the movie to the present scenario, the technology feels somewhat out-dated. However it is perfectly fine for a Malayalam movie released in 2000s. Since the film belongs to the supernatural genre with the light shade of an art film, it lacks sync in few places.

Even though it failed the then theatre audiences, it succeeded in impressing the critics. It has also won several accolades. Kerala State film awards for Best Music Director and Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value to mention a few.

The film got a real push when it hitted the TV screens. “Devadhootan” and its songs became part of the Kerala movie culture and now holds a wide cult following. Critics and audience praise the movie as a “classic” alike. The movie also has a fair re-watch value. Yet the movie feels underrated compared to other hugely popular Malayalam Films.