Based on a real life story made famous by a photographer,
the film follows a mentally ill woman and her little daughter. Photographer
Rajan Poduval published some photographs of a mad woman wandering along
the streets of Varkala with a new born baby, which captured the attention
of the public as well as the film producers.
"Makalkku" deals with a mentally ill woman who was
admitted to a mental hospital along with her baby girl. The movie starts
on a rainy night when she gives birth to this baby under a Gandhi statue
on the road. She is admitted to a mental hospital by the police. The
woman doesn't have any sense of the fact that she was pregnant or that
she gave birth to a baby girl. She doesn't remember any thing about
her past and the only word she speaks throughout the film is "Killeri".
Shobhana plays the central character, the mentally
ill woman, in the film. She undergoes treatment at the mental hospital
under the care of Dr.Warrier (Suresh Gopi). The doctor also takes care
of the baby girl whom he names Manasi (Baby Rehana). Manasi grows up
in the care of the hospital staff, the inmates as well as Dr.Warrior.
Her presence makes a difference to the mentally challenged inmates.
Four years pass by, Manasi grows up to be cute little girl but her mother
still doesn't have any emotional feelings towards her nor seems to recognize
her.
At this point the law catches up as it is illegal to
keep a healthy child in the mental hospital for a long period of time
like four years. Now Dr.Warrior is forced to transfer Manasi to a children's
institute in Cochin. His efforts to adopt her also fails. Find out what
will happen to Manasi as well as Killeri.
The
veteran director Jayraj brilliantly presents a touching emotional drama
with skill and charisma. The story has originality as well as depth,
and is powerful enough to capture the charm other films of the same
genre. He maneuvers the fragile tale with great care. His firm hand
and astute attention keeps the film very much on track. He tells a simple
story with sympathy and emotion and delivers a sweet message of hope
for many helpless and hapless children in this kind of situation. He
throws light at helpless inmates who are framed to be mad by their own
families and are forced to stay at the hospital. He finds the right
mix of sympathy and likeability of the characters.
Shobhana presents a brilliant performance as Killeri.
She portrays the mentally ill woman very well that we can believe in
her character. Baby Rehana as Manasi is excellent. The interactions
between her and the hospital staff are excellent. There are many touching
moments between the child and the doctor. The songs are memorable and
melodious. One of the numbers 'Chanjadiaadi urangu nee' sung by Adnan
Sami is especially beautiful.
An enchantingly touching film with emotional resonance
and poignancy, that will stay with you well after viewing it.
We rate this movie GOOD.
