Malayalam Movie Review: Kireedam (1989)

'നിൻ്റെ അച്ഛനാടാ പറയുന്നത് കത്തി താഴെ ഇടാൻ!' 

There won't be many Malayalis who haven't heard this dialogue. While it is used with a humorous touch in trolls and whatnots, this dialogue was part of the most touching scenes in the movie Kireedam. The actors, Mohanlal and Thilakan had clearly given their 100% in this climax scene.

Kireedam tells the story of a young man whose dreams are shattered because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sethumadhavan, affectionately called Sethu, is the eldest darling son of Achuthan Nair, played superbly by Thilakan, a police constable. Achuthan's greatest wish is to make Sethu a Sub Inspector of Police. Sethu, who loves his father very much, tries his best to live upto his expectations and bring his father's dreams to fruition. He is in love with his cousin, and everyone has given their consent for the marriage. So far so good.

But then everything turns around as Achuthan is transferred to an obscure village as a punishment for filing a case against a politician's son. The village is notorious for its large number of criminals and is a nightmare for policemen. Achuthan's colleagues assure him that there is nothing to worry about if he turns a blind eye to these criminal activities. But then he does get involved and so does his son.. And their whole lives turn upside down...

Achuthan believes that no one has the right to take justice into his own hands, even if it is his son. He puts his duty as a policeman even above his love for his son. Sethu understands this but would not have chosen the alternative of not getting involved. The rest of the movie narrates how an ordinary man is pushed into the world of criminals by societal pressure and how easily even a family's darling could turn into a curse.

Kireedam has some stellar performances by Thilakan and Mohanlal with comic relief rendered by Cochin Haneefa, Jagathi and others. There is some touching music too which kindles nostalgia in many. This movie is where we got to see one terrifying villain Keerikkadan (Oh boy! I was scared of this guy while watching this movie for the first time!). In short Kireedam is a timeless classic which I am sure even the new generation would love watching. 

Watch the movie here:

Directed by: Sibi Malayil

Written by: A. K. Lohithadas

Starring: Mohanlal, Thilakan, Parvathy, Jagathy, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Jagadeesh

Music by Johnson