Released in October 2019, the Malayalam-language film “Vikruthi” (transl. ‘Mischief’) is a timely warning against the dangers of the normalization of the internet voyeur culture.
Every day, we look at thousands of photos and videos of people we don’t know on social media. And we judge them based on our own life experiences. In doing so we sometimes commit the grave mistake of not looking at the ‘other side’ of the story and passing easy judgments on people we don’t know. Trial by social media is a dangerous worldwide phenomenon these days and Vikruthi warns us of its disastrous implications.
Directed by Emcy Joseph, the comedy-drama based on true events that took place in a Kochi metro train in Kerala, India, is an eye opener. Eldho (Suraj Venjaramoodu)—a hearing and speech impaired middle aged man—falls asleep on a Kochi metro train on his way home after spending a couple of sleepless nights taking care of his daughter at the hospital.
Just then, Sameer (Soubin Shahir)—a migrant worker who is in his hometown for a vacation—sees Eldho, assumes he is drunk, and posts his photo with an implicating caption on social media. The photograph becomes viral within hours and by the time Eldho and his family realize what’s happening, he has become infamous as the “Kochi Metro Drunkard.”
The film then goes on to show the effects of the viral photograph that portrays Eldho—a teetotaler school peon—as a drunkard. The photo not only affects his professional life but also puts enormous strains on his family, including his hearing and speech impaired wife, a son, and a daughter.
Despite being a debutant, director Joseph’s storytelling in this film written by Ajeesh P. Thomas is brilliant. The writer/director duo takes a small incident that also tells a representational tale of our present-day society, and weave it into a 2h 3mins film that is thoroughly entertaining and educating.
In recreating what was based on true events for the big screen, the filmmakers take minimal ‘creative liberties’ and refrain from cheap filmy gimmicks. They stay honest to their story, which also applies to the actors.
Sameer’s social media post putting Eldho into an extremely difficult situation comes back to haunt him. The photograph not only hurts Eldho’s reputation but also has a chain effect that boomerangs on the photo-taker. The two characters, who don’t know each other, are engulfed in a cyclone of fear, anxiety, and confusion—just because of one photograph.
Award-winning actors Suraj and Soubin, playing Eldho and Sameer respectively, are like ‘men-next-door’ cast randomly for a film. This characteristic of Malayalam cinema sets it apart from other film industries in India. Actors in Malayalam movies do not exaggerate or unnaturally amplify their characters. The emphasis is more on fitting their characters.
In this movie, the lead actors continue the same tradition of becoming a part of the movie without sticking out.
Who should watch it?
Vikruthi could be an enjoyable watch for anyone who likes serious dramas with a touch of dark humor. The movie is simple yet compelling, and definitely worth a watch.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Run time: 2hrs 3 mins
Actors: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Soubin Shahir
Director: Emcy Joseph
