As someone who writes—for the joy of writing, I have always remained sceptical about writing about a movie (like Iratta here). There are several reasons for this. However, one thing that permeates this scepticism is my apprehension about my ability to comprehend and fully appreciate the technicalities of a movie.
But a brilliant film titled “Iratta”—that too, the one which I could only understand through subtitles—has swayed me to do the otherwise.
“Iratta” has a riveting storyline
Malayalam language movies, known as Mollywood cinema, have an aesthetical presence. The recently premiered Netflix movie Iratta” (meaning “dual role”) is one such. Joju George plays dual characters, Pramod and Vinod (both are police officers stationed at the same place).
The sheer brilliance of Joju George is captured in how the actor plays two distinct—often contradictory—roles. The movie moves back and forth, drawing on storylines based on different characters and their engagement with the protagonist. However, the old-boy-like climax of the movie leaves you with a distinct discomfort.
“Iratta” starts as a slow-paced narration; however, the climax contributes to a complete cinematic experience for the audience. The storyline sustains a thin thread of twins (Vinod and Pramod) whose childhood defined their life choices.
The movie explores the complex bond between the two brothers, their childhood trauma, and sibling rivalry. Pramod becomes a Deputy Superintendent of Police, while Vinod is a brute ASI. The story begins with the death of Vinod, who was shot thrice in his chest while on duty. The investigation into the death follows the storyline.
Experimentations with the climax
Through each frame, director and writer Rohit M. G. Krishnan tells the story of Vinod—from his troubled childhood to the drunkard police who gambles and assaults women. Vinod’s death causes suspicion about three other police officers at the crime scene.
The story also revolves around Pramod and his estranged wife, who left him 17 years ago with their child. While it is unclear till the end the reason behind the supposed murder of Vinod, the climax holds all the pieces interwoven so that “Iratta” becomes a brilliant thriller.
The film “Iratta” experiments with the so-called Rashomon effect, a kind of storytelling that contains contradictory storylines, interpretations, or descriptions of actors, thereby puzzling the viewer in the climax.
There have been multiple movies using this narrative technique. One that I can think of is a Kannada movie, “Ulidavaru Kandante” (as seen by others). The Kannada movie had taken the route of narrating the story of a protagonist as seen by others—a literal interpretation of the Rashomon effect.
Key takeaway
But “Iratta” is a completely new kind of movie. With its brilliance, this movie will remain essential to versatile Malayalam films and Indian cinema. The movie keeps you engaged till the end with its storyline.
Joju George has breathed life into both his characters. He deserved to be watched and appreciated. I also give my kind regards to all those involved in the process of making this film.
For all movie lovers, I will say: THIS MOVIE IS A “MUST” WATCH!
Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81676929
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