The 3rd content in this “Hidden Gem Series” is a first in a few ways (in the series): it is the first film selected, the first non-Netflix content to be chosen and the first non-English language product to be added. ‘Sandesham’ is the hidden gem chosen this week and the film is cited by many as the best Malayalam film to be ever made (of all time).
One of the few comedy satires that would actually ever make any top 10 list – let alone becoming the best film in a language category, this Malayalam film was well ahead of its time and it still holds up today. This 1991 Indian film takes a few digs at the political activism in Kerala while hitting hard at the actual political parties in the state. Some of the problems mentioned in the film are still prevalent today, and it is not just within the state either.
Sreenivasan was and still remains ahead of his time. This versatile actor is not known by many to be a brilliant writer and the script for this film remains one of his biggest brainchilds of the early 90s. The film follows a retired railway employee, Raghavan who wishes to live the rest of his life in peace with his family. He is however forced to play mediator for his two sons who are part of two opposing political parties. The story is quite simple, but to the point, which was lacking back in the 90s Mollywood films.
Sathyan Anthikad does a brilliant job of helming this gem. Thilakan, Jayaram, Sreenivasan, Siddique, Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Maathu, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Mala Aravindan, K.P.A.C. Lalitha, Mamukkoya, Sankaradi, Innocent, Bobby Kottarakkara, Biyon and Ambili all star in this feature film in prominent roles.
The political satire ‘Sandhesham’ is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.