Nila Malayalam Movie
Debutant writer-director Indu Lakshmi's film 'Nila' is an ode to the enduring power of hope that emboldens one to overcome the inevitable survival test in life. The simplicity it carries on strikingly connects to the tender emotions of human nature, besides upholding power of maternity. Indu showcases amazing discipline and deftness in her succinct narration right from the off with appealing shots which throw light on the peculiar inner feelings of the female protagonist about her surroundings.
Shanthi Krishna plays Dr Malathy, a gynecologist, who is brought back to her home from hospital after sustaining injuries in the spinal cord due to a fall. Her US-residing son Mahi (Vineeth) is looking after her with the help of their long-time caretaker Rahman (Mamukkoya). Meanwhile, Malathy, who is confined to bed, is haunted by nightmares and strange noises and she takes them as real. Mahi dismisses her feelings as mere hallucinations as suggested by the doctor. Annoyed by the frequent visit of acquaintances and friends of Malathy, Mahi shifts his mother to a new apartment in the city against her wish. Mahi appoints domestic help Mini (Mini IG) to take care of Malathy and leaves for the US.
The indifference of stone-faced Mini makes solace elude Malathy. In her solitude in the flat, Malathy realizes that gradually she is losing her memory. One day she hears a girl's sound from the other side of her room's wall and starts to talk to her. A bond is slowly developed between Nila and Malathy albeit both of them are not meeting each other. After knowing this, Mahi tells Malathy that it's fake.
Determination and passion for the profession act as catalysts for Dr Malathy to give wings to her hopes. Even Mahi doubts his mother's mental state when she claims that she had spoken to Nila, who is residing in the nearby flat on the same floor. He takes it as part of Malathy's hysteria as she had muttered about strange people earlier. But for Malathy, Nila is like a stagnant river desperately yearning for a smooth passage to flow without any hurdle in the journey of life. In fact, the invisible presence of Nila replenishes the loneliness of Malathy with dreams and hope, making the latter's days a tad 'eventful' on her own terms.
Shanthi Krishna, who effortlessly played an elderly woman in 'Savidham' (1992) and bagged the State Award for the Second Best Actress for it, has painstakingly presented Dr Malathy in 'Nila.' No wonder, the meticulous attention she has given to the character pays off and her subtle emotions lend a sublime authority over the character. With a stellar performance, Shanthi Krishna shines as an embodiment of maternity in this well-crafted flick that emphatically bears a director's signature.
Vineeth impressively imbibes the mental dilemma of an NRI son who complains on a lighter note that his mother had gone to hospital to perform a surgery on his wedding day. As a dutiful son Mahi is not abstaining from his filial duties; instead he becomes worried about Malathy's health while sitting in the US. The role of loyal caretaker is finely essayed by Mamukkoya with expressions that perfectly exuded the helplessness of the character.
Rakesh Dharan's cinematography and Bijibal's music informally converse well with the audience, thanks to the fresh and relatable plot brimmed with emotions of a son and his mother. 'Nila' is a simple and poignant film that kindles genuine emotions, if not haunting, while closely going through the various layers of it. It's an adorable film from a debutant in terms of effortless treatment and engaging narration with limited resources.
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