Are we dark and savage beings on the inside? Is the educated exterior only for show? Well, Iratta is here to provide a whole new worldview.
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What lies beneath the surface? Iratta has some pointers
Applauded for every single frame that brings out the emotions in the film, the Rohit M. G. Krishnan direction is easily one of the best Malayalam crime thrillers of 2023. A tale of two estranged brothers turns quickly sour as the story progresses. The non-linear narrative keeps the audience guessing till the very end. And the answers definitely do not lie on the horizon of expectations.
In the context of Malayalam cinema, Iratta holds significant relevance, embodying the evolving narrative styles and production values being embraced in recent years. As such, the film appeals to traditional audiences as well as attracting a newer demographic, eager for innovative storytelling in regional cinema. Its impact on the industry and audience’s expectations have been profound in the successive months.
A concurrent whirlwind of emotions
Central to the film’s impact are the performances of the lead actors, whose portrayals resonate powerfully with the public. Each actor embodies their roles authentically, expressing a range of emotions that portray the complexity of their characters. Joju George’s double role brings forward a depth that has seldom been seen in Indian Cinema. Their performances not only elevate individual arcs but also weave an interconnected narrative that captivates viewers, underscoring the intricate dynamics of Iratta.
For filmmaker Rohit M. G. Krishnan, the film was more personal than consumerist. As he arrives at a different kind of tragedy in his chat with Film Companion, the writer-director says, “I initially planned this as a small-budget, indie film with just one location — a police station. I watched a lot of one-location movies like 12 Angry Men (1957) and Exam (2009) and tried to see how they hooked people in, how they built curiosity. I also knew the ending had to be strong. I’d read this incident of a policeman who was shot inside a police station in Kerala and wrote a narrative around it. I started the first draft in 2017 and completed it within a year. It travelled through several producers and actors, during which I kept rewriting, adding new characters and layers.”
Further explaining his motive, “When you look at the ending, Vinod and Pramod have the same face. And Pramod’s daughter hasn’t seen her father yet. When she realises that her father’s alive and he’s Pramod, it will shock her because her father and her rapist have the same face. It’s not a horror movie, but a lot of people have said they got horror vibes from the end, especially the scene in which Pramod looks at himself in the mirror and sees Vinod.”
If anything, Iratta‘s reception highlights the audience’s growing appetite for films that reflect a deeper understanding of society. Quite a blueprint to leave behind!
For more updates on crime-thrillers, read here.
