Nov 25, 2004 04:06 PM
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(Updated Nov 25, 2004 04:58 PM)
She is Raziya, the beautiful wife of Akbar.
And what tragedy has befallen her today? If she does not beg for forgiveness, her husband dies. Akbar has been judged a murderer by the court of Shariyat in Saudi Arabia for killing a fellow Indian there. The death sentence by beheading is only a week away. But even the Shariyat gives a last chance to all ill-fated sinners. If the victim's relatives forgive Akbar, he can be set free. The shattered Raziya cannot wait any longer for every passing hour is a sign that she may not see her husband forever.
She is Ganga, the beautiful wife of Raghavan.
And what tragedy has befallen her today? She just lost her husband to an untimely and early death reportedly a murder.
She is inconsolable, so are her in-laws the father and brothers of Raghavan. Forced to accept the humiliating custom bestowed on a very traditional, orthodox Hindu woman (wiping the sindoor from forehead, breaking of bangles by banging the wrists together and donning the white garments for the rest of her life), will Ganga ever pardon Akbar?
The Movie
Perumazhakalam(while it rains hard) is a emotionally draining yet enriching movie by ace director Kamal about the terrible anguish that strikes Raziya and Ganga's lives and how they beat the odds. While the background constantly lashes with heavy rainfall, we cannot afford to relax even for a while as our attention gets constantly riveted to the scenes of Raziya's pleas and Ganga's battle with her own conscience. The emotions in the air are simply overwhelming and we can forgive ourselves for having moist eyes viewing the sobbing moments.
Songs
Meherba, meherba is melodious and is picturised on Raziya dancing on the occasion of the mehendi ceremony of her close friend.
The remaining songs of the famous lyricist Kaithapram picturised on Raziya reminiscing her good times with Akbar and the other picturised on Ganga reminiscing her wonderful moments with Raghavan are also pleasing to the ears.
Performances
Two young leading ladies of Malayalam cinema come together for the first time, the talented actress and graceful dancer Kavya Madhavan as Ganga and the National award winning actress Meera Jasmine as Raziya. Difficult to say who was better. Both get totally involved in their characters and come out with absolutely sincere and sensitive performances. Watch out Raziya's expression when she first hears the news of Akbar's arrest and also the potrayal of anger, sadness, confusion and fear in Ganga's face.
The others who manage to shine in whatever space that's left are superstar Dileep, Vineeth (both in guest roles as Akbar and Raghavan), Biju Menon, Mamu Koya, Salim and Shivaji (probably his last movie before he passed away).
It's been two days now after hearing the death verdict on Akbar and Raziya has hardly eaten a morsel. A pale shadow of her former self she never sleeps thinking of the horrid conditions her husband must be undergoing in jail. To add to the nightmare, she must still take care of her baby while brushing away the lecherous advances of her cousin who attempts to take advantage of Raziya's helplessness and vulnerability. Can John Kuruvilla, Akbar's best friend help Raziya survive this dark period? Although he manages to arrange the necessary paper to nullify Akbar's death penalty, it's useless unless signed by Ganga. Will Ganga give her consent?
The weeping Raziya keeps approaching her braving the cruel comments and physical harassment by the latter's relatives but fails. Finally when Raziya falls on Ganga's feet, the latter asks her just one question, 'Will you forgive if your husband was killed by mine?' Yet Raziya does not quit and her wails keep tugging on Ganga's heart. Finally Ganga thinks, 'Why should I deprive the man his life when God himself has pardoned by giving him a last chance? Wouldn't that be a sin?' But if she pardons, wouldn't ostracization surely follow from her family and the Hindu community? Where will she go and how will she care for her young daughter? Damn if she signs, damn if she doesn't. What happens in the end?
The heart-rending climax will leave many wiping the wet skin under their eyes.
I am reminded of these quotes of the Divine -
And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah (42:43)
If you want to see the brave, look at those who can forgive
--Bhagavad Gita
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.
--Luke 7:47
This movie has nothing much to offer you except the pathos and courage shown by two beautiful daughters of the same God (Allah or Krishna)
And perhaps a message to save humanity during these sordid times?
Inshallah!
