Annmariya Kalippilaanu

Midhun Manuel Thomas's 2016 Malayalam film follows an angry and stubborn primary school pupil. Annmariya is furious with her teacher; she befriends a young man who is her neighbour and asks for his help. The idea is taking a child's logic seriously. Annmariya's demands seem absurd to adults but are consistent on their own terms; the narrative does not try to correct her and it is the adults around her who must adapt. Sara Arjun leads and her performance carries the film. Sunny Wayne plays the neighbour. The narrative takes an unexpected turn in the second half and the subject changes entirely; that transition is not always smooth. Who it's for: those who like Malayalam family films and child-centred narratives. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a consistent genre; the film begins as comedy and goes elsewhere.