Meesa Madhavan

Lal Jose's 2002 Malayalam film follows Madhavan, who lives by petty theft. He is accused of stealing the idol of the village goddess; knowing he did not do it, he escapes custody and tries to find the real culprit. The film's appeal lies in the lead's relationship with those around him. Madhavan is a thief but the village does not entirely exclude him; theft here is seen almost as a craft, and the narrative finds that moral looseness entertaining. Dileep leads and the role was decisive in his career. The village life, the songs and the supporting cast follow the Malayalam mainstream formula of the period; the film was a large box office success at home. Who it's for: those who like 2000s Malayalam comedy. Who it's not for: viewers looking for social depth; the film shows village life as idealised and free of conflict.