Spirit

Ranjith's 2012 Malayalam film follows an alcoholic television presenter. Raghunandan is a well-known figure, intelligent, well educated, and treats drinking as a trait of character. He remains friends with his former wife and her new husband. The idea at the centre is how alcoholism wraps itself in an intellectual cover. Raghunandan defends his drinking as a cultured habit; the film leaves that defence standing for a long time before showing what it costs. A parallel story sets out what alcohol does to a poor family. Mohanlal's performance is among the most discussed of his later career. The ending turns didactic, which drew criticism; still, few films in Malayalam cinema treat the subject this openly. Who it's for: those who like character-driven Malayalam drama. Who it's not for: viewers who do not want to approach alcohol dependence; the film places it at its centre.