Thaniyavarthanam

Sibi Malayil's 1987 Malayalam film follows Balan, a teacher in a village. There is an uncle in the family whose mind has broken, and it is believed locally that the family is cursed to produce one such person in every generation. When the uncle dies, people begin saying that Balan is next. Balan is entirely well; but the rumour destroys his work, his engagement and his relations with his family in turn, and the narrative shows how it fulfils itself. Mammootty leads, in one of the performances most often cited in Malayalam cinema. The screenplay is by Lohithadas. The tone is heavy and the close merciless; the film offers relief at no point. Who it's for: those who follow the harsh dramas of Malayalam cinema. Who it's not for: viewers looking for hope; the film does not save its character and its final section is very hard.