As the UBC and NaBloPoMo have come to an end, I have been spending the past week on a lazy note. Did a bit of reading, watching mindless television, the normal. Today I saw a re-run of one of my favorite movies in Malayalam- Njan Gandharvan (I, Celestial Lover). It is a fantasy romance, a genre which is handled beautifully by one of the most celebrated writer and director of Malayalam films- P. Padmarajan. This was his last movie as he died shortly after it was released. A lot of 'bad omens' are said to have taken place at the movie set and in his personal life and the subject of the movie had been postponed many times owing to its sensitive nature.
The movie talks about the love between a girl called Bhama and a Gandharva. Gandharavas are known to be heavenly beings and singers, who descend the earth in order to seduce young virgins. However, as fate would have it, they fall in love with each other. The Gandharva asks Bhama to call him Devan. In falling in love with her, he has already committed a crime in his world. A lot of mistakes, in his words. And the punishment for it would be grave. But each one worthwhile because of the time he gets to spend with her.
Bhama lives with her family and the scenes where Devan conquers the heart of her mother and grandmother are memorable. But one of my favorite parts is at the beginning of the movie when she finds a wooden doll on a college trip. It is this wooden figure who soon transforms into the handsome Devan, whom she falls in love with at first sight.
Padmarajan has done full justice to the story and it is heart wrenching towards the end. The movie has a lot of beautiful songs speckled in which enhances the appeal. This is a movie which makes you wish for a happy ending for the lovers, irrespective of the fact that Devan may never get a chance to be a human being like Bhama.
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| Image courtesy: Google |
The movie is there on Youtube in case you want to watch it. I'm not too sure whether subtitles will be available though. This is a must watch for all romantics. And well, if you are fascinated with fantasy and mythology (like me), DO NOT give this one a miss!
P.S. The title has no relation whatsoever to the post, now that I have finished writing it!
Sounds like a must-watch for me but can't manage without subtitles. Let me see if I can get them :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, you would be lost without subtitles. Check you tube. They should be having, I guess. Do let me know if you watch it :)
DeleteWhataay movie, this is ! The eternal romance ! No words !!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the songs by ganagandharvan himself !
That is true, Sreeja :) The songs itself are mesmerizing. I can listen to them over and over again!
DeleteI have seen this one. She was a beauty in those times no?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, she was really gorgeous in those couple of movies that she's acted in those times. Have you seen her now??? :O
DeleteGlad you are taking some time off, I am sure the UBC was challenging, I could never dare do it :)... I have watched very few Malayalam movies purely because of the language constraint... but have always wanted to. Will make a note of this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks you, Seeta :) The break feels good, but I miss blogging and writing though. So I guess I shall be back soon :)
DeleteDo watch this one if you get it with subtitles. Worth your time :)
I think I'll watch it. Thank god I don't need subtitles :D
ReplyDeleteYOU haven't seen it? Go watch it NOW!!!!
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