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In the past few days, we have seen everyone rushing to AI software to reimagine themselves in the 80s. Suddenly, our Instagram feeds were filled with template-looking 80s filters, with most people dressed in the purple puffy jacket (pardon my lack of fashion knowledge). Interestingly, a lot of people jumping on the AI trend were alive in the 80s. While it is not an era that is too far off, it is still quite different from what we experience and love today. The 80s lacked so many things that we have today, and that is the beauty of time. But it is honestly not as unidimensional as these AI-generated images make it seem.
So, if you truly want to experience what it was like in the 80s, the best way is to consume movies of the era. Movies not only narrate a story but also capture the essence of the time in which they were made. If you are wondering what to watch and where, I would recommend the Malayalam classic Yavanika, starring Mammootty. It is an investigative drama that unfolds beautifully, with very strong characters and some smart writing.
What Is Yavanika About?
The film, directed by the legendary KG George, narrates the story of a theater group in a small town in Kerala. They are a mix of actors, writers, and musicians who live together and travel around for their shows. Among them is the tabla player Ayyappan. He is a known nuisance and suddenly disappears one evening. A woman introduced as his wife is the lead actress in the theater group. She is upset about his disappearance, but the group knows it is not out of character for Aiyyappan to disappear without informing anyone. The group proceeds with their show without much concern for his presence. However, as days pass and Ayyappan does not return, the group lead files a missing-person complaint. In comes CI Jacob Eeraly (Mammootty) to investigate the missing case and unveil the truth behind his disappearance.
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KG George’s Yavanika was released 44 years ago. I watched the film for the first time quite recently. And when a piece of art manages to engage you even after over four decades, you know it has got substance. The sign of a good investigative thriller is not just a shocking climax, but the process. Yavanika does just that! The investigation, carried out solely by Jacob Eeraly, involves interviewing every member of the troupe individually. Through them, he paints a picture of Ayyappan’s character as a drunkard and a womanizer. It is projected that he is a person whom many might want to cause harm. The stories slowly make it only difficult for the investigator to unearth this case.
The first half of the film is also quite interesting. It slowly sets up and gives us a look into the troupe and their relationships with each other. We get to see a stage play enacted while also seeing the backstage hustle during performances. We become a spectator who gets to see the ins and outs of a drama team and their performance- how they switch on and off from being characters. Despite this, in the first half, we see only an outsider’s perspective on the people. We get to know the members one-on-one when CI Jacob begins his investigation and asks the right questions.
Performances Of A Lifetime
This was one of Mammootty‘s early performances. Today, he is 75 and still ruling Mollywood. It is his performance in films like Yavanika that ensured the longevity of his career. Not just that, the film boasts of a rich star cast including Thilakan, Jalaja, Bharath Gopi, Venu Nagavalli, Ashoha, Jagathi Sreekumar, among others. While today we know them as acting greats, four decades back they were just starting out. It is a treat to watch them at the beginning of their careers and bring in their youthful energy.
The 80s Connect!
Theater was a strong part of Kerala’s culture back then. And KG George’s directorial explores in detail the functioning of a travel group. We see not only the on-stage output but also what goes on behind the scenes. We see the rehearsals, the bond, the motivation to join drama groups, and how it impacts their day-to-day lives.
Naturally, the film is full of modest homes, backstage rooms, liquor shops, police stations, buses, and rural Kerala settings rather than the polished urban spaces audiences are accustomed to seeing in AI-created images. It is also a reminder of a world without technology and how things happened without its support. Yavanika is the perfect watch if you want the flavors of the 80s with an engaging thriller!
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