Irakal, a psychological thriller masterpiece crafted by KG George in 1985, is widely acclaimed as the finest film of its genre. In 2021, Dileesh Pothan’s film Joji, starring Fahad, serves as a source of inspiration for those who have faced adversity. The movie commences with an unsettling background music, reminiscent of the eerie title music in INSIDIOUS, skillfully setting the tone and effectively communicating the film’s essence to the viewers.
MB Srinivasan skillfully orchestrates the film’s soundtrack, effectively drawing the audience into the intensity of each scene. Turning our attention to the cinematography, while the close-up panning shots in the 2021 Prithviraj film Kuruthi received acclaim, similar impactful shots are also evident in “Irakal”
-Same type Paning shots from the movie Kuruthi-
Ganesh Kumar delivers an exceptional performance in the film as the character named Baby. Despite having minimal dialogue, his acting stands out as some of the finest, with each spoken word carrying a significant and powerful impact. In a specific scene, Baby converses with his friend Raghavan (portrayed by Ashokan), expressing that the substitution of human blood for latex would be incredibly impressive. From this scene itself the director shows us that the animal inside Baby.
Recently, we’ve evaluated outstanding antagonists like ‘Mukundanunni’ in ‘Mukundanunni Associates. However, in our view, the character of Baby in Irakal stands out as one of the most compelling portrayals of a negative shade hero in Malayalam cinema. He exudes a level of psychological criminality akin like a famous character Joker, making him exceptionally captivating. The character development of Baby in the film was remarkable, contributing to one of the most exceptional dark films ever created in Malayalam cinema.
In a particular scene, Baby explicitly expresses his lack of fondness for anyone in his household except his grandfather, Pappy. Another scene highlights his affectionate side towards his grandfather, where he listens intently to the old stories about hunting animals. During this moment, Baby’s facial expressions betray the criminal mindset that lurks within him.
Now, let’s delve into the technical aspects of the film, starting with the remarkable cinematography by Venu. The movie features exceptional panning and zooming techniques in specific scenes, highlighting the intensity of the shots. Interestingly, similar shot compositions are becoming a distinctive feature in LJP’s recent films. All of these shots are complemented by an extraordinary score from M.B. Sreenivasan. The seamless integration of visual and sound effects emerges as the most captivating style in this film.
Next up is the most impressive scene I’ve ever witnessed a technically masterful sequence where Baby is plotting to kill his sister. In the planning phase, the camera smoothly glides, descending and advancing toward his sister’s room. When the actual execution of his plan unfolds, the camera replicates the earlier movement, but this time Baby is walking in front of it.
This shot enhances the intensity of the scene, and from an artistic standpoint, it represents the director’s finest work. In today’s context, with the film’s recent release, this particular scene is bound to receive widespread appreciation for its exceptional and superbly executed shot.
The movie got four Kerala State Film Awards, including Second Best Film, Second Best Actress for Sreevidya, Second Best Actor for Thilakan, and Best Story for K. G. George. Notably, in 2016, George received the Muttathu Varkey Award for scripting the film’s screenplay. This marked a historic moment as it was the first time in the award’s prestigious history that a screenplay was recognized for this honor. “Irakal” is considered a classic in Malayalam cinema, known for its unconventional storytelling and exploration of psychological themes.
It has left a lasting impact on the industry and is often cited as one of the landmark films in Indian cinema. In summary, “Irakal” stands out as a thought-provoking psychological thriller that skillfully combines stellar performances, effective storytelling, and social commentary. Its exploration of the human psyche and societal influences contributes to its enduring legacy in Indian cinema.
