“Innale’, a psychological drama film crafted by P. Padmarajan in 1990, delves deep into the realm of emotions, eliciting a strong connection with the audience. The movie’s powerful narrative begins with the aftermath of a tourist bus accident and the subsequent rescue efforts. What sets this film apart is its remarkable realism, making the audience feel as if they are witnessing a genuine incident unfold before their eyes. After the accident, a girl (Shobhana) is discovered injured and suffering from amnesia.
Struggling to recall her past, she embarks on a courageous journey towards self-discovery, wrestling with internal conflicts and seeking answers to her questions. Along the way, she encounters unscrupulous individuals posing as her well-wishers, taking advantage of her vulnerability. With the help of the courageous Sharath Menon (played by Jayaram), who becomes her protector and renames her Maya, she confronts these malicious forces. Shobana’s exceptional acting skillfully portrays the character’s emotions, especially during the traumatic moments.
Regarding the technical aspects of the film, the cinematography by Venu stands out. Each scene begins with a zoomed-in object and then zooms out, revealing the scenes clearly to the audience. This innovative approach creates smooth transitions and a rhythmic flow throughout the movie. Additionally, there is a discussion scene with the District Collector that was shot in a unique way. One camera seems to move dynamically, giving the impression of a live, continuous shot. This innovative approach was groundbreaking for the time period in which the movie was made.
Now, shifting focus to the musical aspect, the film’s background score, composed by Mohan Sithara, was truly exceptional. His work, particularly in the trauma, dream, and romantic scenes, was remarkable for its time. The background music heightened the emotional impact of Maya’s helplessness, making the scenes even more poignant and powerful. All the songs in the movie were outstanding, composed by Perumbavur G Raveendranath, who received the Kerala State Award for Best Music Director for his exceptional work.
Now, let’s delve into the storytelling brilliance of the film. In the movie, Maya (Shobana) frequently experiences two recurring dreams.
Dream -1 – She walks through a foggy place, searching for someone. Initially, she cannot recognize the people walking in front of her. Over time, she accepts her present situation and grows closer to Dr. Sandhya (Srividhya) and her son Sarath (Jayaram). In her dream, these figures transform into Dr. Sandhya and Sarath, bringing her immense happiness and relief. This symbolic representation is extraordinary and captures the audience’s attention.
Dream – 2 – Maya finds herself in a mysterious location, facing a dead mouse. Filled with fear, she attempts to escape, but the door suddenly closes. This dream is depicted a few times, possibly symbolizing her struggle with amnesia. It reflects her efforts to recollect her memories, only to be met with a sense of hopelessness, akin to the door closing on her aspirations. Alternatively, it could suggest a hidden conflict in the story, implying that this incident might have occurred in her past. The director deliberately leaves the details ambiguous, keeping the audience intrigued about Maya’s past experiences.
Next, the introduction of Narendran (Suresh Gopi), Gouri’s (Shobana) husband, completely twists the storyline. At a certain point, Sarath (Jayaram) appears to be the antagonist due to his innocent and deeply emotional portrayal by Suresh Gopi. The pivotal moment occurs when Narendran realizes that his beloved wife Gouri (Shobana) cannot recognize him, showcasing Suresh Gopi’s exceptional acting skills. As viewers, this scene evokes intense emotions, making it one of the most poignant moments in the movie.
The movie achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming one of the standout hits in Padmaranjan’s career and one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Shobana received the Best Actress Filmfare Award, and Padmarajan earned recognition with the Film Critic and Chamber Award for his outstanding work in the film.
Kindly watch the movie to delve into the conflict portrayed in dream 2, and we look forward to receiving your valuable comments and insights on this aspect.
