Watch Munnariyippu

Munnariyippu is a 2014 Malayalam-language mystery-thriller film starring Mammootty, Aparna Gopinath, and Saiju Kurup in lead roles. Written by Unni R. and directed by Venu, the movie follows the life of an ex-convict C.K. Raghavan (Mammootty), who is released from jail after serving 16 years for a crime he didn't commit. The story begins with Raghavan's release from prison, and from the first scenes, it's pretty clear that this isn't going to be a usual comeback story. Raghavan prefers to keep his past behind him and doesn't want to talk about it. As a Police Officer tries to interrogate Raghavan about his past, he remains tight-lipped and keeps moving forward.

As Raghavan tries to start his life anew, he meets a journalist Anjali Arackal (Aparna Gopinath), who is keen to know more about his story. Despite initial resistance from Raghavan, Anjali breaks the ice, and they soon develop an odd relationship that seems to border on a platonic friendship. As the story unfolds, Raghavan's mysterious past becomes the focal point, and the layers of his complex personality gradually begin to peel off.

Director Venu creates a world where every character seems to be holding secrets and motivations to hide. Raghavan's past reveals discreetly, and his character remains an enigma for most of the film. On the other hand, Anjali's persistent need to know Raghavan's story creates friction between the two.

Mammootty's understated performance draws the viewer into the character's psyche, and one can feel Raghavan's angst and pain beneath the calm exterior. The dynamics between Raghavan and Anjali are quite interesting, with their relationship displaying the perfect balance of curiosity, apprehension, and mutual respect.

The movie's screenplay by Unni R. is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the film. He has mastered the art of slow-burning reveals, creating a sense of foreboding that adds to the movie's intense mood. Aparna Gopinath's portrayal of Anjali is also impressive, and she achieves a delicate balance between curiosity and empathy for Raghavan’s character.

The movie's climax is one of the most memorable scenes of the film. The scene is intense, emotional, and wholly unpredictable. Without giving too much away, it's the perfect culmination of a story that kept the viewers intrigued all along.

The cinematography by M.J. Radhakrishnan is especially praiseworthy as the camera primarily focuses on the characters, choosing to tell the story visually, more than through dialogue. The background score is haunting and blends well with the mood of the film.

Overall, Munnariyippu is a slow-paced movie that rewards one's patience with a fantastic twisty story of a man's journey for redemption. The movie is an intense character study focusing on the protagonists’ internal struggles, with their only window to the world being their interactions with each other. Anyone who loves cinema that values character over spectacle should watch this excellent Malayalam film.

In conclusion, Munnariyippu is a well-made thriller, which slowly unfolds its secrets captivating the audience throughout. The film is an engaging watch that has a haunting quality to it. The terrific performances, excellent screenplay, and superb direction make this movie a must-watch for anyone who is looking for an outstanding piece of Indian cinema.

Munnariyippu is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.