10 ‘A’ RATED MALAYALAM FILMS you don’t want to miss

Although film censorship is a hugely divisive topic, film certification is one area that is more or less considered a useful check to regulate and classify the public exhibition of films. Of the different categories that films are certified under, ‘A’ rated films are those that are strictly restricted to adults, ‘U’ that can have unrestricted public exhibition, and ‘U/A’ that stipulate parental guidance for viewers below 12 years of age. But again the criteria for certifying films have often been debated for the probable influence of individual perception, tolerance and POVs on the variables of categorization. Any film with excessive violence, sex and coarse language that are strong in nature are bound to earn an ‘A’, but as to who decides the definition of ‘strong’ is what makes it questionable. Following is a list of some of the best ‘A’ rated Malayalam films of which some may not entirely seem loyal to the ‘letter’.

10. Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu 1999

directed by T.K. Rajeev Kumar

featuring Manju Warrier, Thilakan, Biju Menon

A woman’s revenge on the murderers of her parents is the basic plot, and to exact it, she uses the easiest weapon at her disposal- sex. But as far as its depiction goes, all she does is use it to lure her enemies. There is absolutely no graphic sex or violence in the film, and it has one of the best performances by Manju Warrier to date.

9. Avalude Ravukal 1978

directed by I.V. Sasi

featuring Seema, Soman, Ravikumar, Sukumaran

One movie that is much overlooked by the mainstream audience owing to its reputation as an ‘adult film’, I.V. Sasi’s Avalude Ravukal tells the story of a young prostitute played with guiltless sensuality by Seema in her most memorable role. Although the focus of the promotional posters at the time was mostly on the skin, the film is so much more than that.

8. Dasharatham 1989

directed by Sibi Malayil

featuring Mohanlal, Rekha, Sukumari, Murali

Having been released at a time when even sex education was not considered a swell idea, it is not surprising to see how a film on artificial insemination and surrogacy landed an ‘A’. But a little parental guidance could easily have made it accessible to kids, as there is absolutely no graphic sex, violence or strong language in it. 

7. Kallan Pavithran 1981

directed by Padmarajan

featuring Nedumudi Venu, Adoor Bhasi, Bharath Gopi

This one easily would have made it to the ‘U/A’ classification had it been released after 1983 when the new category was added, but it really doesn’t matter as Kallan Pavithran is just one of many ‘A’ rated movies written or directed by Padmarajan. Now one has to figure whether to place it with the ubiquitous moral corruption depicted in the film or if it’s the adultery and perversion that got it there.

6. Thakara 1980

directed by Bharathan

featuring Prathap Pothan, Surekha, Nedumudi Venu

Another film that would have been in the lower bracket had it come post 1983, Thakara follows the coming of age of a mentally dim orphan who is progressively lured into corruption that leads to his eventual downfall. Prathap Pothan’s depiction of the weirdly innocent titular character is heartwarming, and the director tastefully depicts his sexual awakening in the film.

5. Arapetta Kettiya Gramathil 1986

directed by Padmarajan

featuring Mammootty, Sukumari, Ashokan, Nedumudi Venu, Unni Mary

Primarily set inside a brothel, this film perhaps has reasons to be an Adult Film, but again there is no graphic depiction of sex or violence here. Padmarajan brings in the moral argument about the validity of such institutions against the primal instincts of the beautifully sketched characters in it. Sukumari excels as the Madame of the house.

4. Paleri Manikyam: Oru Paathira Kolapathakathinte Kadha 2009

directed by Ranjith

featuring Mammootty, Shweta Menon, Mythili

The sheer brutality associated with the events in this Award winning Ranjith film renders it a bit too strong for ‘young’ audience in a psychological capacity. But the stunning recreation of a period with attention to body language and local accents makes it a must watch, although one might find the present-day half of the investigation process a tad bit smug.

3. Thaniyavarthanam 1987

directed by Sibi Malayil

featuring Mammootty, Saritha, Mukesh, Thilakan, Kaviyoor Ponnamma

Given that this Sibi Malayil- Lohithadas collaboration leaves even a grown-up scarred for life, this is absolutely a no-no to kids. Aptly certified ‘A’, Thaniyavarthanam exposes the ugly hands of society in the downfall of a man in every sense of the word. Brilliant script and great performances make this a must watch for all those adults out there.  

2. Rathinirvedam 1978

directed by Bharathan

featuring Jayabharathi, Krishnachandran

Not to be mistaken for the 2011 remake featuring Shweta Menon, the original written by Padmarajan that follows the love of an adolescent boy for an older woman, was another of those films that evaded the mainstream audience owing to its status as an ‘A-film’ although it was a huge commercial success for all the predictable reasons. Eventhough the sex scenes are depicted without much nudity, it would be fair to honor the certification in this case.

1. Thoovanathumbikal 1987

directed by Padmarajan

featuring Mohanlal, Sumalatha, Parvathy

One has to assume that it’s the premarital affair of a man with an escort that must have taken this Padmarajan classic to taboo waters. But it could easily be classified as ‘U/A’ for the graceful decorum it keeps in exploring the complex love life of a man torn between two women that could effortlessly have treaded on skin-show and sleaze given the sensitive nature of the content.