Malik - Le Morte d'Arthur

 

Malik

2021, Malayalam

Director: Mahesh Narayanan

Stars: Fahadh Faasil, Nimisha Sajayan, Vinay Forrt, Salim Kumar, Joju George, Dileesh Pothan, Indrans, Amal Rajdev, Parvathy R Krishna 

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Indian cinema's love for mafia movies began in history, the tragic tale of the infamous Haji Mastan, the beloved Don of the Indian Ocean.  His imagined story, like that of so many others that followed it, remind anyone who likes movies of the legendary Godfather.

Malik takes this genre to new heights in offering a fictional biopic, beginning in the 1980s as the story of a rebellious mischief maker and concluding in the present day with an aging, disillusioned Don who is spending his final days recounting his tragic tale to his nephew, the very person who will bring about his death.

Mr. Faasil has taken the movie industry by storm before, but in this serious, understated role, he has reached award winning levels.  He is parred by Ms. Sanjayan, a young actress who goes from 14 to 60 in the most convincing way I have seen in the role of the mob boss' supportive wife.

Many of you will immediately see reminders of other movies, both good and bad.  You should consider though that Mafia film is mythology, hearkening to  ancient tales of empires and their eventual downfall.

While true to the Mafia mindset, there is a deeper message at work.  It tells of how the real criminals, politicians, use caste and religion as a means to divide and conquer, opening up room for their dirty work.

To borrow from the legendary Corleone - if you respect me, you will see this movie.  It's nothin' personal; just business. (Kiss the ring)