19 (1) (a) - Stop the Presses

19 (1) (a)

Malayalam, 2022

Indhu VS - Director

Cast -

Nithya Menen, Vijay Sethupathi, Indrans, Indrajith Sukumaran, Srikant Murali

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐

The Constitutional clause that is the title of the film allows for freedom of expression without mentioning freedom of the press.  B R Ambedkar would defend it by saying freedom of expression implies freedom of the press. We cannot judge Mr. Ambedkar for this, but one can probably see the loopholes that can and have been found by the Government of India.

This is the theme, however, of 19 (1) (a) the movie. Things are implied, but never quite told. They are, instead, hidden in the bag of a young woman in whose hands it accidentally falls. This serves as the backdrop, the McGuffin, for a well-written, albeit not well-acted, noir drama.

It has become increasingly difficult to bring a once great actress back to the world of acting from the rebellious glam doll she has become in Tollywood. Ms. Menen's face remains stoic and pouty throughout, despite her obviously falling in love with the memory of a man she meets only once. 

Surprisingly, Mr. Sethupathi has enough in him to maintain a certain understated poise, even when facing the wrong side of a gun. We feel for him, for his rage, and for his sense of justice. However, there is just this overarching hint of North Madras in him that makes it hard for us to believe he is a brilliant, radical writer.

The story, however, carries itself as a mystery unravels, but is never quite solved.