Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 - "My son, the Robot"

 

Android Kunjappan Version 5.25

2019, Malayalam

 

Stars Suraj Venjaramoodu, Shoubin Shahir, Saiju Kurup, Kendy Zirdo

 

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite being a family friendly comedy, Android Kunjappan raises profound questions regarding technology and our dependence on it.  We are dared to ask, in our age of artificial intelligence, will human beings reach a stage where technology supersedes one's need for human connection?

In a brilliant performance, Mr. Venjaramoodu plays Bhaskaran, a curmudgeon of a man whose loneliness he is too stubborn to admit.   His inability to get along with any home care motivates his son to send him an android, one that will follow every command without asking questions. The robot, whom the community names as Kunjappan does everything, from washing dishes to administering medicine to carrying on conversations.  Sadly, it becomes such that the old man begins to see this instrument as more of a son to him than his on.

 

Soon, the robot is wearing clothing, accompanying the old man to temples, helping to rekindle relationships.  Indeed, the old man is so grateful, he asks the local priests to chart the robot's horoscope and perform special poojas in its name.  The humor however is bittersweet, as we see the fascination of the machine turn to love for a compatriot.  

But, all machines have a shelf life.  This one is experimental, intended for research purposes, and must be returned. How the old man is brought to reality, sort of, is shocking and thought provoking, making us to wonder where we are all headed.