Tovino Thomas delivers a tour de force performance in Dr Biju’s Adrishya Jalakangal, or Invisible Windows. The film blurs the lines between dystopia and the supernatural. Following its recent premiere at the Tallinn Black Night International Film Festival, Estonia, it has left audiences intrigued and pondering over its enigmatic ending.
Tovino Thomas’s performance is hailed as a game-changer, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the role. He physically transformed himself and was aided by dental prosthetics. He also immerses himself in the character, overshadowing any preconceived notions from his previous roles. On the other hand, Nimisha Sajayan effortlessly gets into her character and complements Tovino’s portrayal.
Adrishya Jalakangal plot, characters and other details
The movie unfolds in an Orwellian world where government control stifles individual agency. There is a lack of agreement, and the looming possibility of an undefined war surrounds the atmosphere. Tovino Thomas, portraying the nameless protagonist, inhabits a desolate railway coach at an abandoned station. It sets the stage for a narrative that is both disturbing and thought-provoking.
The story begins with the protagonist leaving a mental hospital. His only crime is loitering as the state gears up for an imminent war. Returning to his makeshift home, he discovers a new neighbor, played brilliantly by Nimisha Sajayan. In contrast to his restraint, the neighour shows a bold and in-your-face demeanor. Together, they navigate a world on the brink of chaos. The constant backdrop of helicopter blades also hints at an impending war with no clear enemy or purpose.
The film portrays characters on the fringes of society as they find solace in each other’s company. Tovino’s character is marginalized for his perceived differences. Meanwhile, Nimisha’s role becomes marginalized for asserting agency over her life and sexuality. Amidst this, an old man with his two vulnerable grandchildren represents the powerless in any society. However, the film also weaves in moments of humor, a poignant song, and the blossoming of a romance.
How does Tovino Thomas’ film ends?
Tovino’s character, who works as a watchman’s assistant at a mortuary, has the ability to see and communicate with the dead. Each deceased individual becomes a window to a reality they once lived. From a writer and social activist killed by fundamentalists to a musician who succumbed during a police crackdown on a music concert, the dead share their stories. Notably, four deceased factory workers reveal their demise due to a gas leak at a munitions factory producing chemical weapons, adding layers of political commentary.
Aside from that, Adrishya Jalakangal subtly tackles complex issues, suggesting that the solution to war is not as simple as picking up books instead of weapons. A guard at the munitions factory is seen reading Tolstoy’s War and Peace, highlighting the irony and complexity of the situation. As such, the director/writer skillfully navigates these intricate themes, leaving the audience with lingering questions.
The cinematography by Yedhu Radhakrishnan reinforces the film’s bleak atmosphere, capturing the loneliness of the characters’ lives. Grammy-winner Ricky Kej’s music enhances the mood, contributing to the film’s overall impact.
As the narrative unfolds, it holds together the light and heavy aspects of the movie cohesively. The film concludes with an unexpected twist, leaving viewers contemplating whether the events were real or merely a dream. By doing so, it injects a dash of magical realism into the storyline.
Adrishya Jalakangal is not an easy watch, but its political undertones, masterful performances, and captivating storytelling make it a unique cinematic experience. The film’s ending, shrouded in ambiguity, invites audiences to interpret and reflect on the invisible windows that open to unseen realities. As the first Malayalam film to premiere in the official competition section of the Tallinn Black Night International Film Festival, it continues to captivate audiences in theaters and spark discussions about its profound and enigmatic conclusion.
Adrishya Jalakangal is currently streaming on Netflix.
