Most talked-about Adrishya Jalakangal and its climax explained

Hyderabad: Tovino Thomas has once again proved his mettle in the world of cinema with a compelling performance in Dr Biju’s Adrishya Jalakangal, also known as Invisible Windows.

The film, skillfully straddling the lines between dystopia and the supernatural, recently premiered at the Tallinn Black Night International Film Festival in Estonia, leaving audiences captivated and contemplative about its enigmatic ending. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.

Thomas’ portrayal in Adrishya Jalakangal is hailed as a game-changer, underscoring his versatility and unwavering dedication to the role. Undergoing a physical transformation aided by dental prosthetics, he completely immerses himself in the character, eclipsing any preconceived notions from his previous roles. Nimisha Sajayan, in tandem, seamlessly steps into her character, providing a complementary dynamic to Thomas’ portrayal.

Adrishya Jalakangal: Plot, characters, and more

Set in an Orwellian world marred by government control and stifled individual agency, the film unfolds against a backdrop of looming war, offering a narrative that is both disturbing and thought-provoking. Thomas, as the nameless protagonist, inhabits a desolate railway coach at an abandoned station, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

The story kicks off with the protagonist leaving a mental hospital, accused of loitering as the state prepares for war. Returning to his makeshift home, he encounters a new neighbour played by Nimisha Sajayan, whose bold demeanour contrasts his restraint. Together, they navigate a world teetering on the edge of chaos, accompanied by the constant hum of helicopter blades hinting at an impending war with an undefined enemy or purpose.

Adrishya Jalakangal beautifully captures characters on the fringes of society finding solace in each other’s company. Thomas’ character faces marginalisation for perceived differences, while Nimisha’s role confronts marginalisation for asserting agency over her life and sexuality. The film interweaves moments of humour, a poignant song, and the blossoming of romance amidst societal turmoil.

Trailer

The Enigmatic Conclusion

Tovino’s character, employed as a watchman’s assistant at a mortuary, possesses the ability to see and communicate with the dead, turning each departed individual into a window to their past reality. The dead share stories ranging from a writer and social activist killed by fundamentalists to musicians succumbing during a police crackdown on a concert. 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.

Adrishya Jalakangal subtly navigates complex issues, suggesting that resolving war involves more than a shift from weapons to books. The film incorporates irony as a guard at the munitions factory is seen reading Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The director skillfully weaves these intricate themes, leaving the audience with lingering questions.

Cinematography by Yedhu Radhakrishnan captures the film’s bleak atmosphere, while Grammy-winner Ricky Kej’s music enhances the mood, contributing to the film’s overall impact. The narrative holds together the light and heavy aspects of the movie cohesively, concluding with an unexpected twist, injecting a dash of magical realism into the storyline.

Adrishya Jalakangal, with its political undertones, masterful performances, and captivating storytelling, offers a unique cinematic experience. Its ambiguous ending 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 theatres and spark discussions about its profound and enigmatic conclusion.