PATHEMARI

Direction: Salim Ahmed

Cinematography: Madhu Ambat

Editing: Vijay Shankar

Art Direction: Jyothish Shankar

Story& Screenplay: Salim Ahmed

Sound Designer: Resul Pookutty

Pathemari portraits the life of a common man (Pallikal Narayanankutty) who had to shoulder the responsibilities of his family consisting of one Elder brother 3 sisters and his parents at a very Young Age.With the help of ' launchi'velayudhan he and his best friend Moideen boards the Pathemari and manages to reach Korfakhan a town located along the Gulf of Oman on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates.The film depicts the hardships Narayanankutty had to undergo at Gulf to earn a living and how he helped his family come out of their poverty and have a good living.The sad part was that unlike the successful stories of many men who have earned a fortune in Gulf,Narayanankutty's life is seen largely as an unsuccessful one.His living condition in Gulf,the land which changed 'from camel to cadilac' was the same even when he was taking his last breath.

This Film throws light on the real life of men in Kerala in the early 1960s when the gulf boom was just beginning.The story has shades that resemble the real life of many gulf malayalees who had lived during that period.In this late 21st century every malayali will have atleast one of their relative in Gulf.During my childhood days the day when one of my uncle or a neighbor comes on vacation from gulf,we used to celebrate it like anything.The day on which the Gulf malayalee reach home,all his relatives would gather around him and they would be anxious to see him opening his suitcase.There will be expectations sparkling in their eyes to see what is in store for them!Nobody would have bothered to know what he was doing in Gulf,how he lived there what was his earnings and how much was his living expenses at Gulf.We all expected that he was having a very good living in Gulf,he is earning plenty and he is always happy.This film tells us the story from the point of view of the protagonist.This story makes us understand the real meaning of being a 'Pravasi', a non resident Indian.They are people living in the middle east or any foreign country,they dont belong there since the land they love and is longing to be, is far away...their loved ones and family are not with them... all their investments are made in the land were their loved ones are .....but all these will be possible only if the 'pravasi' could work hard at this land of sand.They are always expected to be a 'Pravasi'; their family needs their money,costly gifts and luxury but do not want them to return back home because they care more for the false status of being an NRI. The situation has now changed for our generation as most of us will be going to work in middle east/foreign country not out of compulsion but for a better way of living.But we should not forget the old generation,who can be considered as the 'pilgrim fathers' of all Gulf malayalees. The film has a political dimension which means it has a message or a connection with the society which I believe has been very well conveyed to the audience.

The pros and cons

Pros: I appreciate the sincere efforts taken by the director to take an off beat movie and create vibes in the minds of many.I would like to give the credit to the art director for making the visuals of Bombay Airport in the 1980's and Khaders Hotel in Gulf which was really commendable.Others in the crew the cinematographer,Editor and sound designers have done justice to their job.

Cons:The VFX was not very impressive and music by Bijibal also failed to make an impact on me.I believe the color schemes used could be much improvised.

---