A heartfelt tale of celebration

I watched Abrid Shine's 'Poomaram' twice and can confidently say that this is Malayalam cinema's finest campus film since 'Classmates'. Abrid is familiar to the Malayali audience as the maker of earthy tales auch as '1983' and 'Action Hero Biju'.
The one and a half year's worth of wait is finally over, and forgiven, because the film, which is infused with the unifying spirit of art (in all its forms), is a beautiful piece of art in itself.
Here I quote some meaningful lines:
  നേരമായ് നിലാവിലീ ജാലകം തുറന്നീടാൻ..
It's time that we embrace new techniques of storytelling. Haven't you had enough of the shimmying romances shot in Switzerland, and orchestrated action sequences, folks?! If you are ready for a change,like me, please do watch this refreshing take on campus life.
Poomaram, as the title promises, is vibrant, optimistic and sheer poetry, as regards the visuals, and the beautiful songs(all acapella, please note, and each one equally good, or surpassing the other in quality).

ഇനിയൊരു കാലത്തേക്കൊരു പൂ വിടർത്തുവാൻ ഇവിടെ ഞാൻ ഈ മരം നട്ടു..
This is the first song in the film, and it effectively sets the scene for the story to unfold. Shot at Maharajas, the song is testament to the fact that Maharajas is a feeling, more than a place.

മൃദുമന്ദഹാസം മലർമാലയായി..
One of the many evocative tracks in the film, intense and romantic. Similarly, there is the poem translated from Pablo Neruda's "Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines" - comprising one of the many haunting night shots in the movie.
There is no titular character, so to speak. Every single character taking part in the Festival( as all of you might now know, the film revolves around the MG University Youth Festival) given due recognition. The film's strength lies in solid characterization and realistic frames. Every facet of such an event - from the many months' worth of rehearsals, to the sleepless nights, to the dressing room, and finally onto the stage - has been captured with acute sincerity and observation.
For some, memories shall come rushing back; for others, anticipation for the coming years; and still others, the joy of recollecting the year's worth of laurels (for, incidentally, this year's edition of the Festival ends in a few days). Whether one gained or lost an event, much is to be earned regarding memories for a lifetime.
This is what makes watching Poomaram such a fulfilling experience.

ഒരേ സൂര്യനല്ലേ..ഒരേ ഭൂമിയല്ലേ..
This is not a mere happy-go-lucky tale of youthful days gone past, either. The film delivers a powerful message, which I won't reveal here. Suffice to say that it underlines self-reflection.I trust that you, reader, have been motivated into wanting to watch it, by now.
This song also asserts the lines painted on the college walls - ഹിന്ദുവിൻറെ കോടാലി മുസ്ലീമിൻറെ കോടാലിയോട് പറഞ്ഞു: "എടാ, നമ്മളിന്ന് കുടിച്ച രക്തത്തിന് ഒരേ രുചിയാണ്."

ഘോഷം ദുന്ദുഭി ഘോഷം..
The colourful sequence of the inauguratory procession.

The scene with Joju George is reminiscent of Action Hero Biju, where, once again, the director rewrites the audience's perception of reality. For here is a police officer who is well read, and quotes Thoreau and Emerson, no less.
Trollpages and defamers can finally take a backseat since I can confidently say that this film is here to stay.
And of course, the joy of having one of your teachers as part of such a fitting enterprise, is irreplaceable.
In short, for anyone who appreciates the necessity of art to human life, or for one who enjoys good cinema, Poomaram is a highly recommended watch. For a brief two and a half hours, we are part of a world brimming with art and life. The only word that should resound while exiting the theatre is - "Encore!"

                                       Artist: Rosemary Lillu