There’s something about a classic motorcycle story that revs the engine of community spirit and nostalgia, especially when it's draped in the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala, India. "Maanasaandarapetta Yezdi," directed by debutant Aron Muralidharan and released in 2016, is one such cinematic ride that travels through time with rubber-burning nuances. This Malayalam film isn’t just about chrome and kickstarts, but a vivid portrayal of a society on wheels. Let’s explore the reasons why this movie strikes a chord.
First up, it’s the history. Maanasaandarapetta, translating to "mental landscape," speaks volumes about how Yezdi bikes have shaped collective memories. These motorcycles, an emblem of exotic allure in the ’70s and '80s rural India, are symbolic of the freedom of roads less traveled by Indian youth and the rebellion against mediocrity. Muralidharan encapsulates this essence beautifully, where Yezdi isn’t just a motorcycle, but a character with stories bulging out of its fuel tank. It’s set in a quaint Kerala village, showing a snapshot of life from when all you needed were two wheels and an open road to claim adventure's finest rewards.
Then there’s the plot. The movie weaves a tale about Suku, portrayed by Jinu Joseph, whose dream of owning a Yezdi never materializes, creating a vacuum filled with emotion and unfulfilled desires. Doesn’t this sound like the perfect metaphor for unfulfilled promises of the socialist regimes? Never achieving what was promised is the kind of frustrating disillusionment conservatives would understand all too well. Suku's unrelenting pursuit encapsulated both passion and a poignant sense of loss, as many aspects of societal promises tend to do.
Our next stop is the nostalgia trip. Maanasaandarapetta Yezdi taps into the raw, unapologetic nostalgia that only an era-defining vehicle like the Yezdi can bring. For a society reminiscing about simpler times—times when values didn’t sway like a malfunctioning speedometer and where purpose wasn’t as lost as it appears today—the film paints an evocative canvas of emotions that grip you.
Here’s the thrill. Using a Yezdi can be risky, but the excitement is unmatched. It’s not about the thrill of just the ride, but of living vicariously through those who embrace the unknown with the soft roar of their Yezdi engine under them. It’s the kind of risk that doesn’t apologize for leaving the liberals pining for regulations and safety nets instead of the raw audacity of freedom on wheels.
Next, the music deserves mention—and applause. The soundtrack, seamlessly woven into the narrative by composer Nikhil R. Praveen, syncs perfectly with the kaleidoscope of emotions painted by the film. Each track is tuned to the pulse of the film’s characters and their journeys, resonating with every throaty rev of the Yezdi engines. Here, the music amplifies rather than distracts from the cinematic journey.
The characters steal the spotlight because the film is studded with vibrant performances. Suraj Venjaramoodu’s portrayal of a mechanic who dreams big, epitomizes the small-town ethos—where every mechanical pulse of a Yezdi resonates with aspirations waiting to be realized. The ensemble cast, each bringing their own narrative arc to the tale, makes the plot more engaging. They lend credence to the tale of dreams and machines, making us wonder if inanimate objects do hold a soul or at least fracture of it.
Adding layered depth to this telling tale is the cinematography. The film’s visual exploration of Kerala’s sunlit roads, mist-kissed paths, and vibrant village life provides more than just aesthetic beauty. Ajith Poojappura, the cinematographer, brings landscapes and soundscapes together with seamless finesse, creating an immersive environment where viewers lose themselves in picturesque frames.
Finally, it’s all about the passion for motorcycles and the community. This movie is a metaphorical representation of how wheels can create a sense of camaraderie among disparate souls. This isn’t just about a bike or a movie; it's about community bonding, driven by the novelty of machines that move people in more ways than one.
Maanasaandarapetta Yezdi isn’t just a film about a motorbike, but a heartening narrative about dreams, the power of nostalgia, and the journeys we take—metaphorically and literally. Few things align so beautifully as tales of old vehicles and the endless roads of life. Next time you feel nostalgic or your passion for freedom flares, maybe think of this film and its ode to a time when promises weren’t just written on paper but revved alive on a Yezdi.