Left Right Left (film)

Plot

The story revolves around P.K. Jayan aka 'Vattu' ('mad') Jayan (played by Indrajith), Roy Joseph aka Che Guevera Roy (played by Murali Gopy) and Kaitheri Sahadevan (played by Hareesh Peradi). Jayan is a corrupt policeman, Roy a communist who now teaches in a school with his wife and Sahadevan a megalo-maniacal communist leader. When Roy and two of his friends expose Sahadevan's corruption, the two friends are mysteriously murdered; Roy is spared, probably because of his high-ranking friends and his old 'friendship' with Sahadevan. After Roy dies of a medical condition, Jayan discovers the story of this old friendship. Sahadevan and Roy had once worked together, before Roy's idealism and Sahadevan's use of violence and trickery soured their relationship. In one scene, Sahadevan tells Roy about his painful childhood, claiming that his actions are aimed at ensuring that his children do not suffer as his ancestors did. Jayan finally discovers that Sahadevan had once hired goons to attack Roy, maiming him for life and leading to his death. In his anger, he attacks and stabs Sahadevan.

Cast

Production

Shooting began on 20 December at Thiruvananthapuram. The main locations were Thiruvananthapuram, Nagercoil and Hyderabad. The official pre-shoot teaser and theatrical trailer of the movie were a hit on YouTube. A character promo video of the movie was released, the first of its kind in a Malayalam film. The video titled 'LRL Anthem', sung by Murali Gopy gives a glimpse of the incidents that shape the personality and mindset of the three main characters in the movie.

Critical response

The Times of India rated the movie (3/5) and stated that "Loads of brilliance goes into each character. Few films have shown more intensity in depicting the effects of politics on individuals than Left Right Left." Jabir Mushthari of The Hindu found the movie to be refreshing and said, "The movie entertainingly refers to a number of issues presently faced by society even while seeking answers to certain key questions such as who is a “real communist” and what their plight is in the changing scenario." Malayala Manorama rated the movie (3/5) and opined that the film is, quintessentially, a feast for discerning film connoisseurs. Deccan Chronicle rated the movie (3.5/5). Suresh Kumar of East Coast Daily compared the movie to the Malayalam Classics of the Golden Era.

Veeyen of Nowrunning.com rated the film (3/5) and said "'Left Right Left' has a rare, melancholic poetic power that is magical in more ways than one. It invites the audience to delve deep beneath the rugged, craggy portrait of the society that we live in. A glorious tale on perseverance, struggles and survival, 'Left Right Left' enters the pantheon of must-see movies with grace." Sify.com rated the movie as Good. Yentha.com rated the movie (3.5/5)and said that "For anyone who is exasperated by the ragbag of 'one time watch' films now-a-days, this film is a relief." Oneindia.in stated that the movie has a hard-hitting tale, which is thought provoking and sure to start serious debate on the topic that it deals with. Webdunia.com called it the best Malayalam movie of recent times. Paresh C Palicha of Rediff.com called it a brilliant movie and said "The film can be described as intense, gritty, real, brave and most of all, honest. It depicts the degradation of politics today and tries to analyse where it all comes from, justifying the tagline ‘Revolution is home made." G Krishnamurthy of Movieraga opined that Left Right Left is not a movie, but a mirror image of the political and social set up in Kerala.

Controversies

The film got numerous publicity since its release by resembling many real life characters of Communist party. The film criticizes the degradation of the political Left in the state from a force which kicked off social revolutions to a gang that indulges in violence and elimination of dissidents, creating party villages and a building a zombie supporter base.The focus is on the three central characters – a Communist leader, a former Communist activist who is disappointed by the party’s current ways and a reckless Cop. There are obvious (albeit indirect) references to the differences between CPIM strongman Pinarayi Vijayan and ex-Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan. The character Kaitheri Sahdevan in the movie resemble a sketch of Mr. Vijayan.

Accolades

Soundtrack

The soundtrack features four songs composed by Gopi Sundar, with lyrics by Rafeeq Ahamed.