Movies often personify non-living objects and get us to care for them as we care for other characters in the story. Malayalam cinema does this quite well, especially in the case of vehicles. Here’s a look at 5 instances from Malayalam cinema where vehicles were just as human as their human counterparts.
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Tata Sumo from Kannur Squad
In what has become one of the most memorable dialogues from Kanur Squad, Mammootty refers to it as the 5th member of their squad. From this moment, we can’t help but get emotionally invested in the vehicle. As the Kannu squad travel the length and breadth of India in the Tata Sumo, we are treated to aesthetic shots of the vehicle that would’ve made us want to get a Tata Sumo ourselves. And towards the end, when a shot shows us how the vehicle has been wrecked, an emotional score kicks in and makes us realise that the Kannur squad has lost a member.
Mahindra Scorpio from Traffic
When we are first introduced to Sreenavasan’s character (Sudevan), we might have judged him. But over time, we realise his reasons and start feeling for him. The object of his redemption is the Mahindra Scorpio which becomes a key part of the movie’s plot. By the end, having completed his mission successfully, we see Sudevan clutching onto the steering wheel with mixed emotions. And then, on his way back home, we see him encountering an altercation and the perpetrators recognise the vehicle and show Sudevan respect. The Mahindra Scorpio becomes the saviour not just for Riya, but also for Sudevan, and thus, establishes a connection with the audience.
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Tata Nano from Gauthamante Radham
The first car is always special. Not so much for Gautham, who dreams of a Mitsubishi Lancer but ends up with a Tata Nano. While Gautham hates the Nano, referred to as Nannappan in the film, it teaches him quite a few lessons throughout the film – from making him meet his partner Kalyani, to being a saviour to Gautham’s neighbour and also the place where his grandmother breathed her last breath. Nanappan teaches Gautham that the measure of one’s wealth is not in the car one drives. The car is humanised so brilliantly by the writers that Nanappan becomes a well-written side character in the film. Nanappan acts as a path paver for Gautham and thereby, is aptly called Gauthamande Radham (Gautham’s chariot).
Royal Enfield Bullet from Neelakaasham Pacchakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi
In Neelakaasham Pacchakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, Kasi and Suni travel through the length of the subcontinent on Royal Enfield Bullets. The bike symbolises Kasi’s attitude of running away from issues. It becomes his soul companion, who sticks by him through hardships and sees him at his lowest. It is a spirit companion who takes Kasi on his quest across India and accompanies him on his journey of self-discovery. The humanising of the bike is evident in sequences where the bikes are punctured or just parked, with the characters glancing at them from a distance.
Fishing Boat from 2018
Mathachan (Lal) saves up to buy a boat and considers it a prized procession. However, his son Nixon’s (Asif Ali) girlfriend’s father, Chandy (Joy Mathew), scorns the fact that Mathachan thinks of a boat as an asset and speaks dismissively of the entire fishing community. But when calamity strikes, it is Mathachan and Nixon who come to aid Chandy and family, on their beloved boat. The scene is picturised beautifully as if to show the boat conveying to Chandy that it is nothing less than an invaluable asset.
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These are a few vehicles from Malayalam movies which, I believe, had a humanised touch and so we connected with them emotionally. Which other vehicles from Malayalam movies left a lasting impact on us? Do mention them in the comments below.
