Aanum Pennum

This is the time of anthologies that coming all around the world but Malayalam cinema hesitates to enter into the arena quite for some time. But now it starts with the arrival of Aanum Pennum. The title itself refers to the idea of the movie, where we can see it is a female-oriented one. Jay K, Venu, and Aashiq Abu are the directors. The first one titled Savithri directed by Jay K crawls into the 1940s Kerala atmosphere where high-class people in the society fear the act of communism. We all know it was the time of social change where the emergence and popularization of communist allies shackle the life of the upper section of the society. Savithri, the protagonist who is also a comrade finds her body as a tool in the strike. The second one in the anthology was directed by Venu, a veteran cinematographer, and director. The movie named Rachiyamma talks about a hidden as well as unspoken love between Rachiyamma a local dairy farmer and a Tea factory employee, Kuttikrishnam. The film was the cinematic representation of a short story titled the same name as the movie which was written by veteran novelist cum short story writer Uroob. While watching Rachiyamma I went through the old cinematic representation of the same short story by Harikumar on Doordarshan which pours me some nostalgic moments. To be frank I love that old version than this. The third and final one in this collaboration is Rani which was directed by Aashiq Abu. It is a modern one that portrays a small theme that relates to two lovers. Every film was connected to the core element, where the fire inside women must burns. Savithri, Rachiyamma, and Pennu look like exact examples of courageous women but what obstacles in my watching experience are the poor quality of making. Savithri is a common theme which we have already seen and doesn't have anything fresh in the storytelling. Rachiyamma, as I early said, is unable to fill the situation with keen emotion and beauty. Rani, far better than the first two and I feel it is the good ones in the anthology. I was so excited to watch this because of the makers but when I finished, I feel something lacks.

Anthology of 3 short stories by big directors and big cast. Nothing more , nothing less.

First one by Jay K has strong theme but has become mediocre making

Second one rachiyamma by oroob has great frames and a strong character rachiyamma , Parvathy has done amazingly well, one of her best charectors.

Third one by Ashiq Abu is most cinematic and most enjoyable. Darshana and Roshan done great. Also nedumudi. Ashique abu's craft is visible making such simple story in to an interesting narration

Overall just a collection of 3 normal telefilms done in big scale.

Terrible stories. Time waste. Don't watch. Pointless movie.

If I could rate the movies seperately I would give Savithri- 3/10 Rachiyamma-5/10 Rani-9/10 The first film was just boring and without any substance and a forced "message"(Joju George was good though)

In the second film one sees a decent and nuanced Asif Ali with an overacting almost comical Parvathy though the character was well written. Apart from that the film fails to deliver the potential it had

The third one was just an absolute modern masterpiece. Each frame and each dialogue and each interaction was pure and organic and thrilling to watch

In the end you get an ironic mixture of a Bad Movie,an Okayish Movie and an Amazing Movie.

Sad to see very lazy and lame approach from this promising team. It is an anthology of 3 films based on women empowerment, I don't understand what empowerment they meant by this film.

Part 1 Savithri: Totally boring and artificial film, testing audience patience.

Part 2 Rachiyamma: Just a movie to watch. No life at all. Average. Cinematography by the Director by himself was showing his caliber. Yet, his talent is much higher.

Part 3 Rani: Excellent as a short film.