A POIGNANT TALE THAT DISMANTLES SUPERSTITION

The film, which premiered at the 29th IFFK, blends love and loss to critique regressive thoughts while exploring the emotional toll of mental health struggles

- VIVEK SANTHOSH

NDU Lakshmi's Appuram (The Other Side) is a tender yet unflinching portrayal of familial bonds tested by psychological fragility and societal oppression. Selected for the International Competition section at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), this evocative film weaves an intense drama with a sharp critique of regressive traditions that still persist. Set against the backdrop of a middle-class family, Appuram unfolds through the eyes of Janaki (Anagha Ravi), a teenage girl caught in the crosscurrents of love, fear, and societal constraints. The opening scene, in which Janaki's mother Chithra makes yet another suicide attempt, sets the tone for the emotionally intense narrative. This harrowing moment introduces a poignant exploration of Janaki's life, shaped by the constant fear of losing her mother. Through this lens, Appuram delves into the fragile dynamics of a family grappling with mental health challenges, societal expectations, and the oppressive weight of superstition.