Nimisha Priya and forgiveness: Lessons from 'Perumazhakkalam'

As Nimisha Priya’s fate hangs in the balance in Yemen, I am reminded of one of the most haunting Malayalam films I have ever seen — Perumazhakkalam.

- By Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor

That Kamal-directed classic, written by T.A. Razzaq, came out in 2004 and gutted me then, as it does now, because it forces you to confront something very few films dare to explore: what happens when you are asked to summon humanity against your own will.

The film, inspired by several real-life Gulf tragedies, is a gripping story of three migrant workers in Saudi Arabia who become thick friends. One day, a fight over money and loans spirals out of control.

Akbar, played by Dileep, strikes out in anger, but the blow lands on his friend Raghu, played by Vineeth, killing him by mistake. A court sentences Akbar to death. The only way to save him is for Raghu’s wife to sign a letter of pardon.