Nandanam: Prithviraj's debut and Navya Nair’s poetic classic full of heart — a must-watch this summer

There’s Prithviraj Sukumaran of the current fame that has Aadujeevitham in his credits—and then there’s the young Prithviraj in his debut film Nandanam. Twenty-three years apart, yet for an 11-year-old slowly discovering Malayalam cinema back then, Nandanam, directed by Ranjith, holds a special, unforgettable place.

Perhaps it is the music, or the concept itself: A feisty Navya Nair playing the role of Balamani, a woman who works for Uniamma, who is from the Ambalappattil family. She has a full day's chores, beginning with cleaning the house, watering the plants and just generally looking after the house. But she remains positive and cheery. She is a devotee of Shri Krishna, talking to him as if he were a close friend, which would later lead to one of the most powerful dance performances in the film, as he comforts her in Manassil.

Balamani falls in love with Manu, who has come to spend time with his grandmother. This friendship and love is a delight to watch, without ever crossing into over-the-top. There’s banter, wholesomeness, and special scenes like him accidentally walking in on her trying to dance in the living room, or trying to get romantic behind his grandmother’s back.  They have their banter, and each conversation reveals new and uncertain feelings brewing. However, Manu’s mother has other plans for him, and wants him to get married. You know where it goes from here, the story isn’t entirely different, but it’s presentation, storytelling is so vivid and fresh that it still resonates 23 years later, especially Balamani’s last agonising song Karmukil after enduring much humiliation.

So, looking for a summer binge pick? Return the breeziness of the early 2000s, to simpler times, music that stays with you. The songs itself are a pick-me-up from the title song, to Aaarum.