Tiyaan (The Above Mentioned), directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar and based on Murali Gopi’s script, follows the life of Pattabhiraman Giri, a Sanskrit scholar and his battle with a high-flying Hindu priest, Bhagwan Mahashay.
With Indrajith and Prithviraj in the lead and Gopi as the antagonist, Tiyaan sincerely delivers a social message that definitely needs to be told today. While Prithviraj’s Aslam Mohammad is burdened with a larger-than-life image, it’s Indrajith’s Pattabhiraman, the ordinary Brahmin with his vulnerability and belief in the goodness of mankind, that wins respect and admiration.
Tiyaan opens in Ghagravadi, a small village in Uttar Pradesh, where few Malayalis have made their home. One of them is Pattabhiraman Giri (Indrajith Sukumaran), a descendant of a family of Sanskrit scholars who have lived there for decades. Pattabhiraman is much revered in the neighbourhood and lives in their ancestral home with his wife Amba (Ananya) and daughter Arya (Nakshatra Indrajith). While upholding the scriptures of Hinduism, Pattabhiraman also strongly believes in the unity of all religions. Unlike other Brahmins, he is a human being first and does not let caste or religion come in the way of his relationships.
The harmony of this village is disrupted by the arrival of the henchmen of Bhagwan Mahashay (Murali Gopi). Bhagwan Mahashay wants to buy the land from the villagers to build an ashram there. There are bigger plans actually in the Bhagwan’s mind. Despite strong resistance from the villagers, the might of Bhagwan Mahashay prevails. The villagers succumb to selling off their land and being relocated to another neighbourhood.
Mahashay settles down in the ashram and now eyes the land of Pattabhiraman, but he refuses to comply. Thus ensues a rivalry between the two. Can a simple Brahmin scholar fight against the priest who counts the local Chief Minister as his devotee and has the local police force intimidated by his goons? Not to forget the large following of devotees who throng the ashram believing in his powers.
Tiyaan talks about the situation today in India where religion is distorted for the benefit of few; on Hindu extremism that endangers lives of minorities; on our herd mentality and on man’s inhumanity.
Prithviraj as Aslan Mohammad is in full form. As the young don ruling a Mumbai neighbourhood, Aslan comes with a larger-than-life image and is invincible. A tragic incident in Aslan’s life makes him a spiritually enlightened one and an enigma.
However, it is Indrajith, with his measured and natural performance, who portrays Pattabhiraman with a poise in his manner and a strength in his eyes. Fans will not be disappointed.
Suraj Venjaramoodu reveals another facet to his talent. His character is one of the bystanders who sits on the fence watching the happenings and then jumping to the side that suits his welfare. It’s good to see Ananya back on-screen and she complements Indrajith’s Pattabhiraman well. Gopi plays Mahasaya Swami effortlessly.
Satheesh Kurup’s fantastic frames hold up Tiyaan. Stunning shots are many and they keep you in awe.
Tiyaan opens with promise addressing a socially relevant message in the first half. Post interval, Gopi’s script is inconsistent and gets a tad too long. And, in the melee of action and loud dialogues, the message is buried under.
