With every film, Lijo Jose Pellissery experiments with a completely new genre and every time he succeeds.
Pellissery’s sixth Malayalam film Ee Ma Yau, which released in Kerala last month, is touted to be his best yet. Written by P.F. Mathews — noted National Award-winning, Malayalam author and scenarist — the film is the recipient of several Kerala state awards.
Set in the coastal village of Chellanam, the story follows the family of Vavachan, a not very responsible father who often leaves homes without informing anyone. One evening over drinks with son Eeshi, Vavachan reminisces about his childhood days when his father’s funeral was conducted with great fanfare. He wishes that Eeshi will do the same for him.
Little does Eeshi know that very night, he will have to live up to this promise.
Ee Ma Yau is the acronym for ‘Eesho Mariyam Yauseppe’, an equivalent to ‘Rest in Peace.’ In some Christian communities, ‘Eesho Mariyam Yauseppe’ is whispered into the ears of the deceased.
Theatre actor Kainakari Thankaraj plays Vavachan and Chemban Vinod Jose is Eeshi. Stage actress Pauly Valsan, who has acted in few films plays Vavachan’s wife Pennamma, who sits by the side of her deceased husband and wails
Valsan took home the Kerala state award for Best Character Actress, while Pellissery won Best Director and Renganaath Ravee won for Best Sound Design.
The film has garnered praise for its realistic storytelling, brilliant writing, poetic visuals, fine performances and good humour in such a morbid situation.
The supporting cast includes Vinayagan and Dileesh Pothan. Prashanth Pillai has scored music. Shyju Khalid is the cinematographer.
Ee Ma Yau releases in the UAE on June 7.
