‘Pookkaalam’ and its Universal Message
In recent times, I had the opportunity to watch the Malayalam film ‘Pookkaalam.’ As a lover of realistic films and documentaries, this exceptional film resonated with me, evoking memories of two other beloved films, ‘Oru Cheru Punchiri‘ and ‘Adaminte Makan Abu.’ While these three films are originally in Malayalam, their messages transcend language barriers and touch upon universal themes. In this blog article, I would like to share some of the thought-provoking moments from these films and reflect on the profound messages they convey.
The Impact of ‘Pookkaalam’
One particular scene that left a lasting impression on me was the letter written by Achamma to the judge. It beautifully encapsulated profound insights about life and relationships. Allow me to recall a few lines that touched my heart;
“ജീവിതത്തിൽ സംഭവിക്കുന്നത് എല്ലാം ഒന്നിന് പുറകെ ഒന്നായിട്ടല്ല മറിച്ച് ഒന്നിന് മുകളിൽ ഒന്നായിട്ടാണ്. ജീവിതത്തിൽ പറ്റുന്ന തെറ്റുകൾ, ആ തെറ്റുകൾ ചെയ്തതുകൊണ്ടല്ല, മറിച്ച് പറ്റിയ തെറ്റ് തിരിച്ചറിഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ അത് ഏറ്റുപറയാതിരിക്കുമ്പോൾ ആണ്.”
“ഒരുപാട് വയസ്സായാൽ അനുഭങ്ങളായി എന്ന് ചിന്തിക്കുന്നവർ ഉണ്ട്, എന്നാൽ കിട്ടിയ അനുഭവങ്ങളെ പാഠമാക്കുന്നവർ ആണ് അനുഭവസ്ഥർ”
These words beautifully capture the essence of life’s experiences and how our perspective evolves when we reflect upon the mistakes we have made.
The Power of Experience
It is often said that as we grow older, we accumulate wisdom and gain insights from our experiences. The films I mentioned earlier remind us that while age may bring experiences, it is the lessons learned from those experiences that truly shape us. As Achamma’s letter eloquently suggests, it is not merely the number of years lived, but the wisdom gained from our journey that truly matters.
Personal Reflections
I want to emphasize that I am not a film critic or reviewer. Instead, I share these personal reflections as a testament to the impact these films had on me. They made me contemplate the complexities of life, relationships, and the significance of self-reflection. I believe that films have the power to inspire and provoke thought, and ‘Pookkaalam,’ ‘Cherupunchiri,’ and ‘Adaminte Makan Abu‘ certainly succeeded in doing so.
Conclusion
In a world filled with films that entertain but often lack depth, it is refreshing to come across films like ‘Pookkaalam’ and their counterparts. These films, though originally in Malayalam, possess universal messages that transcend language barriers. They remind us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the lessons life offers us. Whether we are touched by the profound insights of a film or the experiences that shape us, it is these moments that enrich our lives and make us who we are.
