Declaration (2022) User Reviews

Not everyone's cup of......

[Saanwithhisstupidthoughts · 7/10 · 19 December 2022]

ARIYIPPU explored the rifts and difficulties that got created in the form of anger, physical & sort of sexual abuse, shame, mistrust & doubts in a married couples life over a scandal video leak.

It's one of the few and pure slice of life dramas I have ever seen that didn't feel exploitative at all, was very focused on the narrative of it and also didn't have any kind of loud distractions in the form of music, stretching of unwanted sequences or anything else.

The performances felt really raw so kudos to Kunchaks and Divyaprabha for giving a controlled and balanced as well as engaging performances.

The same could be said for the supporting cast too.

The subplots regarding the injustice, murder coverups? And the illegal practices going on in the glove factory were intriguing too.

The climax though felt like lacking in completion and making it open ended didn't feel effective or maybe it was coz I adamantly wanted a close ended climax.

The background scores in this one also has to be Sushin Shyam's tamest scores from the works of his I've seen.

It's a slowburn directed in a style that I have often seen foreign filmmaker's prefer that are popular choices for prestigious critical awards and I mean it in a good way and while I felt it not to be laggy even while being a slowburn I must say that this would not be most people's cup of whatever they'd prefer.

Striking for Some Reasons

[nairtejas · 6/10 · 24 November 2022]

For some reason, Ariyippu's (Declaration) most striking scenes are that of the assembly line of hand glove factory where the two central characters of the film work. I felt it was a metaphor to something Mahesh Narayanan was trying to convey, yet was overburdened by his main story of that of a Kerala-based couple stuck in Delhi with an ambition to move abroad. More than the conflict in the film, it's the aftermath that is loud here, asking you to think about the politics involved. In several places, I saw shades of Ishq (2019), leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, Ariyippu is a decent film worth watching to know why you shouldn't be careless about what you do.

(Watched its India premiere at the 2022 International Film Festival of India in Goa.)

raw, slow and brutal

[gangeshgnair · 7/10 · 28 February 2023]

"ariyippu". Raw, slow and brutal.

This making of this movie is very realistic, very raw as if its shot in a phone, making me think i am in between these characters. The performance by all the actors were amazing. Divya prabha just shines in her role. Especially the scene where she is taken for medical inspection in a hospital, her eyes were communicating the pain and humiliations she has to go through. Kunjako boban was amazing in his role. The writing of some scenes were really good, especially the scene where both kunjako and divya get into a fight or the scene where kunjako forces himself on divya. The opening credits shots were so satisfying and trippy.

The issue i had with this movie is its pacing, the second half felt a bit slow and dragging. There were mainly two issues discussed in this movie, a problem caused by a leaked video and a problem happening in the industry that the characters are working, the two things did not gel properly according to me. I think the writing in the second half could have been made a little more interesting.

Content driven film

[sudhakaranakhilan · 7/10 · 25 December 2022]

The first Malayalam film which was premiered in the competition section of the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. An Indian film that premiered there after 17 years. These are the acclamation for the new film of Mahesh Narayanan's Ariyippu - Declaration. The film was also seen at the International Film Festival of Kerala in the competition section and received great appreciation. The film is now streaming on Netflix and let's talk about the movie. Malayalam Cinema got a new dimension through Mahesh's first directorial movie Take Off. Mahesh begins his career as an editor and when he wore the shirt of a director we get class films like Take Off, C U Soon, Malik, etc. Mahesh is the writer, director, co-producer, and co-editor of this film. Kunchako Boban and Divya Prabha are the lead actors. Ariyippu is not everyone's cup of tea. The film goes at a very slow pace and it details everything so profoundly. Mahesh shifts the camera to a gloves factory in Noida and he just portrays the lives revolving there. The office, Hareesh (Boban) - Reshmi (Divya) house, and the outskirts of Noida were the main locations. Hareesh and Divya are a couple and they are working in that gloves factory. They are about to leave for the Middle East for better job opportunities so they are doing their temporary job there. They are waiting for their Visa. At that moment the film got its deviation when some kind of a problem beheads Hareesh and Divya. From then on the audience get into a lot of assumptions and conclusions along with Hareesh. When all the problems get solved there remains something that is ambiguous for us. Mahesh builds the character arc of Hareesh and Divya so deeply. We can find different dimensions in each character. Reshmi is a normal, simple woman who gave predominant consideration to human values and emotions on the other side Hareesh is some sort of selfish and has a misogynistic approach internally. Both of them look forward to their issue in two different ways. Their divergent visions are the basic element of values and politics that the movie urges. Migration is an important theme in many of Mahesh's works. We find that in his debut movie, Take Off. We can see the intensity of that theme in Ariyippu too. Along with the life of Hareesh and Reshmi, the film also gives consideration to the things (corruption) that happen in the gloves factory. That portion of the film gives a documentary type that looks so real in the context. The cinematography in the movie is like a brilliant kind of work because it stood along with the actual path of the movie. We can't find colorful visuals, or beautiful frames rather the ordinary lives of people were roughly captured in that intensity throughout the film. Hats off to Sanu John Varghese, the cinematographer. We can find the top-notch performance of director brilliance when some areas seem to be more dramatic but look so ordinary when it comes to execution. Kunchako Boban, who consequently looks for different roles so fits into the character of Hareesh. Divya Prabha, we had seen her as a supporting actress but delivered an exceptional piece of acting through Reshmi and I think there are more Reshmis left in her acting career. The film also declares Malayalam films are far away better than other industries because of the wonderful content.

A good example of using little to achieve big

[ngandacinema · 10/10 · 17 December 2022]

We're clapping for the cast and crew for a splendid job! They achieved so much with so little, well done😃

-Watching Ariyippu's trailer, we thought it was going to be one of those films about society bashing women. But Mahesh Narayanan used a different and better approach through a heavy inclusion of symbolism

-The film was extremely quiet, the passive atmosphere was due to the story taking place during the pandemic lockdown. The serenity was necessary to analyze and reflect on the narrative.

-The handheld camera was very appreciated to demonstrate the feelings of uneasiness, anxiety, and tension hovering over the characters throughout the story

-So many symbols made the screenplay rich and full of layers, however, we're just going to zoom in on the reason why a glove-making business was at the center of the film as opposed to any other.

We usually use gloves to keep hands free of dirt, fingerprint tracks, contamination, etc. Bottom line is to keep ourselves clean and this was the objective of the factory, Hareesh, and Reshmi.

In the end, they all unknowingly adopted the glove mentality for good and bad reasons

-No need to talk about performance when we had pros on set!

-Ariyippu is a hidden treasure that has so much to offer, a good example of how you can achieve a lot with a simple cast, locations, and production.

Lame script

[pallathzway · 1/10 · 21 December 2022]

One of the most lazy scripts watched recently. In the name of OTT, some in the industry seem to have found new ways to release content which otherwise would possibly have no takers. This new found success is being misused in going ahead with such shoddy scripts. This is taking viewers for granted. There is hardly anything worth to write about. Limitation is more on account of the very thin script. A small thread has been blown up to a point where it cannot further sustain. Wouldn't blame the actors . However, lead actor seem to have produced this movie,possibly trying to find success similar to few of the movies which have succeeded recently. Nothing worth writing about. A good 2 hrs of time lost.

This movie reminded me of those movies which were for the awards and festivals. They could do better.

What a film! Malayalam cinema at its finest. #Ariyippu

[trendzmaster · 9/10 · 5 January 2023]

'Sometimes, to do what's right, we must be steady and give up the things we desire the most, even our dreams.'

'Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice. It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right.' These two quotes of Peter Parker from the Spider Man movies form the essence of Mahesh Narayanan's Ariyippu, or Declaration, that released a fortnight ago on Netflix.

The movie is a poignant portrayal of several dark realities of life - from the day-to-day struggle for survival to relationship issues between husband and wife.

But ultimately, it's all about the choices that the various characters of the story make, each having their own rationale.

Set in the post-lockdown period, the story revolves around a Malayali couple working at a glove-making factory in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. There are trying to go overseas for better jobs, and hence, moved from Kerala to NCR as 'being in Delhi might make the process easier'.

At the outset, their biggest problem seems to be the pandemic-induced lockdown.

Soon, however, they are caught in a storm that is much bigger than this struggle to earn a living during such challenging times.

A 'skill video' that they shot illegally inside their factory in order to present them to prospective employers abroad, lands them in a trouble they could never have anticipated. They try to seek help from law enforcement. But being mere factory labourers in a city that doesn't speak their language, they are soon reminded of the magnitude of their helplessness.

They can still go down fighting, but they will go down for sure if they choose to fight.

Both of them have reasons to disbelieve each other, but only one of them chooses to do so - not surprisingly, the man.

Up to a point, it seems justified.

But as the story progresses, he realises his folly.

Even after delivering such a blow to their relationship, he still gets a chance in the end to stand by his partner and undo the wrongs. But he refuses because the price to pay was forgoing an offer to work abroad.

The woman, on the contrary, realises that the price to pay for accepting the offer would be much bigger - a moral compromise. So she makes her own choice, regardless of the consequences.

Although, she too makes compromises, she refuses to be benefited by them.

Rather, they result from her unwillingness to jeopardise the prospects of her husband.

The movie not only drives us through the economic and psychological struggles of the lower-income groups, it drives home the point that nothing can force you to leave the path of righteousness. It is always your choice to stop travelling on it, no matter how much you blame others or the circumstances.

It also shows remarkably that choosing to be righteous often gives only one thing in return - the inner satisfaction of being right.

While the morally compromised can get a better life, they never get the peace of mind they thought they would.

Another major lesson that the movie tries to impart is that you don't need to know other people well to feel compassionate about them.

You can also feel compassionate for complete strangers.

But you can also let go of your compassion for your dearest ones on the pretext of being practical or pragmatic.

Once again, it is for you to choose.

Bland and distasteful

[vishakvk-46136 · 2/10 · 16 December 2022]

The movie tries to spin a story from something which is very real with our overindulgence with technology but fails to capture the essence by being just too plain and uneventful. The movie is drab and the attempts to keep it realistic went overboard and and attempts at artistic representations were lost in the overall rubbishness of it all. The plot gets stuck at some point without really moving forward and makes for a boring over representation while simply spinning around the premise in this case, an ameteur video. Goes to say the metaphors within the movie which could have been depicted and used splendidly, fell short of nothing but a could have been.

There was a lot that could have been done with the setting and the characters but the plot and storytelling gives this movie nothing more than a 2 star.

Drab.

Ariyippu works as a brilliant character study!

[mollywoodanalytica · 10/10 · 5 January 2023]

Filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan has crafted a superbly layered film about a couple who must struggle to overcome the obstacles they find happening in their workplace. This picture is anchored by two fine lead performances by Kunchacko Boban and Divya Prabha as both the stars keep the movie feeling authentic and of great urgency to today's audiences.

Ultimately, Ariyippu works best as a character study. It is not perfect. Perhaps the movie is too realistic and doesn't go some places a more conventional movie would go in terms of unveiling and expanding on more of the corruption that occurs in the workplace. But, still, it is a very good movie. When Reshmi finally gets the ring removed from her finger, it will leave audiences wondering what that will do for the character. Will she now be free or hold on to the love she has for Hareesh? Narayanan's film offers no easy answers to some difficult questions but rather makes the viewer look within themselves to find their own answers.

What was it about? A serious retrospect.

[kumarorrakesh247 · 3/10 · 21 December 2022]

The weakest movie in Mahesh Narayanan helmed list of movies.

The way it started it was refreshing to see some prominent actors from doordarshan serials doing the act with there natural presence.

But, still the angle of jealousy has been overdone.

The character sketch of both lead were confusing and unengaging.

Half baked concept had very strong view point initially, but couldn't be baked to perfection.

For performances, certainly its Divya prabha. Her natural acting was commendable.

Kunjacko boban was good in certain scenes.

Delighted to see lovleen Mishra, kannan arunachalam of the golden era of Indian television👏 Overall poorly conceptualized.

Disappointed....

Really Good.

[SameirAli · 8/10 · 23 February 2023]

Interesting, Intense... An Asghar Farhadi feel, little less, maybe....

The film may not be entertaining for everyone. It's simple from the outside, but, has a great impact within. Realistic making adds to the essence. Acting side is worth mentioning, Kunchakko has done a great job, he is choosing films wisely in recent times, excellent job. For Divya Prabha, this film is a great leap in her career, a way to prove and take herself to the next level of her acting career, she did a fair job. Cinematography was also amazing, blending to the film's realistic mood.

There are few negatives to point out, but, as a whole, it's a great movie.

Movie with a powerful message

[djm-62493 · 9/10 · 24 December 2022]

What a great movie after a long time. Cheers to the simplicity in making the movie. Story of making things right no matter what. Movie portraits how fragile our relations have become that anyone can cause turbulence. Yet if you are true from within you can keep your back straight and chin up. Cheers to the makers of such a fantastic movie. Keep making such movies. The hand held camera throughout the movie, the close-up of tears falling from Rashmi's eyes while performing the medical, emotions of Hareesh, all were to the point. This is a movie with a message. Hope everyone gets the message.

Kindly note that it is an adult movie, a slow movie, movie with strong emotions of anger, betrayal, revenge. Not everyone might like it since it is not a commercial movie but by far a great movie in recent time.

Surely one of the best Malayalam movies of 2022 !

[aaravdev-75135 · 9/10 · 5 January 2023]

#Ariyippu - An intense drama which explores human relationships when life throws unexpected challenges at us - What drives the movie forward are the brilliant performances from the lead actors - DivyaPrabhaa & KunchackoBoban.

The film doesn't have a lot of dramatic moments. All we get is a series of suggestions that paints a crime scene, where the powerful never misses an opportunity to prey on the weak. No blood, fury or horror is visible to our eyes. But, the sufferings of the people who inhabit the lowest strata of society dot every inch of the frame. The pain, the shame and a sense of collective entrapment all hide in plain sight. It's for the audience to unpack the cruelty of poverty

Surely one of the best Malayalam movies of 2022 !

It's altogether amazing!

[vvkumarvajrala · 9/10 · 23 December 2022]

When the senses baffled sometimes perceiving a massive amount of appreciation we go simply for a routine words like awesome, amazing etc. From the beginning the screen runs moment after moment ahead taking you something going to happen that relieves you happily at one end! But perhaps at some point you realise that you have left with a feel of okay. Yet, it's not any kind of disappointment but an indescribable feeling of amazement. The emotional surge in the protagonists, particularly Divya, even with her half masked face never allow you to stop watching at her till the end. Her dark eyes speak volumes of emotions.

A well made film, with a strong message

[anikaitnair · 9/10 · 7 January 2023]

The film was a great one to watch. Mahesh Narayanan as a writer-director crafts a fine film. This is a story and a type of film which we have never seen from Mahesh and isn't something that falls in the usual form of filmmaking from Mahesh. It was quite refreshing to see Mahesh try his hands at an arthouse film. The writing of the film is rock solid. There is a believable plot that takes its time to unfold. Though there isn't any element of thrill or suspense, the way in which the tale progresses builds an intrigue amongst the viewers to know what can happen next. The plot may seem to be slow and dragged out. However, it is necessary to build the tension and the environment for the tale to unfold. Mahesh does a superb job with the writing, by keeping the screenplay as authentic and genuine as possible. He also has put in efforts to make sure that the happenings of the film is believable and adds a local flavour to it, to up the naturality of the film. Mahesh's brilliant writing combined with the spot on execution makes Ariyippu a superbly crafted film. Looking at the acting performances, the film boasts of some stellar performances by the cast. Divya Prabha as Reshmi Hareesh deserves a lot of praise. She is phenomenal in her role and the way she slips into character and portrays it with utmost conviction and precision is highly commendable. Divya has made proper use of the opportunity she has been handed with, and delivers one of the most powerful performances of the year. Kunchacko Boban is absolutely brilliant as Hareesh. This role is perhaps one of his finest performances in recent times and is surely worth a lot of accolades. The remaining supporting cast members too deliver good performances. Looking at the technical side, the cinematography by Sanu John Varghese is great. The shaky camera movements and the steady shots for almost the entire film gives the film a rustic and realistic feel. Editing by Mahesh Narayanan and Rahul Radhakrishnan is crisp and tight, making the film a good one to watch. The background score by Sushin Shyam is pensive and intense, which is unlike most of his work. It was quite a surprise to see such a pensive scoring being orchestrated by Sushin. Special credits has to be given to the production designers, set designers, art department, costume designers and sound designers for their valuable contributions.

As a whole, Ariyippu is a film that is what the general public would call "a typical arthouse film". However, if you watch the film a bit closely, you will realize that this isn't just another arthouse film, but a film that showcases a very relevant topic in the guise of an arthouse film. What makes Ariyippu a film I loved watching is the approach and gamble Mahesh Narayanan took to try his hand at an arthouse film, that pays off, superb making, spectacular acting performances by Divya Prabha and Kunchacko Boban as well as the score by Sushin Shyam. I personally found the film to be something which you all should check out to see a very different Kunchacko Boban and also to realize the filmmaking skills Mahesh Narayanan possesses. The film is slow and would test your patience if you aren't a patient viewer of films or expect a grand climax. This one is surely worth your time. Do check it out!

Declaration 👏🏻👏🏻

[einnin-43559 · 19 December 2022]

What a fantastic film!!!, A film from the mastercraft man Mahesh Narayanan. Kudos to the whole team for making a brilliant movie within a very small idea during the pandemic Period. Happy to see more films from the crew.

The main key attraction of the film is the performance of protagonists. The idea was really small but the content that they built up from it was really admirable. The cinematography of the film is also really good, because I was somewhat confused it with the arabic and Spanish film's tone and quality. I want to see more and more films from this crew, as because I have seen all of the movies that the film maker has done previously.