This film features Marthanda Varma (Jaidev), the legendary founder and King of the Travancore State (now Kerala) from 1706-58. It tells the story of love between Anantha Padmanabham (Menon) and Parukutty (Padmini), the political conspiracy of Padmanabha Thampi (Naik) and the heads of the eight Nair Houses against Marthanda Varma.
You should watch this if you are a total history nerd or if you really like seeing how movies looked when they were still figuring themselves out. If you need crisp visuals or a plot that doesn't require a Wikipedia tab open, you will probably hate it. It’s one of those films that feels like a museum exhibit that some...
Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.
P.V. Rao
Maurice Elvey
Community
Log in to comment.
"You should watch this if you are a total history nerd or if you really like seeing how movies looked when they were still figuring themselves out. If you need crisp visuals or a plot that doesn't require a Wikipedia tab open, you will probably hate it. It’s one of those films that feels like a museum exhibit that somehow started moving. I wasn't expecting the movie to start with a newsreel. The opening shows the Aarattu procession. It’s got elephants, cavalry, and the Nair Brigade just marchin..."
P.V. Rao
India
Jaroslav Siakel
