Marthandavarman (1933) - A Dusty, Fascinating Mess of History

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 marching along.

It’s actually footage of the then-Maharaja Chithira Thirunal. This part goes on for a while, and for a second, I thought I was watching a documentary by mistake.

It’s a bit like watching The Potterymaker in terms of that raw, observational feel. Then, the actual story kicks in.

We go back in time to the 1700s to see Marthanda Varma, played by Jaidev. He looks very serious in every single shot.

The plot is mostly about him trying to keep his throne while these guys called the Eight Nair Houses try to take him down. They look like they are constantly plotting in dark corners.

There is also a romance between Anantha Padmanabham and Parukutty. It’s the kind of silent movie romance where people look at each other with very wide eyes for a long time.

Padmini, who plays Parukutty, has this way of staring that makes you feel like she’s looking right through the camera. It’s a bit haunting, actually.

The movie is based on a famous novel, and you can tell because it tries to cram in so many episodes from the book. It uses these inter-cuts between the King’s youth and the current drama that are a little confusing if you blink.

The quality of the film I saw was pretty rough. There are scratches everywhere, and sometimes the characters just disappear into a grey blur for a second.

But there is something magical about the graininess. It makes the political conspiracy of Padmanabha Thampi feel more dangerous, like you’re watching a secret that wasn’t supposed to be filmed.

The way they filmed the elephants is probably my favorite part. They look massive and slightly terrifying in the old black-and-white tint.

The movie doesn't have the polish of something like The Girl from the Marsh Croft. It feels much more experimental and clunky.

There’s one scene where the political rivals are arguing, and the title cards are so long you have time to go make a sandwich. I’m exaggerating, but the pacing is definitely... leisurely.

It’s funny how the movie mixes real life and fiction. Seeing the actual Maharaja at the start and then an actor playing his ancestor right after is a weird choice that I kind of loved.

It makes the whole thing feel like a family scrap book that cost a lot of money to make. The action scenes aren't exactly high-paced.

When the soldiers move, it looks more like a choreographed dance than a war. But for 1933, the scale is pretty impressive.

I found myself wondering about the actors, like V. Naik and A.V.P. Menon. They have these strong faces that work so well for silent film because they don't need to say a word to look angry.

The movie gets much better once the conspiracy really gets moving. You stop worrying about the grainy film and start wondering if the King is going to survive the next ambush.

It’s not a masterpiece of storytelling, but it’s a masterpiece of atmosphere. It feels heavy and humid, just like the Kerala climate it’s set in.

If you’ve seen A Diplomatic Mission, you might recognize that same vibe of people in rooms talking about the fate of a country. Except here, they have swords.

The ending feels a bit rushed, like they realized they were running out of film. Or maybe I just missed a title card because I was looking at a particularly cool elephant in the background.

I wouldn't say this is a fun watch for a Friday night. It’s more of a Sunday afternoon movie when you want to feel like you’ve traveled in time.

It’s a dusty relic, but it’s got a heart. You can feel the filmmakers really trying to do justice to their history.

Sometimes the screen goes totally white for a split second. I think that’s just the film aging, but it adds to the dreamlike feeling of the whole thing.

I’m glad I watched it, even if I had to squint at the subtitles. It’s a reminder that movies used to be these big, bold experiments.

Also, the mustaches in this movie are 10/10. Truly regal facial hair across the board.

Don't expect a smooth ride. Expect a bumpy, grainy, and sincere look at a King who changed everything.

• The Good: Incredible historical value, great elephants, very intense staring.
• The Bad: The film quality is literally falling apart, pacing is very slow.
• The Weird: The newsreel at the start feels like a different movie entirely.

If you like this, maybe check out Mothers of Men for another taste of that early era cinema. Just keep your expectations grounded.

It’s a bit of a chore at times, but the final shot stayed with me. It’s a ghost of a world that doesn’t exist anymore.