For past few days, Malayalam media have been reporting on the brutal murder of a young Latvian woman in India. Two drug pushers are accused of raping and killing her after drugging her in an isolated area.
Although it is been a touchy subject, films, then and now have dealt with sordid themes about narcotics trade and usage.
Onmanorama brings you a few Malayalam movies that dealt with drugs.
1. Ekalavyan
The 1993 movie starring Suresh Gopi in the lead was a major turning point for the actor. Ekalavyan, directed by Shaji Kailas showcased a psychotic holy godman (played by Narendra Prasad), with strong international connections, running a powerful drug mafia in the state. A series of murders at Kovalam beach and the subsequent investigations form the crux of this crime thriller.
2. Season
The 1989 Mohanlal movie directed by Padmarajan, has a cult following among movie buffs. Highlighting the lucrative drug trade in the tourist hub of Kovalam in the early 80s, the movie portrays a European tourist luring two local youth with money to obtain brown sugar. Season, is often cited by critics as one of the finest crime thrillers with a raw script and presentation.
3. Johnnie Walker
The 1992 film, with Mammootty playing the titular character, was a trendsetter and was a resounding success at the box office. The movie tells the story of a middle-aged man who goes back to college and gets invloved with a drug gang. The film, directed by Jayaraj, basically depicted narcotics usage on campuses and the influence it had on youngsters.
4. Amrutham Gamaya
The 1987 film by T Hariharan has Mohanlal in the lead role. The movie revolves around a doctor who resorts to drugs to escape the memories of a crime he had committed during his college days. The film has touchingly portrayed the guilt caused by drug usage. It is noted for one of the classic screenplays of M. T. Vasudevan Nair.
5. Kili Poyi
The 2013 druggie film, directed by debutant Vinay Govind, is a homage to the cinema of the 1980s. The adult entertainer portrays two youngsters getting along with girls and ganja before getting into trouble for drugs. The movie is presented in a subtle way with a humorous undertone. Asif Ali and Aju Varghese are the lead actors.
