Iblis is a simple, colourful tale that narrates the story of an 80's village affected by a 'death curse.' The story opens to the lives of Vysakhan (Asif Ali) and his grandfather Lal. While the entire village lives secluded in superstitious world, Lal's character is the only one who has travelled the world. Fida (Madonna), who sells sweets, is his lady love and the hero is desperate to win her.
Peculiar are the characters that you get to see there, as the village doesn't mourn death but celebrates it. The first half wades through a series of small incidents, plots which help us get a grip of the strange villagers. What is even more surprising is that the dead also doesn't leave the village but coexist with the living brethren.
What makes the tale distinct is the element of fantasy, weaved in through beautiful frames. Enter the first shot and you are greeted by sweets in glass jars, puppetry, jackets, hanging glass lamps and more. The aura of the plot is kept intact with the fine timing of the lead actors.
Vysakhan is safe in Asif Ali's cloak and the pain the actor has taken for a physical makeover has paid off well. Actor Lal takes the movie further with his experienced ease. Madonna as Fida with curly locks and dreamy eyes in flowy gowns is a delight to the eyes, just the way any princess would look in a fairy tale.
While the first half is truly a visual treat with elements of fantasy, the second half lacks focus. Music and the background score gels well with the plot.
Rohith VS's second venture is praiseworthy as he has taken meticulous care to present each detail of the move in the best way possible. The camera and presentation too deserve an applause as the crew has managed to keep the audience hooked to the seat as they go about exploring an uncommon theme.
To take home, Iblis tells you what the world of the dead would be like and helps one do a rethink of the meaning of one's life.
