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Although film censorship is a hugely divisive topic, film certification is one area that is more or less considered a useful check to regulate and classify the public exhibition of films. Of the different categories that films are certified under, ‘A’ rated films are those that are strictly restricted to adults, ‘U’ that can have unrestricted public exhibition, and ‘U/A’ that stipulate parental guidance for viewers below 12 years of age. But again the criteria for certifying films have often been debated for the probable influence of individual perception, tolerance and POVs on the variables of categorization. Any film with excessive violence, sex and coarse language that are strong in nature are bound to earn an ‘A’, but as to who decides the definition of ‘strong’ is what makes it questionable. Following is a list of some of the best ‘A’ rated Malayalam films of which some may not entirely seem loyal to the ‘letter’.
1. Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999)
Directed by : T. K. Rajeev Kumar
Written by : T. K. Rajeev Kumar
Starring : Manju Warrier, Thilakan, Biju Menon
Streaming : Youtube, Hotstar
A woman’s revenge on the murderers of her parents is the basic plot, and to exact it, she uses the easiest weapon at her disposal- sex. But as far as its depiction goes, all she does is use it to lure her enemies. There is absolutely no graphic sex or violence in the film, and it has one of the best performances by Manju Warrier to date
2. Dasharatham (1989)
Directed by : Sibi Malayil
Written by : A. K. Lohithadas
Starring : Mohanlal, Rekha
Streaming : Youtube
Having been released at a time when even sex education was not considered a swell idea, it is not surprising to see how a film on artificial insemination and surrogacy landed an ‘A’. But a little parental guidance could easily have made it accessible to kids, as there is absolutely no graphic sex, violence or strong language in it.
3. Paleri Manikyam: Oru Paathira Kolapathakathinte Kadha (2009)
Directed by : Ranjith
Written by : T. P. Rajeevan
Starring : Mammootty, Mythili, Shwetha Menon
Streaming : Youtube
The sheer brutality associated with the events in this Award winning Ranjith film renders it a bit too strong for ‘young’ audience in a psychological capacity. But the stunning recreation of a period with attention to body language and local accents makes it a must watch, although one might find the present-day half of the investigation process a tad bit smug.
4. Thaniyavarthanam (1987)
Directed by : Sibi Malayil
Written by : A. K. Lohithadas
Starring : Mammootty, Thilakan, Mukesh
Streaming : Youtube
Given that this Sibi Malayil- Lohithadas collaboration leaves even a grown-up scarred for life, this is absolutely a no-no to kids. Aptly certified ‘A’, Thaniyavarthanam exposes the ugly hands of society in the downfall of a man in every sense of the word. Brilliant script and great performances make this a must watch for all those adults out there.
5. Thoovanathumbikal (1987)
Directed by : P. Padmarajan
Written by : P. Padmarajan
Starring : Mohanlal, Sumalatha, Parvathy
Streaming : Youtube, Hotstar
One has to assume that it’s the premarital affair of a man with an escort that must have taken this Padmarajan classic to taboo waters. But it could easily be classified as ‘U/A’ for the graceful decorum it keeps in exploring the complex love life of a man torn between two women that could effortlessly have treaded on skin-show and sleaze given the sensitive nature of the content.
By a Curious Mind 