Post-interval, the movie depicts the failure rate of no-scalpel vasectomy initiated in the 1980s and the problems faced by men who underwent the procedure.
A poster of the film 'Oru Sarkar Ulpannam'. (X)
The Malayalam movie Oru Sarkar Ulpannam (A government product) was in the news recently after the censor board sought a change in the title.
Earlier, the film’s title was Oru Bharata Sarkar Ulpannam (A Bharat government product). The censor board asked the team to remove “Bharata” from the title.
Well, Oru Sarkar Ulpannam is a satire on the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), a male sterilisation process initiated by the Union government in the 1980s.
The script by Nishad Rawther, who passed away on Wednesday, 6 March, is hilariously good as it efficiently blends emotions, satire, and current happenings.
Late Nishad Rawther was the script writer of ‘Oru Sarkar Ulpannam’. (Supplied)
Pradeep (Subeesh Sudhi), a painting worker, lives a content life with his wife Shyama (Shelly N Kumar) and four children in a village in the Kannur district.
Their village is famous for its temple, where childless couples pray to God to bless them with kids. Interestingly, the Union government launches its birth control programme here.
Divya (Gouri G Kishan), an ASHA worker, has to find men for the NSV programme. She convinces Pradeep and his wife Syama to do the sterilisation process and gets it done.
But here comes the twist in the story, and revealing it would be a spoiler.
Post-interval, the movie depicts the failure rate of the NSV and the problems faced by men who undergo the procedure.
‘Oru Sarkar Ulpannam’ is a satirical drama. (Supplied)
The major highlight of Oru Sarkar Ulpannam is its satirical theme. Such stories are less discussed in Malayalam cinema.
Scriptwriter Nishad Rawther, who was also a doctor, had good knowledge of this subject, which is why the movie highlights many interesting facts about NSV.
The film starts with a couple searching for the temple where a special pooja is organised for childbirth.
Then, the protagonist and his life are established. Since he is a father of four children, Pradeep is selected for the vasectomy procedure.
The temple and its oracle play an important role in the plot, as the flick throws light on the faiths and beliefs of common people.
The usual appeal to newly married couples by their neighbours and relatives to consult a doctor for kids gets a hilarious take.
Couples performing pooja by catching fish and preparing curry as an offering to God is another interesting aspect of the film.
In all, Oru Sarkar Ulpannam showcases the issues faced by Pradeep who undergoes the NSV and even gets arrested for some reason. His wife Shyama files a case in the court seeking justice.
The courtroom scenes towards the climax are a major highlight of the film. They reveal how the NSV programme initiated by the Union government in the 1980s affected thousands due to the mismanagement of government doctors and officials concerned.
The movie also focuses on the life of ASHA workers who have now become familiar with every household, mainly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oracle played by Gokulan represents the people who protested against the recent women’s entry into temples in Kerala.
Moral policing, too, gets a mention in the flick, which is also vocal about the issues faced by women in villages.
Oru Sarkar Ulpannam also mocks the Left parties who help people for personal gains.
‘Oru Sarkar Ulpannam’ is directed by debutant TV Renjith. (Supplied)
Subish Sudhi, as Pradeep, is commendable. A big thumbs-up to the actor for progressing from doing small roles to playing a lead.
Shelly N Kumar, as Shyama, is brilliant. Her emotions in the climax scenes are spellbinding.
Director Lal Jose appears as a social worker and is decent.
Gouri G Kishan, as Divya, does justice to her role as the ASHA worker. She is here to stay.
Vineeth Vasudevan delivers a subtle performance as Pradeep’s friend Subhash.
Health inspector Babusenan, a negative character, is safe in the hands of Aju Varghese.
The songs are good and have an appeal of folklore.
The scenic beauty of the Kannur district with its backwaters is captured well by cinematographer Ansari Shah.
Debutant director TV Renjith delivers a quality product and has done an appreciable job.
Oru Sarkar Ulpannam is a satirical drama on a socially relevant topic. The well-written script and the commendable performances make it enjoyable and worth watching.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
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