Agnisakshi (1999 film)

Agnisakshi (English: With Fire As Witness) is a 1999 Indian Malayalam-language spiritual film written and directed by Shyamaprasad, based on the novel of the same name by Lalithambika Antharjanam. It stars Rajit Kapur, Shobana, Srividya, Praveena, Madhupal and Madambu Kunhukuttan.

Agnisakshi
CD cover
Directed byShyamaprasad
Produced byV V Babu
Screenplay byShyamaprasad
Based onAgnisakshi
by Lalithambika Antharjanam
StarringRajit Kapur
Shobana
Srividya
Praveena
Madhupal
Madambu Kunhukuttan
Music byKaithapram Damodaran
CinematographyAlagappan N.
Edited byBeena Paul
Production
company
Srishti Films
Release date
  • 1999 (1999)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

The film premiered at the Soorya Festival on 14 September 1998. Agnisakshi received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam and nine Kerala State Film Awards.

Plot and themes

Unni accepts Devaki as his wife and brings her into the fold of his Namboothiri illam. Bound by a plethora of traditional beliefs, customs and rituals that constitute life within four walls of the joint family, Unni is unable to be the husband that he would have liked to be. Yet, they understand and love each other immensely. Guarded by the fortress of tradition, the family remains oblivious to the winds of change sweeping through society. Though Unni is aware, he shuts the door to everything that his family will never be able to comprehend or accept. But Devaki, who is essentially of a different mould, longs to step out into the world — and is finally forced to do so.

Set in early 1930s, the story develops within walls of a Namboothiri Illam, in the South Indian state of Kerala, against the backdrop of the struggle for freedom from the British rule. The film opens in Haridwar, a holy city, where Thankam, Unni's younger half sister (of same father; Unni's mother was Namboothiri and Thankam's mother was Nair) has come to immerse Unni's ashes in the Ganga and trace Devaki, who now is an ascetic. The story is revealed through the reminiscences of Thankam, a mute spectator who is caught between these characters and the complexities of their relationship — complexities that can never be relegated to the realms of right and wrong.

Cast

Awards
National Film Awards
Kerala State Film Awards
Kerala State Film Critics Awards
  • Best Film
  • Best Director - Shyamaprasad
  • Best Lyrics - Kaithaprom
  • Best Actress - Shobana
  • Best Cinematographer - Azhagappan
  • Best Art Director - Premachandran
Other awards

Further reading
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