Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha

In the early 1970s, a crime branch officer is tasked with investigating the murder of Manikyam, a woman from the depressed classes, in the remote village of Paleri. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of power struggles, caste discrimination, and dark family secrets that have festered for decades. The investigation forces him to confront the harsh realities of the region and the tragic circumstances surrounding Manikyam's life and death.

The film was widely acclaimed for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of social issues in rural Kerala. Critics praised its atmospheric direction and Mammootty's compelling performance as the investigating officer.

• Praised for its gripping narrative and exploration of social inequalities.

• Mammootty's performance as the investigator was a standout element.

• The film's realistic depiction of the time and place was highly commended.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's engaging mystery, realistic setting, and strong performances, particularly from Mammootty. Many appreciated its thoughtful examination of societal issues.

Won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor (Mammootty) and Best Cinematography (S. Kumar).

The film is based on a real-life murder case that occurred in Paleri, a village in the Kozhikode district of Kerala.