Yakshi is a 1968 Malayalam-language psychological thriller film, directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and written by Thoppil Bhasi, based on Malayattoor Ramakrishnan's novel of the same name.[1] The film stars Sathyan, Sharada, Adoor Bhasi, N. Govindan Kutty, Bahadoor, Ushakumari, Sukumari, Rajakokila and Radhika. It is considered by historians to be the first psychological thriller in Malayalam cinema.[2][3]
Plot
- Act I*
1. In a rural village, a group of villagers whisper about an ancient, mysterious being known as Yakshi, said to inhabit the nearby forest. 2. Enter our protagonist, Kumar, a young and ambitious scholar who arrives in the village seeking answers about the mythical Yakshi. 3. Kumar meets a local girl, Ganga, who is rumored to have encountered Yakshi.
- Act II*
1. Kumar and Ganga venture into the forest, seeking evidence of Yakshi's existence. 2. As night falls, they stumble upon an ancient temple, where they encounter the enchanting Yakshi. 3. Yakshi, a supernatural being with magical powers, reveals her tragic past and her connection to the village. 4. Kumar becomes entranced by Yakshi's mystique, while Ganga grows wary of Yakshi's intentions.
- Act III*
1. As Kumar's obsession with Yakshi deepens, he begins to neglect Ganga and his own well-being. 2. Ganga discovers Yakshi's true nature: a vengeful spirit seeking justice for past wrongs. 3. Kumar must confront the darkness within himself and make a choice between his love for Ganga and his fascination with Yakshi. 4. In a climactic showdown, Kumar and Ganga join forces to calm Yakshi's wrath and free her from her curse.
Themes 1. The struggle between reason and superstition 2. The dangers of obsession and the importance of balance 3. Redemption and the power of forgiveness
Tone 1. Mysterious and atmospheric, with elements of horror and suspense 2. Emotionally intense and dramatic, with a touch of romance 3. Thought-provoking and introspective, with a focus on character development.
Cast
- Sharada as Ragini, Sreenivasan's beautiful wife
- Sathyan as Professor Sreenivasan (Sreeni)
- Sreelatha Namboothiri as Vanaja
- Adoor Bhasi as Ananthan
- Sukumari as Kalyani
- Bahadoor as Paramu
- N. Govindankutty as Chandran
- Radhika
- Rajakokila as Chandran's Wife
- Ushakumari as Vijayalakshmi
Soundtrack
The music was composed by G. Devarajan and the lyrics were written by Vayalar Ramavarma.[4]
| Song | Singers |
|---|---|
| "Chandrodayathile" | S. Janaki |
| "Chandrodayathile" | K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki |
| "Padmaraagappadavukal" | P. Susheela |
| "Swarnachaamaram Veeshiyethunna" | K. J. Yesudas, P. Leela |
| "Swarnachaamaram" (F) | P. Leela |
| "Vilichu Njan Vilikettu" | P. Susheela |
References
- ^ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (1998) [1994]. Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema. British Film Institute and Oxford University Press. p. 143. ISBN 0-19-563579-5.
- ^ Venkiteswaran, C. S. (18 June 2006). "Auteur par excellence". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 November 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ "Yakshi (1968)". The Hindu. 22 September 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ "യക്ഷി (1968)". malayalasangeetham.info (in Malayalam). Retrieved 15 December 2022.
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