Ee Nadu

"Ee Nadu" is a Malayalam political drama film directed by I. V. Sasi in 1982. It stars Balan K. Nair, Mammootty, Ratheesh and Anjali Naidu. The film is based on a tragedy in Kerala when government-sanctioned outlets sold illicit liquor, which contributed to the deaths of several people, many of whom were poor. The public was horrified, leading to protests and demanding accountability and punishment for the concerned actors for the crime.

A group of college students, led by Prathapan, causes constant trouble on campus by harassing others and creating chaos. Venu, a local politician from a small party, supports them and misuses his power to protect Prathapan. Venu’s party is small but holds major influence in the state government. Meanwhile, the public protests a nearby factory polluting their water, but Venu ignores the issue after taking bribes. His uncle, Comrade Krishna Pillai, is an honest leader who fights for the people's rights. Pillai, along with his supporter Salim, who returns from working in the Gulf, tries to stop the factory. At the same time, liquor politics in the area intensify when Porinju, a local goon, clashes with Karunakaran, a wealthy liquor dealer and Prathapan’s father.

Prathapan is expelled from college following the assault he committed against a girl, Radha, who eventually ends up committing suicide. Honest policeman Alexander arrested him, but corrupt officials made him release him. Eventually, thousands die almost in unison after consuming fake liquor produced for a political event and when Alexander is bribed to cover up the case. The public is furious, and Comrade Pillai leads the protests. The man responsible for the protests, Karunakaran, kills Pillai to stop him, but gets reported by Pillai's wife. Karunakaran is arrested, and Venu's political career is crushed by the people's uprising.

"Ee Nadu" is a thrilling political drama that unflinchingly critiques corruption, malfeasance of power, and the costs of injustice. The film is acutely aware of these contemporary themes, with a tight and smart narrative. The film outlines the bleakness of a society dealing with a corrupt system run on greed and inexcusable social injustice. It's relatable. "Ee Nadu" represents the political manipulation, popular outrage, and the perseverance for justice in a very palpable and real way, together putting audiences in awe, recognition, indignation, and engagement with the film long after the credits roll.