Sancharam (film)

Infobox_Film
name = Sancharram


writer = Ligy J. Pullappally
starring = Suhasini V. Nair
Shrruiti Menon
director = Ligy J. Pullappally
producer = Ligy J. Pullappally
distributor = Wolfe Video
music =
released =
runtime = 107 min.
language = Malayalam
budget =
music =
awards =
imdb_id = 0470913
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"Sancharram" (English: "The Journey") (2004) is a Malayalam feature-film written, directed and produced by Ligy J. Pullappally, inspired both by her short film Uli and a true story of two lesbian lovers in the South India state of Kerala.

The film follows two young friends, Kiran (Suhasini V. Nair), a Hindu, and Delilah (Shrruiti Menon), a Catholic, from their first meeting as young children to young adulthood, when they realize that they have a lifelong (lesbian) love for each other.

At first, Kiran is asked to write love letters to Delilah for Rajan (Syam Seethal) a teenage boy who also has a long-standing crush on Delilah. Kiran does so as it allows her to express her love to Delilah without having to be ostracized by her family, friends and culture. Eventually Delilah discovers the truth behind the letters and poetry, and admits her mutual love to Kiran. The begin a delicate love affair despite social taboos against homosexuality.

Their blossoming love affair is dampened severely when Rajan discovers Kiran and Delilah stealing a moment of intimacy in the jungle. He proceeds to inform Amma (Lalitha K.P.A.C.), Delilah's mother, of what he (briefly) witnessed. Amma confronts Delilah, who reveals her love for Kiran. In response, Amma arranged Delilah's marriage with a suitor who recently visited intent on seeking a bride. Delilah reluctantly consents to the marriage.

"Sancharram" has been compared to Deepa Mehta's "Fire", a movie which also touches upon lesbian relationships in India. However, where "Fire" is explicit in stating that the main characters enter their relationship due to the failure of their heterosexual marriages, "Sancharram" is clearly a film about two lesbians who fall in love with each other.

Main Cast

(in credited order)

*Suhasini V. Nair .... Kiran
*Shrruiti Menon .... Delilah
*Lalitha K.P.A.C. .... Amma
*Valsala Menon .... Ammachi
*Syam Seethal .... Rajan

External links

* [http://www.afterellen.com/Movies/2005/7/thejourney.html After Ellen review of Sancharram]
* [http://www.afterellen.com/People/2005/7/ligy.html After Ellen interview with writer/director Ligy Pullappally]
* [http://www.wolfevideo.com/products.asp?subcat=26&id=994 Distributor Wolfe's Web site for Sancharram]
* [http://www.thejourney-themovie.com/ Official Web site]