Kalyani

KALYANI is the tale of Kalyani Menon, a chirpy middle-aged housewife whose world changes when her husband, a retired music teacher, passes away suddenly one afternoon.

Kalyani, who has devoted her life to her husband now, finds her world bereft of music and colour. But, fate intervenes through, Baiju, a young beggar boy, who comes to her door looking for food. Over time, the two strike a friendship despite an age and class gap.

Kalyani realises that Baiju is much more worldly wise than she is and looks forward to his daily visits. However, her grown-up children do not approve and try to thwart this relationship. Nevertheless, it survives and it is Baiju who helps her learn how to live again and get her confidence back.

Two issues of growing concern in Kerala society are addressed in this 90 minute Malayalam film on digital format. One is "the empty nest" phenomenon when a parent is forced to survive alone. The second is "the homeless child" who becomes a child of the streets eventually turns to a lawless life. In "Kalyani", such characters meet and together find a solution to a better life.

The film has been made with the cooperation of Freebirds - a rehabilitation centre for street children based in Calicut, Kerala. The organisation and real street children from it have been featured in the film. Sumitra, Venu Nagavally and debutant Master Abdul Jaleel lead the cast. Cinematography by N.Srinivasan, Music by Palakkad Suryanarayanan, Dialogues by Paliyath Aparna Menon.