NewsBytes Recommends: 'Mandela' on Netflix—Impactful social satire with superior performances
Madonne Ashwin's Mandela is a scathing, well-made, well-acted social satire with its heart in the right place and numerous surprises up its sleeve. Its subtext is underlined through an undeveloped town that exemplifies the binary between the haves and the have-nots. Bolstered by charming, innocent, and subtle acting by Yogi Babu, the movie rests on its unique premise and natural performances.
The story of 'Mandela'
The cynosure is a poor barber named Smile, a lower caste, economically and socially backward man who has been banished to the fringes of society and is considered a dispensable "object" not worthy of attention. However, his life upends when he becomes the deciding vote in the local elections, with two parties vying hard for his approval, showering him with unprecedented respect.
Smile gets the best name he could have asked for
How Smile is rechristened Mandela serves as a crucial plot point and it's noteworthy how the film chooses to call him after a famed human rights activist. There is a lot to be interpreted in the way he goes from being at the lowest rung of society to becoming the most sought-after villager and his name ushers a wave of new, strong identity.
Carefully look at its social commentary, themes' representation
The film nails its social commentary, underlining how, even after half a century of its independence, India is yet to find a permanent solution to the grave issues of casteism, poverty, and lack of basic services in rural areas. Fortunately, despite touching upon multiple grave such problems, at no point does it become preachy or pedantic, maintaining the same level of entertainment quotient throughout.
How the film breaks the illusion regarding comedy actors
Babu, who has graced numerous South Indian films in supporting, mostly comedic roles, gets a tailor-made part. Mandela breaks the illusion that comedy stars can only do comedy and Babu receives a rare, well-written, meaty role that completely harnesses his stupendous abilities on screen. It's another example of what an actor can achieve once allowed to break free from the cages of typecasting.
I didn't see its ending coming!
I particularly enjoyed its clever ending; after showing us two warring factions and the endless fights between them, the movie flips the climax on its head, leaving it up to us to ascertain what lies in store for the characters. Of course, the premise is fantastical, but seeing the village overgo overnight transformation was utterly delightful. Perhaps there is some hope for us, too.
