Malik: Facts or Fiction? Internet Raises Questions.

Malik, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, has been generating ample instigation online since its premiere on Amazon Prime Video last Friday. Online platforms like Twitter and Facebook are already filled with debates over the film. Versatile actor Fahad Fasil plays the protagonist in the film. The supporting cast includes prime actors; including Nimisha Sajayan, Dileesh Pothan, Vinay Fort, Joju George, and veteran actress Jalaja. Malik tells the story of a man who rises to power fighting political injustice and police brutality. Thus, reminding the tones of Nayagan (1986) and The God Father (1972). The film is said to be fictional. Though, online media is debating over the film’s narration and interpretation of facts. Because of the film’s relation to one of the most brutal incidents in Kerala history - the Bheemapally police shooting.

Many reviews praised the film on its craft and intellect. Though, critics and several audiences have expressed concerns about its political uncertainty and misrepresentation of facts. Acclaimed writer N.S Madhavan wrote that the film was dishonest and unfair. “Never before a Malayalam movie had title card in Arabic. Why? Are you covering up something, thinking that Arabic represents Muslims? He writes; “Malik is a dishonest film. Unfair. Period.” He also raised five questions related to the film’s internal politics.

Never before a Malayalam movie had title card in Arabic. Why? Are you covering up something, thinking that Arabic represents Muslims? #Malik Malik. pic.twitter.com/m8rOmjiXlE

— N.S. Madhavan (@NSMlive) July 16, 2021

Earlier, the director Mahesh Narayanan had mentioned that Malik transpires in an entirely fictional setting. He added that the inspiration for the same is not a particular event but many events. “It has to do with something that hits us regularly—even now, this issue prevails. I believe I’ve done justice to it. I’m not a biased storyteller. I try to see something from all perspectives and write my script accordingly. So any film based on life will have an essence of what we had recollected, or what our heart is closer to. I’ve tried to tell this story honestly in a fictional manner, and I believe I have done justice to all the characters”; he said in an interview given to the New Indian Express [Internal linking] two days prior to the release of the film.