Paradise on OTT: A deep dive into myth, power, and conflict

If you are a fan of Malayalam cinema and are looking forward to watching movies that explore different facets of the human condition and help you understand the complex nature of Homo sapiens, then you are in luck. One such movie, titled Paradise, made its streaming debut on Saturday. Paradise is streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

Paradise was a big hit on the festival circuit and also received a limited theatrical release in India. Paradise is a humble film, both in terms of scale and budget. But it boasts a stellar star cast, including Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran, and Shyam Fernando. The movie examines the function of mythical stories in modren world and how they help humans deal with a myriad of never-ending conflicts in our lives.

Paradise, helmed by Prasanna Vithanage, tells the story of a couple who take a joyful trip to Sri Lanka to celebrate their wedding anniversary. While Sri Lanka is a popular tourist spot, there is a more compelling reason why Kesav (played by Roshan Mathew) picked it. Sri Lanka has gone bankrupt and is in extreme turmoil. Sri Lanka's economic crisis, allows Kesav to access superior services at cheaper prize. He feels like a rich man in a country that's collapsing on itself. The tension is palpable, with citizens cut off from access to basic needs. The cops are unable to investigate crimes because they can't afford diesel for their patrolling vehicles.

Under these circumstances, Kesav is treated like royalty. Amid all this pampering, Kesav loses his sense of self and begins to take advantage of the power that comes with his status as a tourist. Drunk on power, Kesav pushes the limits of violence and cruelty in subtle ways, hurting the very people who are helping him.

Kesav's wife Amritha (Darshana Rajendran) is taken aback by her husband's utter disregard for lives of others and his inability to feel empathy. A conflict ensues between the couple, slowly building to a shocking climax, leaving the audience in a tough spot. It may not be easy to judge whether what Amritha did was right or wrong, but it sheds light on the nature of power and privilege and how it leads to the oppression and exploitation of the weak.

Paradise also explores the themes of myths and how individuals use them in their lives to overcome their problems. For example, Shyam Fernando, who plays a tourist guide, Andrew, gives the Ramayana tour to Kesav and Amritha around Sri Lanka, improvising the epic to reflect his own desire to see a miracle that can solve his country's problems.

On the other hand, Sergeant Bandara (Mahendra Perera) is a racist cop who readily surrenders to power. Lacking imagination, he uses his storytelling abilities to prejudge others, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, inflicting pain and suffering.

Paradise operates on multiple levels, offering a kaleidoscopic view of conflicts that primarily stem from a combination of power and a lack of compassion.