Lijo Jose Pellissery’s “Malaikottai Vaaliban” emerges as a perplexing yet profound cinematic journey that defies conventional narrative expectations and challenges viewers to delve deeper into its layers of meaning and symbolism. While reactions to its theatrical release ranged from extreme polarisation to sudden adoration upon multiple viewings, the film’s enigmatic narrative and thematic complexity invite contemplation and interpretation. At its core, “Malaikottai Vaaliban” unfolds the story of an all-powerful warrior, Vaaliban, portrayed...