A Story that Begins at the End

 

Krishnanunni is the descendant of a wealthy orthodox Nair family, whose fortune has now dwindled. But there is still enough to ensure a leisurely life for him, his wife Suma and their seven year old son Unni. Chathan is the head serf of the family. The bond between Chathan and Krishnanunni is stronger than the one between Krishnanunni and his wife.

 

Everything is going fine until one morning, while shaving, Suma discovers a black mole under Krishnanunni's lower lip. She thinks it is a sign of luck. In an intimate moment, she finds pleasure in caressing the mole. But later one night in bed she wonders if it is contagious and suggests that he should have an operation to remove it. Krishnanunni feels very reluctant because none of his forefathers had believed in surgery. He is unable to change.

 

Unable to withstand the pressure from his wife, Krishnanunni decides to undergo herbal treatment to remove the black mole which he thinks is creating a barrier in their relationship. From the abandoned articles kept in the attic of the house, he looks for an ancient palm leaf manuscript containing prescriptions of traditional medicines.

 

Following prescriptions laid out in the palm leaf manuscript, Krishnanunni finds leaves from the hills nearby and applies the pulp to the wart. But it does not seem to cure its growth… it keeps growing bigger…

 

 

Photos: Jonathan Page

 

 

Co-producers: National Film Development Corporation (India), NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Duration: 90 mins

Premiere: Cannes 2003

Official Selection: Cannes 2003 - Un Certain Regard

 

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