Jishnu Punnakulangara

Jishnu Punnakulangara’s “Idi Mazha Kaattu” (2025) is basically a punch to the gut—emotionally speaking, anyway. The story kicks off in a sleepy Kerala village where the monsoon isn’t just a backdrop, it’s more like a character in itself. There’s this central guy, Hari, who’s—well, he’s not your classic hero material. He’s awkward as hell, constantly stumbling through life, always trying to please everyone and usually failing miserably. His family? Just as messy. Mom’s got her own secrets, dad’s clinging to some half-baked dreams from the ‘80s, and his little sister is basically the only one keeping it together. Things take a weird turn when an old friend, Anju, rolls back into town with baggage heavier than the rain clouds. She’s changed, bruised by life, and the chemistry between her and Hari is—let’s just say, it’s complicated. The rain doesn’t let up, and neither does the tension. There’s an undercurrent of old heartbreak, whispers about family debts, and this sense that everyone’s waiting for the storm—literal and metaphorical—to finally break. But it’s not all gloomy. There’s a bit of dark humor (Hari’s attempts at adulting are equal parts hilarious and painful), a bunch of colorful side characters (that nosy neighbor is a riot), and some pretty killer visuals of Kerala’s monsoon-soaked landscapes. By the end, you’re left wondering whether the rain’s going to wash everything away or help these folks finally start fresh. It’s messy, it’s raw, and honestly, that’s what makes it stick with you.