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Report to Mother (Amma Ariyan) (15*) + Introduction

Rewriting the Rules

,Cinema 3
A group of men walk down a street in an aged photograph.

Embedded in the socio-political contexts of Kerala in the 1980s, this road movie-come-political chronicle explores themes of grief, solidarity, and the cost of political revolution.  

The story unfolds as Purushan embarks on a journey to inform the mother of his deceased friend, Hari, about her son's tragic death. As he travels from Calicut to Cochin, Purushan encounters various individuals and groups, each grappling with their own socio-political issues.  

Known for its raw realism and experimental narrative style, Report to Mother is probably the closest Indian cinema has come to replicating both the radical aesthetics and politics of Latin American Third Cinema. But its power comes from its examining the political landscape through the anxieties of a defiant political youth, reflecting on student activism, state repression and communism in equal measure. 

Introduced by season curator Dr Omar Ahmed.

Tagged with: Cinema Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970 Art & design

India 1986 Dir John Abraham 115 min Malayalam with English subtitles Digital presentation  

Please note: this film contains scenes of torture 

With thanks to NFDC - National Film Archive of India.

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Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.