Is And There Was a Village... Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1987)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of And There Was a Village... (1987), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In the 1950s a village in Kerala is preparing itself to be included in the nation's electric grid. Things are looking up for villagers and everyone is optimistic about the progress that electrification will bring. However soon some trouble brews starting with petty quarrels on trees being felled for the power lines. A series of unfortunate events follow the electrification as the village comes into terms with rapid modernization."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Nedumudi Venu shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is And There Was a Village... worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1987, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, And There Was a Village... is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 112 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.