Ayyappanum Koshiyum is a 2020 Malayalam-language action thriller film directed and written by Sachy (K. R. Sachidanandan) in his last film before his untimely death. The movie stars Biju Menon as SI Ayyappan Nair and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Koshy Kurian in lead roles, supported by Roshan Mathew, Sharaf U Dheen, and others. The film presents a powerful personal and ideological conflict between two strong-willed men from contrasting backgrounds. Known for its nuanced storytelling, layered characterizations, and enthralling action sequences, it successfully explores themes of ego, power, class conflict, and masculine pride.

Plot Summary

The story unfolds in the hill town of Attappadi, Kerala, just before Christmas. Koshy Kurian, an ex-Havildar from the Indian Army and son of an influential politician Kurian John, is traveling from Kattappana to Ooty with his driver under the influence of alcohol, carrying a case full of liquor from the military canteen.

Unaware that the route they chose—Attappadi hill—is a prohibited zone for alcohol, Koshy’s vehicle is stopped by a combined unit of police, forest officials, and excise officers. Upon discovering the alcohol, the excise inspector signs for confiscation, but an irritated and drunken Koshy assaults him. SI Ayyappan Nair intervenes, arrests Koshy, and books him under non-bailable charges.

Koshy’s influential political connections come into play, prompting pressure on the police to handle the case delicately. Koshy promises to comply with any sentence and return after spending his time in jail but is denied bail. Using a fake meltdown, Koshy tricks the police into giving him alcohol, secretly recording proof that leads to Ayyappan’s suspension from duty.

The two men become adversaries, each fueled by ego and pride. Koshy, arrogant and politically buffered, flaunts power, while Ayyappan, a dedicated officer with a strong moral compass and deep roots in the local tribal community, stands his ground.

Both men engage in a series of confrontations, both physical and psychological, involving their families and acquaintances, escalating personal vendettas.

Koshy’s persistent provocations and Ayyappan’s dedication to his duty reflect the broader societal and class battles prevalent in Kerala’s socio-political fabric.

The conflict reaches its peak in a physical showdown in Anaikatti, beyond Attappadi police jurisdiction, where both clash fiercely but are eventually separated by law enforcement.

Amid the personal warfare, subplots explore Ayyappan’s past—revealing a violent childhood as a communist enforcer—and Koshy’s struggles with overshadowing family influence.

The film concludes with both men acknowledging each other’s strength and eventually reconciling with mutual respect, symbolically ending their bitter feud.

Characters and Performances

SI Ayyappan Nair (Biju Menon):

Biju Menon gives a career-best performance as the principled yet hot-tempered police officer. His portrayal reflects layers of masculinity, vulnerability, and unwavering loyalty to justice and community.

Koshy Kurian (Prithviraj Sukumaran):

Prithviraj embodies a complex and flawed antagonist-protagonist who is arrogant yet humanized by moments of doubt and conflict over his own identity and familial legacy.

Supporting Actors:

Roshan Mathew as Satheesh Kumar, Sharaf U Dheen, and others bring richness to the narrative through dynamic interactions with the leads and subplots.

Family Members:

Ayyappan’s wife Kannamma and Koshy’s wife Ruby add emotional grounding to the story.

Themes Explored

Ego and Masculinity:

The film dissects male pride and the toxic cycles of dominance and submission.

Class and Power Dynamics:

Contrasting backgrounds emphasize caste, privilege, rural-urban divide, and political influence.

Justice and Law Enforcement:

Explores dilemmas faced by honest officers in politically charged environments.

Family and Loyalty:

Highlights how familial expectations and personal honor drive actions.

Violence and Redemption:

Chronicles a path from ruthless conflict to mutual respect and personal redemption.

Direction and Cinematics

Sachy’s direction is taut and engaging, blending raw, realistic action with deep emotional storytelling. The screenplay is well crafted, avoiding clichés while exploring nuanced character motivations.

Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan captures the dense, misty landscapes of rural Kerala and the confined interiors, reflecting the claustrophobia of the escalating conflict.

Background score and soundtrack complement tense and emotional scenes without intrusion.

Editing maintains a brisk pace, particularly in the buildup to confrontations and the finale.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Ayyappanum Koshiyum received critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and especially the powerhouse performances of Biju Menon and Prithviraj Sukumaran. It became a commercial blockbuster and won several Kerala State Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Actor for both leads.

Its success led to popular remakes in Tamil and Telugu, testifying to its universal appeal and robust narrative.

The film is widely regarded as one of Malayalam cinema’s finest action-drama narratives of the decade.

Memorable Scenes

• The initial arrest of Koshy and the heated exchange with Ayyappan.

• Koshy’s intoxicated provocations and the jail scenes.

• Family interactions reflecting personal stakes and emotional depth.

• The climactic physical duel in Anaikatti, blending raw intensity with dramatic tension.

• Tender moments revealing past struggles and personal reflections.

• The handshake and reconciliation symbolizing closure and humility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who directed Ayyappanum Koshiyum?

Sachy directed and wrote the film.

Who played the lead roles?

Biju Menon as Ayyappan Nair and Prithviraj Sukumaran as Koshy Kurian.

What is the film about?

It chronicles the clash between a police officer and a politically influential ex-army man, exploring ego, justice, and social hierarchies.

Is it based on a true story?

No, it is a fictional narrative inspired by social and political realities.

What are the main themes?

Ego, masculinity, class conflict, justice, and family loyalty.

How was the film received?

It was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, considered one of the best Malayalam films of 2020.

Are there remakes?

Yes, remade in Tamil and Telugu due to its popularity.

Is the film action or drama?

It blends intense action with emotional drama.

Ayyappanum Koshiyum is a gripping, emotionally charged exploration of power, pride, and humanity. With commanding performances and taut storytelling, it is a landmark film that raises profound questions about identity, justice, and reconciliation, securing a lasting place in Malayalam cinema history.