Akale (2004)

Akale (2004) delves into the delicate intricacies of human vulnerability, drawing inspiration from "The Glass Menagerie." The narrative unfolds within the confines of an Anglo-Indian family residing in northern Kerala. The story revolves around Neil, a middle-aged author grappling with the task of penning his life story for a publisher. As he begins to write, the audience is transported back to his formative years, where he is entangled in a complex web of relationships with his demanding and possessive mother, Margaret, and his shy, withdrawn sister, Rose. Neil, a frustrated young man working as a clerk in a warehouse, harbors aspirations of becoming a writer and finds solace in the world of cinema. Margaret, burdened by her own traumatic past, including the abandonment by her sailor husband, is deeply concerned about Neil's unconventional behavior and Rose's uncertain future. Rose, plagued by an inferiority complex due to a slight deformity in her leg, finds solace in her fascination with glass figurines. The family dynamics take a dramatic turn when Neil introduces a young colleague, Freddy Evans, to the household at his mother's insistence. The dreams and aspirations of each family member begin to intertwine, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of their interconnected lives.