What is ariyippu?

Ariyippu (English title: Declaration) is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written, directed, and co-produced by Mahesh Narayanan.

The film revolves around the lives of Hareesh and Reshmi, a Malayali couple working in a glove factory near Delhi, who dream of migrating abroad for a better life. Their relationship is strained when a manipulated video surfaces online, implicating Reshmi. This event triggers a series of complex personal, ethical, and social issues.

The film explores themes of:

  • Moral dilemmas: The central conflict arises from a challenging moral situation.
  • Social commentary: The film provides a critique of contemporary social issues, including labor exploitation and the impact of technology.
  • Migration dreams: The couple's aspirations for a better life abroad play a significant role in the narrative.
  • Relationship dynamics: The film examines the complexities of the couple's relationship under pressure.