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Idavela
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Idavela
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Idavela
The theatrical release poster of the 1982 film Idavela
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMohan
Written byPadmarajan
Produced byShreyes Films
StarringAshokan
Idavela Babu
Nalini
CinematographyU. Rajagopal
Edited byG. Venkitaraman
Music byM. B. Sreenivasan
Production
company
Shreyes Films
Distributed byCentury Films
Release date
  • 7 May 1982 (1982-05-07)
Running time
144 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Idavela (English: Interval) is a 1982 Malayalam teen film written by Padmarajan and directed by Mohan. It stars Ashokan, Idavela Babu and Nalini in the lead roles. It was the debut film of Idavela Babu, who got his screenname through this film.[1][2][3]

Plot

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The movie opens with showing the 4 college boys to be indulged in smoking, drinking and watching blue films. This time they get caught and are punished. Their parents are also informed about the same and they are a disgrace to their families as well. The college NCC decides to conduct a camp for 10 days and these 4 are asked to first cut their hair and then report their name to attend the camp. However they choose not to give their names. They inform at home of going to the camp and plan to spend those 10 days going elsewhere on their own.

On the day of departure, Thomas picks up Ravi from his home. Ravi's brother asks Thomas to take care of Ravi. The 4 meet at the railway station and go to Munnar. They ask the local taxi to take them to a good hotel and the driver takes them to hotel blue meadow. They get a room by providing fake names. The bearer there is Madhavan (Innocent). The boys have come there with the intention of having sex and inquires with Madhavan regarding the same, who says the hotel is a reputable one and such activities don't happen there.

They go for a long walk, find a girl near the lake and follow her to find that she stays in the room next to theirs in the same hotel. They try to get friendly with her. She (Nalini) mentions her name to be Malu or they can call her Molu as her mother calls her. She develops a liking towards Ravi and dislikes Thomas. This creates jealousy among the other boys towards Ravi. Ravi falls in love with Molu which he tells her but she doesn't respond. Thomas warns Ravi that they are not here to stay forever and has to tell her their intention in his next meeting with her. The next day Ravi meets with Molu, asks her to pose for a few photos which she does willingly. They walk a long distance away from the hotel with the other 3 boys following them without their knowledge. Then Ravi informs Molu that he has been sent to her to tell her to cooperate with the boys. She smilingly tells him to lie to his friends that they made love and she wouldn't mind it. Overhearing this, Thomas jumps in front of her and tries to rape her. Ravi runs to the hotel to get help with Alosius trying to stop him. Ravi runs into a muddy swamp and gets engulfed by it. Alosius tries to save him and gets stuck in the mud. Hearing his shout, the other 2 boys along with Molu rush there and pull him out. Molu realizes that Ravi has drowned and Alosius confirms the same. They try in vain to find Ravi in the swamp. Thomas threatens to kill Molu if she tells anyone about this incident. Molu informs them that she also feels responsible for what's happened and wouldn't inform anyone. She returns to the hotel. The boys wait for the evening, when Christmas celebrations start, to return to the hotel so that no one would notice that Ravi is missing. At night, Madhavan brings them their drink which they had ordered the previous day. After Madhavan leaves Thomas asks the boys to have their drinks but they refuse. They accuse him of being hard hearted and of being responsible for the death of Ravi. Thomas throws the bottle through the window and walks out to the balcony to find Molu standing next door. She accuses him of being a cheat and murderer. The next morning, Alosius and Swami are packing their bags when Molu walks into their room. She enquires about Thomas to find that he is nowhere to be found. Madhavan informs them that he saw Thomas walking a far distance away. Aloysius, Swami and Molu run towards the direction pointed by Madhavan calling out Thomas' name. They come near the muddy swamp and find his cigarette packet and match box nearby. They prod the mud with a log of wood to find a hand come up which confirms their doubts that Thomas has drowned in the swamp.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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The music was composed by M. B. Sreenivasan and the lyrics were written by Kavalam Narayana Panicker.

No. Song Singers Lyrics Length (m:ss)
1 "Amme Kanyaamariyame" (Chilluvazhi Paayum) Chorus, J. M. Raju Kavalam Narayana Panicker
2 "Gloria Gloria Gloria Swargeeya" (Vinnin Saanthi Sandesham) Chorus, J. M. Raju Kavalam Narayana Panicker
3 "Manjumma Vekkum" Krishnachandran Kavalam Narayana Panicker

References

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Idavela

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from Grokipedia
Idavela (English: Interval) is a 1982 Indian Malayalam-language teen drama film written by P. and directed by Mohan. The story, also penned by , centers on a group of students whose playful escapades during a break at a hotel in lead to unintended consequences, exploring themes of innocence, mischief, love, and guilt. Starring Ashokan as Thomas Kutty, Idavela Babu in a breakout role, and Nalini, the film is noted for its portrayal of youthful contradictions and emotional depth. Produced under Shreyas Films, Idavela was released on May 14, 1982, and features cinematography by U. Rajagopal and music composed by . The supporting cast includes as Nambeesan Sir, , and , contributing to the film's depiction of campus life and interpersonal dynamics. Idavela Babu's performance earned him his , highlighting the film's impact on emerging talents in . Critically received for its sensitive handling of adolescent experiences, Idavela holds an rating of 6.6/10 based on over 1,000 user votes, and remains a notable entry in Padmarajan's oeuvre of . The film's , focusing on the "interval" as a for life's pivotal moments, has influenced subsequent youth dramas.

Plot

Idavela follows the story of four friends—Ravi, the impulsive leader; , the mischievous one; Alosius, the practical thinker; and Thomas, who is prone to guilt—as they navigate youthful antics and unforeseen consequences. The narrative begins on their , where the group engages in typical pranks, including , , and watching forbidden , leading to their discovery by authorities. As punishment for these escapades, they are required to attend a mandatory 10-day NCC camp, but instead of complying, the friends decide to skip it entirely, deceiving their parents and fleeing to the hill station of for what they call an exhilarating "interval" adventure. Upon arriving in , the quartet checks into a local under false names, immersing themselves in the serene landscapes and freedom from college rules. Their carefree trip takes a romantic turn when they encounter Molu, a local girl staying nearby, who catches Ravi's eye and sparks an immediate flirtation between them. However, the situation escalates when attempts to molest Molu, leading to a heated confrontation among the group that turns physical and brings them near a treacherous swamp. In the chaos, Ravi drowns in the quicksand-like swamp despite attempts to save him. Molu realizes Ravi has drowned, and threatens her to remain silent about the incident. The surviving friends grapple with shock and grief, with especially tormented by guilt over his actions and Ravi's death. Overwhelmed, later returns to the same swamp and takes his own life by drowning. Alosius and confront the harsh realities of their recklessness as they return to everyday life, underscoring the 's exploration of innocence lost through impulsive actions.

Cast

The cast of Idavela is led by Ashokan as Thomas John, a responsible and level-headed college student who often takes care of his peers. Idavela Babu portrays Ravi, the impulsive and prank-loving friend whose energetic antics drive much of the group's dynamic. Nalini plays Molu (also referred to as Malu), a warm and endearing girl central to the emotional undercurrents. Supporting the leads are Innocent as Madhavettan, a witty sidekick whose humorous timing adds levity to interactions, and as Nambeesan Sir, the stern warden embodying institutional authority. Other notable supporting roles include as Ravi's concerned brother, as , another mischievous member of the friend group, and various minor characters depicting and staff, such as in a small community role. This marked the film debut for Idavela Babu, whose natural and unpretentious performance as Ravi led him to adopt the stage name "Idavela Babu" thereafter.

Production

Development

Idavela's screenplay was penned by the acclaimed Malayalam writer and filmmaker P. Padmarajan, who developed an original story centered on the escapades of college students that escalate into tragedy, blending elements of youthful rebellion and emotional depth. This narrative marked another collaboration between Padmarajan and director M. Mohan, following their earlier work together on films like Shalini Ente Koottukari (1980), with Mohan bringing his signature understated style to portray the complexities of adolescent life. The project was produced by Shreyes Films, which handled the low-budget production typical of early 1980s Malayalam teen dramas. Conceptualized amid the rising popularity of campus-themed stories in Malayalam cinema during the early 1980s, the film aimed to fuse humor with poignant pathos to reflect real-life youth experiences.

Filming

Principal photography for Idavela was completed in during 1981 and early 1982, resulting in a feature-length runtime of 144 minutes. The production was managed under the banner of Shreyes Films, with distributor Century Films overseeing logistics and support. Key filming locations included studios in for the college scenes, capturing the everyday dynamics of teen life, while the adventure sequences were shot on location in the hills to convey the spontaneous "interval" escape central to the narrative. Cinematographer U. Rajagopal focused on scenic shots of the lush landscapes and swamps, emphasizing natural environments without elaborate effects. The technical crew navigated low-budget constraints by relying on available natural lighting and minimal , contributing to the film's grounded aesthetic. Editor G. Venkitaraman shaped the pacing to build tension toward the elements, maintaining a realistic, almost documentary-like portrayal of youthful interactions and their consequences.

Soundtrack

Composition

The music for Idavela was composed by . His score for the film adopts a light-hearted yet melancholic tone, mirroring the narrative's depiction of teenage mischief and underlying through subtle instrumental layers. The consists of three songs, seamlessly integrated to heighten key emotional transitions in the story. The lyrics were written by . This stylistic blend aligns with the film's campus setting, enhancing themes of camaraderie and introspection.

Track listing

The soundtrack of Idavela features three original songs composed by , with lyrics penned by . These tracks emphasize natural, youthful vocal tones suitable for the film's teen narrative, rendered by playback singers J. M. Raju, chorus, and .
No.TitleSinger(s)DurationContext
1"Amme Kanyaamariyame (Chilluvazhi Paayum)"J. M. Raju, Chorus4:32Romantic featured during a key character encounter.
2"Gloria Gloria Gloria Swargeeya (Vinnin Saanthi )"J. M. Raju, Chorus3:59Upbeat group number set amid youthful fun in .
3"Manjumma Vekkum"3:56Melancholic reflection following a tragic event in the story.

Release and reception

Release

Idavela premiered on 7 May 1982 in theaters across . The film was distributed by Century Films, which handled its release in the market. The movie was presented in a 144-minute runtime. Following its theatrical run, Idavela became available on home media, including full movie uploads on digital platforms like starting in 2020.

Critical reception

Upon its release, Idavela garnered mixed but generally positive user feedback, earning an average rating of 6.6/10 on based on 1,039 user ratings (as of November 2025), with many noting its status as an underrated teen classic in . Critics and viewers praised the natural performances by debutants Ashokan and Idavela Babu, who authentically captured the exuberance and vulnerabilities of youth, while Nalini's portrayal of the female lead was highlighted for its realism and charm. Idavela Babu's depiction of mischief in particular received acclaim, earning him his enduring screen name and contributing to the film's lively dynamics. Padmarajan's was lauded for blending humor and through its economical expression, delving into adolescent instincts and emotional contradictions without excess. Mohan's direction further enhanced this realism, effectively stripping characters to their core while evoking a poignant shift from lighthearted pranks to deeper . However, some critiques pointed to predictable plot developments, particularly in its foreseeable progression from campus antics to dramatic turns, which tempered its surprise factor. The film's introspective style and focus on youth themes also limited its commercial appeal upon release in 1982, positioning it more as a niche entry in the era's new wave Malayalam films rather than a box-office hit. In retrospective assessments, Idavela has been viewed as a humble classic for its authentic portrayal of 1980s campus life and coming-of-age struggles, with ongoing appreciation for Nalini's grounded role amid the male-dominated narrative. The soundtrack by M. B. Sreenivasan was noted for its seamless integration, complementing the film's tonal shifts without overpowering the realism.

Legacy

Idavela marked the acting debut of Babu Chandran, who adopted the stage name Idavela Babu from the film and went on to appear in over 250 movies across more than four decades. The 1982 release, written by and directed by Mohan, showcased his early talent as a in a setting, establishing him as a recognizable figure in the industry. As one of the early teen-oriented films in , Idavela explored youthful mischief and relationships in a environment, contributing to the development of light-hearted narratives that became staples in the before the 1990s boom. Its collaboration between screenwriter and director Mohan highlighted their shared vision for character-driven stories, often referenced in analyses of their joint works that blended realism with emotional depth. The film has maintained a nostalgic among audiences, with no major awards won at release but sustained appreciation for its portrayal of adolescent life. Since 2020, the full movie has been available on , allowing newer generations to discover its themes of innocence and interruption in everyday routines.
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