A film by Adoor Gopalakrishnan

In 1940s southern India, a hangman named Kaliyappan struggles with the guilt and implications of the executions he obediently carries out. His son, an idealistic follower of Gandhi, rejects his father’s way of life. After Kaliyappan is told to prepare for another hanging, a traveler’s story changes their destiny.

“Utterly unique, striking, masterful and rewarding.”
- FILM COMMENT

“Subtle but devastating. Diabolical twists!” - BOSTON PHOENIX

“Beautifully shot, visually rich... a picture-perfect set piece that entertains eternal questions of human responsibility and freedom.” - TIME MAGAZINE (ASIA)

“Exceptional brilliance! A masterly and faithful depiction of human psyche.” - INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM CRITICS

•• AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ••
•• PALM SPRINGS INT’L FILM FESTIVAL ••
•• TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL ••