Embedded in the socio-political contexts of Kerala in the 1980s, this road movie-come-political chronicle explores themes of grief, solidarity, and the cost of political revolution.
The story unfolds as Purushan embarks on a journey to inform the mother of his deceased friend, Hari, about her son's tragic death. As he travels from Calicut to Cochin, Purushan encounters various individuals and groups, each grappling with their own socio-political issues.
Known for its raw realism and experimental narrative style, Report to Mother is probably the closest Indian cinema has come to replicating both the radical aesthetics and politics of Latin American Third Cinema. But its power comes from its examining the political landscape through the anxieties of a defiant political youth, reflecting on student activism, state repression and communism in equal measure.
Introduced by season curator Dr Omar Ahmed.
India 1986 Dir John Abraham 115 min Malayalam with English subtitles Digital presentation
Please note: this film contains scenes of torture
With thanks to NFDC - National Film Archive of India.
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Under 18s £6
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Related events
Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970
Art 1975–1998
Give a year of art, music, film and theatre
Cinema 3
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
