Higuita (film)

Higuita is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language political drama film directed by Hemanth G Nair and produced by Bobby Tharian & Sajith Amma. It stars Suraj Venjaramoodu in the title role with an ensemble cast including Dhyan Sreenivasan, Manoj K. Jayan, Indrans, Abu Salim, Vineeth Kumar.

The film title was contested by N. S. Madhavan, who claimed that the film title had denied him a right to a film title based on his short story of the same name. It was released on 31 March 2023.

Plot
Left-wing firebrand leader Pannyannoor Mukundhan forged in the crucible of left-wing politics of Malabar, always facing threats of violence and even murder.

Ayyapa Das recently joined in the police and is assigned as his gunman. Das's father was a civil police officer, who died while still in service. Impending financial disaster for the family forces Das to take up this responsibility and go for a police job.

Higuita is a tale of contradicting individuals working close to each other and the inherent conflict of the situation.

Music
Rahul Raj was signed in 2020 to compose the film score and songs. However, as the film got pushed to 2022, Rahul Raj composed the songs and opted out of composing the film's background score due to scheduling conflicts. Dawn Vincent was then brought in to compose the background score.

Reception
S.R.Praveen critic of The Hindu wrote that "Political drama wallowing in stereotypes and half-truths" Princy critic of Onmanorama stated that "The dialogues are thought-provoking, impactful and takes a dig at political opportunism." Anjana George of Times of india gave 3 out of 5 stars "The film have several moments that give goosebumps to 'communist' buffs. But it also tries hard to create icons that are being celebrated around as 'man with two hearts'. It is a movie 'for the communist'.". Cris critic of The News Minute wrote that "Regardless of the stand the film wants to take, the making leaves a lot to be desired. Scenes cut into each other poorly, and characters seem written half-heartedly." and gave 2 stars out of 5.