The 2015 Malayalam film Ennu Ninte Moideen (Yours Truly, Moideen) is more than just a cinematic success; it is a heart-wrenching, true-life tragedy etched into the very soil and water of Kozhikode, Kerala. The film, based on the legendary and ill-fated romance of B.P. Moideen and Kanchanamala, is inseparable from its geographic and cultural roots in the village of Mukkam, located in the Kozhikode district. Ennu Ninte Moideen stands apart from most Malayalam films by rooting its story in Mukkam, a riverside town that quietly carries the legend of Moideen and Kanchanamala. Set in the 1960s, this tragic romance unfolded at a time when Kozhikode was both a cultural hub and a landscape defined by rivers, trade, and communities in flux.
The film, directed by R.S. Vimal, is a cinematic retelling of an enduring local legend. While the movie itself was shot principally in Palakkad sets, its heart lies firmly in Mukkam on the banks of Iruvanjipuzha river, where Moideen’s bravery and love are commemorated with memorials, cultural programs, and even a bravery award in his name. Today, both film enthusiasts and romantics make pilgrimages to Mukkam, finding subtle reminders of the story: the newly-built Theyyethumkadavu bridge, the B.P. Moideen library, and a living Kanchanamala who continues to be a local icon for perseverance and love.
The narrative is infused with the atmosphere of the region:
The Iruvazhinji Puzha (River): The river that tragically claims Moideen’s life is arguably the most dominant visual and emotional force in the film. This river, a real geographical feature flowing through Mukkam, symbolizes both the barrier that separated the lovers (due to societal constraints) and the final, ultimate separation. It stands as a powerful, melancholic testament to their enduring love.
The Conservative Air: The film perfectly captures the restrictive social and religious hierarchies of the time. Kozhikode’s history as a major trade center meant it was a melting pot of cultures, but also an area where traditional, patriarchal structures held significant sway, making Moideen and Kanchanamala’s inter-religious love a scandalous and impossible affair.
Kanchanamala’s Legacy: Even today, the legacy of this love lives on in Mukkam. Kanchanamala, who famously kept her promise to Moideen by living a life devoted to his memory and social work a ‘widow’ of a love that was never formally consecrated is a living icon. Her existence in Mukkam anchors the cinematic story firmly in the reality of Kozhikode.
Beyond the Film – A Pilgrimage of Love
For fans of Ennu Ninte Moideen, visiting Mukkam is akin to a pilgrimage. While the movie was shot in various locations, the emotional heart remains in this specific pocket of Kozhikode. The quiet, winding roads, the lush greenery, and the persistent presence of the Iruvazhinji River all combine to create an experience that feels deeply authentic to the narrative.
