'Jallikattu' is going to Oscars: Five must-watch Lijo Jose Pellissery films for movie buffs

Malayalam moviegoers love Lijo Jose Pellissery. The Film Federation of India's decision to send 'Jallikattu' to compete in International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards might thrill Keralites but definitely won't surprise them. Here are five movies directed by the 42-year-old that proves his versatility and calibre. (Photo | Facebook)

'Jallikattu' was one of the much-awaited releases of 2019 as it had won much critical applause at the Toronto International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival. Starring Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose and Sabumon Abdusamad in lead roles, the movie is enriched by some snappy background music and camera work.

A buffalo that escapes from a slaughterhouse wreaks havoc in a hilly village, bringing out the beasts in the super-angry humans by nightfall.

'Angamaly Diaries' (2017): Scripted by Chemban Vinod, Lijo made this box office superhit with 86 debutants. Antony Varghese's Vincent Pepe is followed from his adolescent years onwards as his 'Team' slowly gets involved in the mini underworld of Angamaly town.

The movie is a pleasing action flick with ample blood, fury, love and jolly to entertain you from start to finish. The movie's climax is a signatory Pellissery crescendo - an 11-minute long single shot that is second to none Malayalam cinema has ever experienced. (Photo | YouTube screengrab)

'Amen' (2013): Featuring Fahadh Faazil, Swati Reddy and Indrajith in lead roles, 'Amen' established Lijo among Malayalam's most promising directors. The period drama set against the rural backdrop of a Kumarankari in Kuttanad employs magical realism to narrate an interclass love story.

The superhit also gave us Louis Pappan. Kalabhavan Mani's performance as the veteran bandmaster is so heart-touching that the movie now remains a bitter reminder of how fabulous he would have been playing senior citizens. (Photo | YouTube)

'Double Barrel' (2015): Lijo's famous 'No plans to change, no plans to impress' Facebook post was a direct result of this gangster spoof. The star-studded absurd drama featuring Arya, Prithiviraj, Swathi Reddy and Indrajith among others was way beyond time that movie buffs found it tough to digest. Not a commercial success, the experimental project was a striking example of Pellissery's cinematic vision. (Photo | YouTube screengrab)

“Double Barrel is not inspired by the works of Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie. Like anybody else, I love the works of Tarantino and enjoy them thoroughly. But, Double Barrel has nothing to do with that,” Lijo had said. (Photo | YouTube screengrab)

'Ee.Ma.Yau' (2018): In a coastal village, a Christian man's plan to give his late father a grand funeral is affected by the unexpected arrival of strong rain and wind. Look elsewhere if you are hoping for another 'Angamaly Diaries' from Lijo. This is a smaller, simpler, and a much better film, winning him the Kerala state award for Best Director.

Chemban Vinod Jose amazes as Eeeshi, the son trying hard to fulfil the promise he made to his father and at the same time not give in to the unforeseen pressures he is subjected to as a result of a priest's actions. Lijo's penchant for dark humour is on full display in this movie as well, decorated with enough melodrama and realism.