Uppu

Uppu Malayalam , English Salt, French Le Sel is a 1987 Indian Malayalam film directed by V. K. Pavithran and written by K. M. A. Rahim. The film is about atavistic Muslim practice of male polygamy. Film is entirely on the side of the wronged wives, mounting a strong criticism of this aspect of the Muslim religion. It stars P. T. Kunju Muhammed, Jayalalitha, Vijayan Kottarathil and Madhavan. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.

The film was controversial as it dealt with a sensitive content. Pavithrans comments on the film are revealing Salt is a trifle betterthe truth always is. The religious laws are almost unknowingly misused by people, leading to the exploitation of those who succumb or resign themselves to religious and social pressures. Our intention was not to victimise or ridicule the Muslim community. Why, in the second half of the film, we also expose a Nair family who run a prostitution denbut are particular about their prayers. Producer and writer K. M. A. Rahim stated, The villain in the film is the distorted perception of Muslim personal law. When I wrote the script, I kept it in mimd that I must do my best to translate the reality I know on to the screen. That is why the film does not sound didactic. We did not intend to teachthe reality itself is thought prevoking.

Source: Wikipedia