Ummachu is a Malayalam novel

Novel

A novel is a book of long narrative in literary prose. The genre has historical roots both in the fields of the medieval and early modern romance and in the tradition of the novella. The latter supplied the present generic term in the late 18th century....

 written by Uroob

Uroob

Uroob was a famous Malayalam writer from Kerala state, South India. He along with writers like Basheer, Thakazhi, Kesavadev, and Pottekkatt formed the progressive writers in Malayalam during the twentieth century. Uroob is a recipient of Kendra Sahithya Academy Award for his novel Sundarikalum...

 in 1954. Ummachu along with Sundarikalum Sundaranmarum are considered the best works by Uroob and are ranked among the finest novels in Malayalam. In Ummachu, Uroob explores the ramifications of human relationships in a village.

Theme

Ummachu is a saga of love and longing, loss and suffering. It narrates the ups and downs in the eventful life of a handful of characters.

Plot summary

The novel begins with a depiction of the playful childhood of a naughty threesome - Ummachu, Mayan and Beeran. Ummachu, the charming daughter of Athar Ali, finds herself drawn to the strong and sturdy Mayan. But, ironically enough, she becomes Beeran's bride, much to her dislike. Ummachu confesses later: "What can I do, a hapless girl?" The novel covers two generations and signifies the dawn of the third. It also tracks the feud-ridden family tales, which are narrated by `historian' Ahammadunni. The focus is on `Ummachu.' The other protagonists who gain prominence are her close associates - Mayan, Beeran and Chappunni Nair. Assertive and impulsive, Chinnammu is said to be modelled on Ummachu; the mould may be the same, but each pursues a different path of her own.

Film adaptation

In 1971, a film adaptation of the novel was released, starring Sheela

Sheela

Sheela ), is a Malayalam film actress from India. She, along with Prem Nazir, holds the world record for acting in the largest number of films together as heroine and hero. In 2005 she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Malayalam film Akale. She has also...

 as Ummachu, Madhu

Madhu (actor)

Madhavan Nair , commonly known by his stage name Madhu is an actor in Malayalam cinema. He was a prominent lead actor during the 60s and 70s. He has also directed and produced films, and at one time he owned Uma film studio.-Early life:...

 as Mayan, Nellikode Bhaskaran

Nellikode Bhaskaran

Nellikode Bhaskaran was an Indian actor of Malayalam movies. He mostly played character roles and supporting roles.-Selected Filmogrpahy:-External links:...

 as Beeran, and directed by P. Bhaskaran

P. Bhaskaran

Pulloottupadathu Bhaskara Menon , better known as P. Bhaskaran, was a famous Malayalam poet and lyricist of Malayalam film songs. He penned more than 3000 songs for about 250 films. He also directed 44 Malayalam feature films and 3 documentaries, produced 6 feature films and acted in several movies...

. Uroob

Uroob

Uroob was a famous Malayalam writer from Kerala state, South India. He along with writers like Basheer, Thakazhi, Kesavadev, and Pottekkatt formed the progressive writers in Malayalam during the twentieth century. Uroob is a recipient of Kendra Sahithya Academy Award for his novel Sundarikalum...

himself scripted the film. Its music is scored by Raghunath with lyrics by P. Bhaskaran.