Balan: A Mother-Son Survival Drama Exploring Identity and Belonging

Balan: The Boy follows a mother and son, ex-convicts drifting through life, using stolen identities to survive. Their deep bond and constant reinvention highlight the fragility of belonging without official recognition. Strong performances, especially Farzana Palathingal, anchor this Malayalam drama exploring trauma, survival, and emotional truth. While pacing falters later, the film powerfully examines identity, loss, and the human cost of marginalization.