Director Murali Nair builds on his earlier works (Tragedy Of An Indian Farmer, 1993; Coronations, 1994; and Oru Neenda Yathra, 1996) with Marana Simhasanam.

Blending a clash of cultures with the traditional willingness of politicians to turn any situation to their advantage, the film follows the misadventures of Krishnan, a poor labourer who becomes a political plaything.

In a small village on the island of Kerala, Krishnan, descended from generations of manual labourers, steals some coconuts from his landlord.

A scandal unfolds as Krishnan is thrown into jail and, just for good measure, accused of a murder that took place on the island years previously.

Krishnan's case is complicated by the fact that an election is imminent, and posturing politicians take the opportunity to make political capital out of the public's fascination with Krishnan's 'crimes'.

The final twist which threatens Krishnan's chances of receiving anything approaching a fair trial is the recent delivery of an 'electronic chair'. This technological marvel has arrived thanks to a loan from the World Bank and technological aid from the US, and the public can hardly wait to see it tried out.

With the honour of being the first person in the country to die in the electronic chair at stake, Krishnan is viewed by public and politicians alike as the perfect candidate.

rishnan's struggle to avoid having this honour bestowed on him forms the heart of a film that makes for compelling viewing. Glen Foley