Ishti (or Iṣti:; English: Search for the Self) is a 2016 Sanskrit-language film, directed by Dr. G. Prabha,[1] starring thespian Nedumudi Venu and newcomer Athira Patel in lead roles.

[3] G. Prabha, a doctorate holder in Sanskrit, was the former Head of the Department, Oriental Languages at Loyola College, Chennai.

Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri and V Madhusoodhanan Nair penned lyrics for Ishti[7] and the camera was by Eldho P.

[3] Ishti[3] is set in mid-twentieth century Kerala when young Namboothiri Brahmins successfully challenged the orthodox, patriarchal traditions of their community which allowed the patriarch, the eldest male member of the family, sole control of family property and denied normal education to its members, particularly women.

Namboothiri Brahmins have made tremendous contributions to life and culture in the South Indian State of Kerala.

His younger brothers, called Apan Namboothiris, took their wives generally from ruling families, Nair and Ambalavasi (lower order Brahmins) castes.

Children born out of such marriages had no claim to their father's property, and belonged to their mother's caste (Marumakkathayam).

A Yajamanan preserves the fire from the yaga until he dies in order to use it to light his own funeral pyre.

He is willing to sell the family silver to achieve his ambition, but is unwilling to part with some money for the treatment of his brother's ailing son, born to a woman from another caste.

The poor soul, unable to pay for his son's medical treatment, can only weep helplessly as the boy dies.

As per custom, elders in the community gather for the trial of the "sinner", Sreedevi, before the inevitable excommunication.

Sreedevi, the wounded victim, stands up to her tormentors and speaks for all silent sufferers of her kind.