MOHANLAL: Mapping Ontological Humanistic and Affective Narratives through Location-Aware Analysis in Literature and Cinema — A GIS-Based Emotional Cartography of Mohanlal’s Military Films

Jyothish . Jayan; Salghuna Narayanan Nair

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.79915

MOHANLAL: Mapping Ontological Humanistic and Affective Narratives through Location-Aware Analysis in Literature and Cinema — A GIS-Based Emotional Cartography of Mohanlal’s Military Films

Author(s)	Mr. Jyothish . Jayan, Dr. Salghuna Narayanan Nair
Country	India
Abstract	This study presents an innovative integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and film studies to analyze the spatial, emotional, and ethical geographies embedded within Mohanlal’s military films—Douthyam (1989), Keerthichakra (2006), Kurukshetra (2008), Kandahar (2010), and 1971: Beyond the Borders (2017). Moving beyond traditional cinematic critique, the research employs spatial data modeling, emotional heat mapping, terrain correlation, and movement vector analysis to decode how landscapes, topography, and defense spaces shape both the narrative and the psychological depth of the protagonist, Major Mahadevan. The findings reveal a strong spatial-emotional relationship wherein terrain difficulty, altitude, and proximity to national borders amplify moral intensity and emotional resonance. Mountain ridges, deserts, and border zones emerge as emotional hotspots symbolizing endurance, sacrifice, and patriotism, confirming that geography in these films functions as an active moral and narrative agent rather than a backdrop. Through GIS visualization, cinematic space is reconceptualized as data — measurable, interpretable, and historically meaningful — transforming Mohanlal’s military roles into a cartographic continuum of Indian defense and identity. The study thus pioneers a methodological bridge between art and science, positioning GIS as a powerful interpretive and diagnostic tool for cultural geography, defense education, and the emerging field of GeoHumanities. As a tribute, the paper honors Mohanlal’s embodiment of the Indian soldier as both actor and atlas, mapping the emotional and spatial consciousness of a nation through his enduring portrayal of valor, resilience, and moral elevation.
Keywords	Mohanlal; Military Cinema; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); GeoHumanities; Emotional Geography; Cinematic Cartography; Defense Geography; Spatial Analysis; Patriotism; Indian Film Studies; Major Mahadevan; Terrain Cognition; Cultural Mapping; Moral Topography; National Identity
Field	Arts > Movies / Music / TV
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.79915

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MOHANLAL: Mapping Ontological Humanistic and Affective Narratives through Location-Aware Analysis in Literature and Cinema — A GIS-Based Emotional Cartography of Mohanlal’s Military Films

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