Kaathal - The Core

I love Malayalam movies, especially for their village settings and cultural richness. "Kaathal - The Core" handles a sensitive topic with grace. There were so many things happening but things started to unfold near the interval. The interval scene is artistically done, capturing deep emotions and connections. Mammooty and Jyotika acted brilliantly, with Jyotika standing out. She's simply amazing. We need more sensible films like this. The movie's ending leaves a lasting note, making it a heartfelt and authentic watch. It is not just a film; it's a heartfelt journey, exemplifying the beauty of simplicity and the power of meaningful storytelling.

I knew the theme of the movie from the beginning, and I felt that that is impacting the experience for me.

Jeo Baby probably casted Jyothika and Mammootty, and gave a romantic "Kaathal" title to set a different expectation, and then bring the viewer into the theme as the watching unfolds. That could have added another dimension I feel.

Mammootty has done exceptional acting. Holding all emotions in for most of the time, and breaking up subtly with excellent acting performances.

Jeo Baby has definitely grown a lot with this movie. "The Great Indian Kitchen" had felt like a twelth standard guidebook with explanatory text, an asterisk with a footnote, and some diagrams to drill in the stance. "Kaathal" is beautifully subtle.

Crisp and distilled movie. Very nicely done. There is a short cinematic romantic scene, complete with rain and closeups. Beautiful honest shot that captures the love.

A controversial topic to work with, the movie has reined it in really well. No crass, no overbearing remarks. The director has made a very watchable movie for such a subject. A very mature take.

Despite gradual progress in recent times, a deep-seated reluctance to openly discuss LGBTQ issues persists within the Indian sociocultural landscape. While more LGBTQ+ characters are appearing in Indian films, some portrayals have been criticized for being superficial and lacking authenticity. While it's encouraging that mainstream media is acknowledging LGBTQ+ issues, true progress will only be achieved when these portrayals move beyond tokenism and explore the complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences in a genuine and meaningful way. One such film which is Kaathal spearheaded and produced by the GOAT.

Coming to this film, in the heart of a tranquil village in Kottayam district of Kerala, Mathew Devassy (Mammootty), a seasoned man plunges into the fray of a byelection in his local gram panchayat, driven by the directives of his Leftist party. He dives headfirst into the political arena as the election fervor intensifies. However, a seismic revelation shatters Mathew's carefully constructed world - his wife, Omana (Jyotika), has initiated divorce proceedings, alleging in her filings that her husband is a homosexual. The story navigates through the conflict of personal struggles as he confronts unforgiving societal expectations and the fragility of human relationships around him. This setups for Matthew opening himself up to the world he had left behind, embracing the complexities of his identity and leading him to confront the societal prejudices that have long confined him. This thought-provoking film breaks away from conventional expectations, showcasing Mammootty's versatility and dedication to his craft. His willingness to take on unconventional roles further cements his status as a cinematic legend and allowing Jyothika and rest of the characters to shine alongside him. Jyothika's performance is arguably one of her best in recent years, despite occasional dubbing issues.

Applauds are due to director Jeo Baby, Adarsh Sukumaran, Paulson Skaria, and the entire Kaathal team for crafting this remarkable film. While its unhurried pace might not appeal to everyone, I found myself captivated by the story's organic unfolding, devoid of the need for external validation. Kaathal rewards its viewers with exceptional performances and a thought-provoking narrative, demonstrating its brilliance in its simplicity.

The true strength of 'Kaathal' lies in its subtlety and its sincerest portrayal of the LGBTQ community.

The narrative not only highlights the challenges and the struggles faced by individuals associated with this group, but also sheds light on the difficulties faced by their friends and families due to societal and judicial reluctance.

More Importantly, the story does not get vindictive or vilify any specific group or their people or their beliefs. Instead, it tries to offer a compassionate & empathetic perspective on society and the ordinary people who inhabit it.

The story comprehends the various viewpoints without endorsing segregation, nor does it promote coercive cohabitation but it rather advocates for harmonious coexistence through equal rights and understanding.

P. S. Mammootty's remarkable range and diverse script choices, especially at the age of 72 (yes, you heard it right, 72), are truly remarkable!

It isn't fair to call this an intense drama about relationships, sexuality, or even politics for that matter. Kaathal is a drama indeed, though its "dramatic" quotient is severely underplayed and kept subtle until the final moments where it all culminates in a stretch of heart-breaking scenes. I like how a mainstream actor who holds major box-office potential like Mammookka chose to play the character of Mathew Devassy. It not only opens the doors to several conversations and discussions but also gives the subject all the attention it deserves.

As a director, I feel Jeo Baby has put his cast to sensational use, and that goes out to every little supporting character as well. I also realized how much I missed seeing Jyothika on screen. The use of rain in the pre-interval stretch beautifully symbolizes the melancholy in the household at that particular point. How rain turns into a rainbow at the end is a neat directorial touch. Mathews Pulickan's music and background score aren't used to amplify emotions in every scene, but reserved for those segments that absolutely require them.

While the courtroom drama in the second half brings plenty of backstory into light, the writers also use this section to ask pertinent questions to the audiences. It even addresses the Decriminalization of Section 377, integrating it as a law point within the story. The best thing about it all is that it treats every character (and their interpersonal relationships) with dignity, even in the toughest of situations. That's, you know, wonderful to see! There's still the (very real) question of Mathew's voting community being equally progressive and accepting (of him), though in this particular film, I like to believe that's the case.

P. S. - Many production houses in the Malayalam industry can learn a thing or two from Mammootty Kampany (and its owner).