Moppala

Moppala, directed by Santhosh Puthukkunnu, is a searing cultural drama that interrogates the intersections of caste, legacy, and identity in Kerala. The story follows Devanandan, a boy passionate about Theyyam but excluded from performing it due to his inter-caste lineage. The film portrays the emotional turmoil of both Devanandan and his grandfather, Ambhu Panickar (played with subtle brilliance by Santhosh Keezhattoor), who struggles to uphold tradition while watching his grandson suffer. Puthukkunnu's direction is restrained yet powerful, with each frame steeped in meaning. The final shot, where Devanandan silently walks away adorned in Theyyam attire, is an image of defiance and liberation. Moppala is not just a story; it's a mirror reflecting uncomfortable truths.

In Moppala, Santhosh Puthukkunnu confronts one of the most painful questions in Indian society - who decides who is worthy of tradition? The film follows Devanandan, born from an inter-caste marriage, who is passionately drawn to Theyyam but barred from participating in it. The pain is shared by his grandfather, Ambhu Panickar, portrayed beautifully by Santhosh Keezhattoor. This is a film that breathes in rhythm and ritual, but exhales a quiet rebellion. The pacing is meditative, giving weight to every stare, silence, and gesture. Moppala doesn't offer easy answers - it offers difficult truths. An artistic protest against systemic exclusion.

Santhosh Puthukkunnu's Moppala is a visually rich and emotionally potent film that holds a mirror to the casteist practices that still govern cultural traditions in India. Through the journey of Devanandan, a child of an inter-caste marriage who aspires to perform Theyyam, the film exposes the invisible walls that prevent true inclusion. Santhosh Keezhattoor delivers a compelling performance as Ambhu Panickar, embodying a man torn between social expectations and familial love. The Theyyam sequences are stunning, both aesthetically and symbolically. The screenplay may be slow-paced at times, but it builds to a climactic moment of silent protest that speaks louder than words. Moppala is a courageous film, reverent to tradition yet radical in its intent.

Moppala is a remarkable film that uses the power of cultural storytelling to highlight social injustice. Through the lens of a grandfather-grandson relationship, the film portrays how caste hierarchies still dictate access to even the most spiritual aspects of culture. Santhosh Keezhattoor as Ambhu Panickar gives a deeply resonant performance, revealing the emotional weight carried by those torn between custom and compassion. Santhosh Puthukkunnu's direction is elegant, letting the narrative unfold naturally while never losing grip on its message. The final sequence is poetic yet unsettling. This film should be seen, discussed, and remembered.

Rooted in the rich cultural soil of North Kerala, Moppala is a powerful story that challenges who has the right to perform, preserve, and inherit tradition. Director Santhosh Puthukkunnu presents a drama that is deeply personal yet socially urgent. At the heart of the story is Devanandan, a boy caught between his love for Theyyam and a society that refuses to accept him. Santhosh Keezhattoor, as Ambhu Panickar, delivers a heartfelt performance of a man torn between societal norms and his own blood. The visuals are stunning, the sound design evocative, and the screenplay thoughtful. Moppala shows how tradition can become a prison - unless someone breaks free. A bold and essential film.