Kettiyollaanu Ente Maalakha

I was so enchanted to see Asif Ali enact the role of Sleevachan, a good-natured 35-year-old man with zero knowledge on how to deal with matters of sex and marital life, with such diligence and changing gradation that it was difficult for me to praise the importance, timeliness, and social relevance of this romantic drama. But I will make an attempt because Nissam Basheer would want me to as he has concocted a delicious recipe out of a sensitive topic. Marital rape and the indifference surrounding it in the state of Kerala and elsewhere in India has been handled with such deft in Kettiyollaanu Ente Maalakha (English: My Wife is My Angel) that it needs to be seen by everyone who is affected by it. Which is every human being, slightly limited only by their age. When Sleevachan is forced to marry someone not as a partner for himself but as someone who would take care of his old mother, he does not even look at his prospective wife when he goes to meet her and her family. The indifferent self-centered nature of this man is admired by that person (Veena Nandhakumar) who later becomes his wife, and so starts a conversationless tale of marital discord unknown to the people outside of the four walls of their yet-adorned bedroom. The anxiety and discomfort displayed by Ali and the voiceless concern shown by Nandhakumar (who might still need some acting classes) both enrapture you as you become a part of this Christian family where sisters-in-law have a say at everything and brothers-in-law are silent spectators and only care about the food. Everyone is nonchalant about what's going on and that's the way it is because sex is still taboo in India and no one talks about or teaches one about the things that one should do with their partner after marriage. Never breaking the obscenity line and only adding humour to the mix, writer Aji Peter Thankam only improves his social drama by making it more important as the plot goes deeper into the lives of Sleevachan and his pretty wife. There is so much to process in Kettiyallaanu Ente Maalakha, I would like to recommend it twice. Once with your partner and the second time with your whole family. It's totally worth it. TN.

Yet again Malayalam movie makers have excelled in making a light and humorous movie on a sensitive issue with such a brilliance. Untill the first half, it's not even clear where the movie is heading. However the second half and esp the last 30 minutes were a real surprise and beautifully crafted.

A lot of the supporting cast are fresh faces and they add a pinch of reality to the whole setting. Movie revoles around the backdrop of a "high range" farmer and his social circle. Asif Ali's chemistry with his mother and sisters is charming. The director has upholded the tradition of ' attention to detail ' like many of the Malayalam movie makers. First 10-15 minutes will take everyone through the life of a rubber farmer in Kerala in a very realistic way.

Rincy, Slevan's (Asif Ali) wife goes through an life changing experience and the actress has done a brilliant job showcasing the same. Special mention to Basil Joseph who plays the role of Slevan's Employee and a close aide. I personally love the way he has been chosing roles and delivering the with such brilliance. He himself being a director has chosen small but powerful characters recently.

Overall a light hearted yet a striking movie.

Asif Ali's best performance ever.

Perfect casting of Veena Nandhakumar as the heroine.

Characterization of Sleevachan has been amazing and there are a few beautiful nuanced emotional scenes set squarely within his character sketch.

The initial portions of the movie seem to have taken quite some inspiration from the detailing aspect of Dileesh Pothen movies. The visual presentation of the early morning routine of the rubber farmer was impressive in it's detailing/novelty.

The soul of the movie is very positive and uplifting. You will leave the theatre feeling good.

Characterization of the sisters, mothers, uncles etc have all been convincing. In general, the vibe across these characters is positive, making for a pleasant viewership.

Listin Stephen continues on his knack for producing successful movies. Subject choice is indeed very interesting, and the movie has been able to deliver on the challenge.

Background score has aligned well with the movie.

This movie is able to show the relevance of sex education in out society. A must watch. It is a movie for the young as well.

Asif Ali delivers his career's best performance in a soulful, tender movie that depicts a social evil that is widely prevalant but seldolm discussed or even acknowledged in Kerala society. Debutant director Nisam Basheer excels with his natural storytelling, helped by a tight and efficient script where not a single piece of dialogue seems forced or wasteful.

Writer Aji Peter Thankam deserves plaudits for the incredible climax sequence and falso or infusing the narrative with dollops of natural humour in seemingly the most serious of situations. Watch the movie for the incredible Asif Ali, who has lived the character of everyman Sleevachan and another impressive debutante-Veena Nandhakumar who essayed the role of his wife Raicy.

Another must watch. Malayalam cinema keeps churning out incredible films covering fresh subjects in the latter half of 2019! The future in indeed promising