Kummatty - O Bicho-Papão

What a lovely little film this turned out to be! Seeped in the rustic goodness of a Malayali village and the charmed music from God's own country, this mythical tale was a breath of fresh air. Dotted with songs that will have you humming along, the film follows a gang of children and their fate when an old man turns up in their village, and is labeled as Kummatty, or the Bogeyman.

The film stays honest to its setting - somehow managing to weave the peace and simplicity of the village into its characters, into its dialogue, and into its fluid song sequences. The relationship between the young and the old is beautifully captured, and when the film comes a full circle, Chinda, our main protagonist, realizes a thing or two about freedom and captivity.

This film may very well be India's own Pied Piper of Hamlin, and is a slice of folklore that is very unique to the country. Kummattikali is a dance form still practiced in Kerala during the Onam festival - and the legend seems to have arisen from the Mahabharata, where the Kummattis, or the ghost-companions of Lord Shiva, were called upon to dance and celebrate the virtue of Arjuna. And yes, masks have a huge role to play in this film, as they do in the dance form. A deliberate start but a great story in the end.

I'm astonished by the low ratings this movie has received! It's truly an amazing film with stunning cinematography, especially considering the limited budget. The storytelling is a beautiful tribute to freedom, which I'm surprised more people haven't picked up on. One poignant scene that stood out to me was when the boy, transformed into a dog, is adopted by a girl who puts a chain around his neck. However, when he falls ill, they release him, and he returns home. The next day, a parrot converses with him, highlighting the special connection between animals. When the boy reverts to his human form, he immediately frees the parrot, showcasing his newfound understanding of liberation. Great work by the filmmakers!

Have seen the movie during my childhood in Dooradarshan. Watching it now in adult life, makes me wonder why it still evokes such strong emotions. Glad that this film prints was restored this year (2021) under world film restoration project. Manathoru mayilattom by Kavalam transcends time.

Movie describes Kerala Folklore. Kummatty is one of the best Malayalam movie ever. All the elements are really good. Story, Script, Songs by Kavalam Narayanapanicker Directed by G. Aravindan so on..

This is a Malayalam language children's film by G Aravindan.

The film is a visual treat. The beauty of traditional village life in Kerala is artistically captured. The film starts with a view of the rising sun. There are many scenes taken from vista points like hilltops while moving the scene forward. Definitely signs of a master creater with an eye for natural beauty.

The film is a fictional account of a village where a travelling bogeyman (Kummatty) visits. There are myths surrounding such people in villages saying they can convert naughty children to animals and take them away. These are just to ensure children are careful with strangers and also to spook them when they behave naughtily as it happens in this film too.

It's brilliant story writing to make a film with a good moral message around that. The film leaves us with a touching message to be compassionate towards birds and animals. It attempts that we empathize how caged pets would be feeling and the value of freedom.

The film story really starts only in the last half hour and the first hour is really a character sketch of village life when in blissful childhood.