User reviews

"Kaliyattam" is an interesting film -- it declares its lineage at the very beginning, and the comparison with Shakespeare's "Othello" sets the tone of the film. And yet from the first shot, it is the brilliant reimagining that strikes you. Because the defining feature of the film is NOT its plot--but the characters and the overall mood.

Suresh Gopi plays Perumalayan (the chief of the tribe of Malayans) an overweight artiste (true enough to be real!) who is however regarded highly for his 'theyyam' skills, and famed for his expertise in 'kaliyattam', the ancestor of 'kathakali,' Kerala's premier dance-form. Gopi's character has none of the sexual appeal of Othello (the stuff of much racist stereotyping) and is instead a rather ugly-looking man, remarkable for his artistic virtuosity and little else. It is therefore almost incredible why Thamara (Desdemona, played with a quiet strength of conviction by the underrated Manju Warrier) should fall in love with him, defy her father, her community, and marry him for the sake of an illogical love. The movie's realism underscores this and a distraught Perumalayan's inner complexes stem as much from his wife's unparalleled beauty and high status (strange casting, because Warrier is no Helen of Troy, but shines forth as a rather homely though eloquent beauty) as from his own poor looks and lack of self-worth.

Iago is played by Lal and he plays the role with infectious energy--diabolical, dionysian, yet extremely credible. Lal is a waste in much else he has done in Malayalam cinema, but 'Kaliyattam' should make him proud.

The supporting roles are all played winningly-- watch out esp. for the late Prof Narendran, who plays Thamara's father with a subtle power.

The music (what Indian film is complete without its music!)-- in much of the film, it is subservient to mood and tone, and without detracting from the realism, underscores how 'oral' Indian cinematic traditions are, and how much they borrow from local folk theatre and dance.

The movie will delight adaptation-lovers, but it might be best to rate it on its own terms-- 'Othello' is a searching analysis of one of the most central concerns of Western literature: racism; 'Kaliyattam' is an homage less to Shakespeare than to Jayaraaj's own complex vision of art and the place of the artist in human life.

To call 'Kaliyattam' just a regional adaption of Shakespeare's 'Othello' would be doing great injustice to it. Jayaraj's focus on bringing to the fore the nuances in the interplay between characters pays off beautifully, complemented by wonderful acting by the lead characters. Suresh Gopi returns the performance of a lifetime as the lead (Othello) and Manju Warrier is totally convincing as Desdemona.

But Lal(as the cunning & wicked-hearted Iago) steals the show. The film is very well localized and imbibes the spirit of Shakespeare's original but still stands on its own by retaining its Indian cultural influences.

Though my native language is not Malayalam(the language spoken in the Indian state of Kerala), i found it easy to appreciate the movie, and like other great movies, you don't really need a sub-titled version to be able to enjoy the movie.

In short, i would recommend this movie highly to all movie lovers across the world.

Loved the melancholic trip I had with the movie. From music (I'm playing Ennodenthinee pinakkam right now). It's a beautiful movie that makes me feel alive and beautiful. The acting to direction and music are all perfect. It's a trip worth watching if you like Malayalam movies. This one has a dainty story said in the most melodius voice. I loved the storytelling. It had all the emotions and hence comprises multiple genres, for me!

This is a Malayalam language film starring Suresh Gopi and Manju Warrier.

The film is an adaptation of Othello - a famous story by William Shakespeare. The story has a stark lesson on the need for trust in human relationships and how fragile it can be if disillusioned within a weak mind.

Kaliyattam is the best of the two excellent adaptations of this story, the other being Vishal Bharadwaj's Omkara in Hindi. While the latter is popular being a multi starrer and also set in the backdrop of UP politics at the time, I love Kaliyattam more because of the beautiful music that elevates an excellent script and makes it memorable till date.

The film had Suresh Gopi playing his career best role as an acclaimed Theyyam performer Perumalayan, the protagonist with a complex that eventually makes him suspect his wife of an illicit relationship to disastrous consequences. Lal as the primary antagonist is diabolical. Perumalayan's weakness at falling for a third person's words and his angst are well portrayed by Suresh Gopi who deservedly won the National award for this film.

Watch it for him, the awesome music and the direction!

Nice casting and powerful characters make movie incredible, The actor

has done justice to his role, with outstanding performance, as far as actress is considered has also done excellent work smooth roles, and all other artist also have done commendable work in this movie. Music is excellent with apt lyrics. Altogether a very interesting movie with all ingredients to it.

The landscapes are beautifully pedicurist without overdoing it but still I think could have been done better in showing the minute description. Direction is is also the one to be appreciated the best. The dialogue delivery is also commendable as it is lively performed. but altogether i liked the music the most as it is sung by our great singer, male and female voices are awesome