Chola

Chola is a Malayalam language film released in 2019 that beautifully intertwines the motifs of mystery, crime, and drama. Directed by standout Indian filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, the movie is not for the faint-hearted. It narrates the story filled with intense moments, unforgettable performances, and a narrative that shifts from quiet moments of terror to loud bursts of emotion, providing viewers an unorthodox, yet mesmerizing cinematic experience.

The movie features sterling performances from its main cast, Joju George, Nimisha Sajayan, and Jolly Chirayath. Every actor presents a spellbinding portrayal of their characters creating a riveting narrative fabric that keeps the audience captivated throughout the film.

Joju George, a well-established star in the Malayalam film industry, brings his unique touch to the movie with his charismatic and powerful performance. His character is a mélange of varying emotions that pulls you into its depth, keeping you on the edge, anticipating the character's next move.

Nimisha Sajayan, another acclaimed actor, uses her talent to deliver a remarkable performance. She is the embodiment of simplicity and innocence, which eventually transmutes into a personification of determination and survival, underlining the complexity and depth of her character.

Jolly Chirayath, despite being relatively new to the industry, makes an indelible impression with her powerful performance. She effortlessly inhabits her role and compliments her co-stars, contributing to making the narrative vivid and relatable.

Chola explores and challenges social norms in rural Kerala, a Southwestern state on India's Malabar Coast. Every scene crafted in this film is a testament to the stark reality of a patriarchal society where varying forms of abuses are veiled under customs and traditions. It's the courageous and relentless treatment of such themes which places Chola distinctively amongst the formidable line-up of thought-provoking social satires.

The film examines the innate power dynamics in human relationships and unfolds the consequences that arise when this balance is upset. The subtle nuances of these relationships, intermingled with the broader societal canvas, provide a rich montage of emotions for the audience to delve into. The narrative embarks on an intriguing journey circling around three central characters, each one destined to clash against each other in a delicate dance of power, influence, attraction, and fear.

What makes Chola distinct is its ability to make each frame meaningful and engaging. The cinematography is strikingly poignant and adds another layer of complexity to the movie. The stunning natural backdrop against which the tale unfolds is atmospheric, adding to the eerie feeling that something ominous is looming. The breath-taking landscapes of Kerala are filmed with such precision that the environment becomes a character on its own, playing up the tension while providing an eerily serene background to the unfolding essay of human emotions.

Unabashed and raw, Chola is not just a movie; it's a mirror to society, a society that needs awakening and change. It’s worth noting that the film uses the local dialect, which might be somewhat challenging for non-native speakers to grasp fully. However, the beauty of Chola lies in its ability to transcend these language barriers and directly converse with the viewer's emotions through its power-packed performances and deeply layered narrative.

The film garnered accolades and nominations across several film festivals, with Joju George’s performance receiving critical acclaim. It was also selected as the Malayalam Film entry at the prestigious 76th Venice International Film Festival - a testament to its top-notch production quality and adept storytelling.

Chola is a cinematic masterpiece that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, all the while making you ponder upon the bitter truths of society. It is indeed a treat for individuals who appreciate profound and introspective cinema going beyond entertainment, serving doses of reality that isn't sugar-coated. Braced with gritty performances and an innovative narrative style, Chola is a must-watch for anyone seeking an intense and thought-provoking movie experience.