Kaattu

Kaattu is a Malayalam period drama movie that was released in 2017. This engaging film is set in the rural regions of Kerala during the late 70s and features stellar performances from prominent actors such as Murali Gopy, Asif Ali, Unni Rajan P. Dev, and Manasa Radhakrishnan, among others. The film provides a remarkable insight into the lives, dreams, and struggles of individuals living in a backdrop of a rural setting, generally overlooked in modern cinema.

"Kaattu," directed by talented auteur Arun Kumar Aravind, heralds an in-depth exploration of the primitive basic instincts of humans. The tale is initially set in a rustic hamlet nestled in the verdant landscapes of Kerala, providing an exquisite canvas for staging this offbeat narrative.

The film unravels as Nuhukannu (Asif Ali), a simpleton, and his friend Koshi (Murali Gopy) take center stage. Nuhukannu, an innocent man whose life revolves around his village and his love interest Muthu (Manasa Radhakrishnan), finds his life taking an unexpected turn when Koshi, a mysterious yet charismatic drifter enters his world. Their bond, punctuated by personal loss, hidden motives, and burgeoning friendship forms the crux of the narrative, with a dash of vibrant local traditions and intriguing folklore weaving deeper layers into the story.

Another key player in Kaattu is Chellappan (Unni Rajan P. Dev), whose role is integral to the evolving dynamics of friendship and rivalry among characters. These intrinsically flawed individuals are set against the backdrop of a rural hamlet's socio-political landscape, leading to a captivating demonstration of human nature and raw emotion.

The script, penned by Ananthapadmanabhan, the son of legendary Malayalam filmmaker Padmarajan, masterfully exploits the use of symbolism and metaphors to explore the primitive instinctual sides of human nature. Kaattu has a compelling narrative that, while firmly rooted in reality, ventures into the realm of magic realism, offering viewers an intricately engaging cinematic experience.

Director Arun Kumar Aravind shapes each character with as much detail as the beautiful landscape, making room for multiple interpretations of their motivations and character traits. The interactions between characters, their struggles and the events leading to the climax make this film a riveting watch. Moreover, the cinematography doesn't just give the audience a visual treat of the rural terrain but also perfectly complements the complex plotline, keeping viewers hooked to the screen.

The performances are astoundingly good, particularly Asif Ali, who plays the role of Nuhukannu with such intensity, innocence, and emotion that his character lingers long after the movie had ended. Murali Gopy delivers a beastly act in the form of Koshi, and Manasa Radhakrishnan's role as Muthu is portrayed with the right blend of innocence and strength, adding depth to the linear flow of the narrative.

Meanwhile, the film's music and sound design play significant roles in enhancing its feel and narrative depth. Deepak Alexander's background score is atmospheric and beautifully complements the rustic setting and the raw emotions depicted in the film.

For those seeking a respite from the commercial mass entertainers, this film is a breath of fresh air in the world of Malayalam cinema. Kaattu offers a deeply introspective and thought-provoking movie experience. This narrative, set against a rural backdrop, helps highlight the splendid panorama of the human ethos. It is a film that doesn't shy away from depicting the bare, uncivilized, and highly instinctual side of humans, making it a distinctive cinematic feat.

Overall, Kaattu is a must-watch film brimming with stellar performances, an intense plot, and outstanding direction. It is a movie that beautifully explores the joys, despairs, and complexities of rural life, providing an engaging backdrop to probe deeper into the human psyche and emotions. With a compelling storyline, extraordinary performances, and seamless direction, Kaattu manages to be more than just a movie - it indeed is a soulful and thought-provoking cinematic journey.