Kappela

Kappela or Chapel in English is a 2020 Malayalam romantic drama film helmed by debutant director Musthafa. The movie features a gifted trio of actors including Anna Ben, Roshan Mathew, and Sreenath Bhasi in pivotal roles. The movie has been widely acclaimed for its nuanced storytelling, riveting performances, and the subtle social messages it delivers about love, trust, and the many ways manipulative individuals can exploit innocence.

Kappela revolves around the life of Jessi (Anna Ben), a simple, naive girl from a remote high-range village in Kerala. Jessi lives a modest life with her mother and father, and she spends her days helping her parents, attending a local church, and dreaming of a life in the city. Jessi's life is mundane, encapsulated in her small, mountainous village, and her interaction with the outside world is limited through her old red-colored telephone that connects her home to others.

One evening, a wrong call to an auto-rickshaw driver's number from the far away city of Kozhikode changes the course of her life dramatically. Jessi unexpectedly forms a relationship with the auto-rickshaw driver, Vishnu (Roshan Mathew). Through a series of phone calls, they begin to share their thoughts, dreams, and develop a liking for each other, even though they have never met in person. Jessi, a village girl living a cloistered life, finds the chances of experiencing an urban lifestyle with a stranger exciting. It symbolizes a fascinating allure of a life beyond her village, which she longed for and was eager to embark upon.

Simultaneously, the film introduces another pivotal character, Roy (Sreenath Bhasi), who is a ruffian by appearance but a soft-hearted man on the inside. He lives an unconventional life in Kozhikode city and crosses paths with Jessi and Vishnu under unexpected circumstances. Roy's character adds a vital layer to the story, calming yet thrilling, leading the narrative into a web of events, painting a picture of the real complexities of life and people.

The film explores several social and ethical constructs subtly through its plot. It brings out the societal stereotypes and assumptions related to city life versus rural life, the innocence, and simplicity of village lifestyles, the perceived freedoms of city living, and the dangers that lurk beneath these perceived freedoms. These elements are beautifully integrated into a script that respects the intelligence of its viewers and refrains from sermonizing any of these subjects.

One of the significant achievements of the film, Kappela, is how deftly it lays down the groundwork for its characters. The movie takes its sweet time building the character of each individual until the audience develop a deep alliance with the characters and their emotions. The film captures the essence of the actual landscapes of rural and urban life agonizingly accurate and highlights the stark contrasts in lifestyles, cultures, and environment.

A special mention goes to the spectacular performances by the lead cast that brings the storyline to life. Anna Ben beautifully portrays the vulnerability and innocence of Jessi, while Roshan Matthew leaves a distinguished mark as Vishnu, displaying a sensitive portrayal of his diverse emotional dimensions. Sreenath Bhasi stands out in his unique, rustic character of Roy.

The movie is wrapped with wonderful cinematography by Jimshi Khalid, who captures the stunning beauty of the rural landscapes and the chaotic energy of the city with equal vigor. The music and background score by Sushin Shyam enhance the overall mood of the film and beautifully align with the narrative of the movie.

Kappela is not your average romantic drama; it is a journey that subtly transitions from a romantic tale into a suspense thriller. The movie keeps its audience guessing right until the end, weaving together a complex tale of love, deception, and unexpected friendships. With a phenomenal cast, striking dialogue, stunning visuals, and an immersive story, Kappela emerges as an enthralling cinematic experience. Watch the story unfold to experience the innocence, undulated trust, emotional upheavals, and navigate the complex maze of human emotions.