Kumbalangi Nights

Kumbalangi Nights is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Madhu C. Narayanan in his directorial debut. The film, which is written by Syam Pushkaran and co-produced by Nazriya Nazim, is unlike conventional, star-studded, or even plot-driven narratives.

Set in the picturesque fishing hamlets of Kumbalangi off Cochin, Kerala, India, the movie introduces viewers to the sundry, love-hate dynamics of four half-brothers - Saji (played by Soubin Shahir), Bobby (Shane Nigam), Bonny (Sreenath Bhasi), and Franky (Matthew Thomas). The brothers, whose issues have held them at odds, live in an incomplete shack in Kumbalangi, earning a subsistence level living through fishing. The director employs fascinating simplicity, offering a daily-esque look at these brothers, shedding light on their interactions and relationships that highlight the complex human condition of cohabitation.

The story takes an intriguing twist when Bobby falls in love with a girl named Babymol (Anna Ben). Babymol’s elder brother Shammy (Fahadh Faasil) is a subtly intimidating man who takes his self-proclaimed responsibility of protecting the honor of his family a little too seriously. His character brings a completely new dynamic into the mix, resulting in more friction amongst the characters.

The real beauty of Kumbalangi Nights lies in its honest portrayal of life and its various aspects. Rape, mental health, love, masculinity, camaraderie, rivalry, resilience, and familial bonds are presented in a prism of comic sarcasm and natural satire that provides a unique cinematic experience. One of the notable subversions in the movie is its take on the traditional hero, who here is not just flawed, but deeply fractured. The film embraces its characters’ imperfections and underscores the possibilities of redemption and change quite beautifully.

The performances in the movie are a standout. Fahadh Faasil as Shammy is a revelation. His controlled and eerie performance adds a certain kind of weight to the character. Soubin Shahir is excellent as the eldest brother struggling with the emotional baggage he carries. Shane Nigam as Bobby and Sreenath Bhasi as Bonny are impressive, portraying the layers and naivety of their characters effectively. Anna Ben as Babymol is beautifully nuanced and shows immense potential.

The portrayal of feminism in the movie is applaud-worthy. The women characters are strong and independent. The sister-in-law, the lover, the mother, all have a distinct identity and role to play in the narrative. They hold power, influence decisions, initiate action, and refuse to be mere spectators. And what's really interesting is that this portrayal of women does not feel like a forced agenda but a seamless integration into the storyline.

Visually, the movie is extraordinary. The scenic beauty of Kumbalangi is breathtakingly captured. The director, along with cinematographer Shyju Khalid, uses these locations as almost another character in their eclectic mix, adding to the narrative's charm. The nights were especially portrayed in a mystic beauty that adds depth to the narrative. The moments of quiet, the maturing dawn, the turning tides are all woven into the narrative, making them crucial constructs.

The original score by Sushin Shyam is in perfect sync with the mood of the film: the crisis, the brotherhood, the hidden and unhidden love, and the contradiction of life. The romantic ballad that renders in the background when Bobby romances Baby reserves a special mention.

Despite its modest and ordinary setting, Kumbalangi Nights is a heartwarming and profound portrayal of familial bonding and love. It subverts many mainstream cinematic norms to tell a story that touches hearts with its honesty and relatability. The film also highlights mental health sensitively, which adds to its uniqueness- a theme not often explored in mainstream cinema.

In many ways, Kumbalangi Nights transcends into a microcosm of life, presenting it in its raw, unadulterated, and yet beautiful form. This movie is not just a film but a memorable journey that truly encapsulates the simple joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphs of life. Through it, we learn that sometimes, families are not just about blood relations but also about those people who are there to support and uplift each other during the toughest of times.