Ottaal

Ottaal is an award-winning 2014 Indian drama film set in the picturesque landscape of Kuttanad in Kerala, directed by Jayaraaj. The film stars Shine Tom Chacko, Sabitha Jayaraaj, and Thomas G. Kannampuzha in significant roles, and offers a rare plot centered around a child’s relationship with nature and his grandfather. It’s a Malayalam film based on Anton Chekhov's short story "Vanka" that appeals universally due to its emotional sincerity, relevant social messages and remarkable cinematography.

The plot spins around Kuttappayi, an eight-year-old boy, portrayed by Ashanth K. Sha and his endearing relationship with his aging grandfather, played by Kumarakom Vasudevan. Both find themselves abandoned by their family, wrestling with economic hardship and the bitter-sweet challenges of life, and nurturing a unique bond amid their trials. The natural beauty of Kuttanad serves as an extraordinary backdrop to their emotionally rich narrative, adding an almost ethereal feel to their simple, rustic life.

Shine Tom Chacko brings an impassioned performance to a complex secondary role as Murali, a close friend of Kuttappayi’s grandfather. Sabitha Jayaraj, too, is commendable in her portrayal of a comforting, yet subtly poignant character. The raw talent of the actors combined with seasoned direction make Ottaal a convincing and compelling cinematic offering. Thomas G. Kannampuzha, renowned for his work in the field of cinema and theatre, contributes to the film’s storyline with his skillfully written dialogues.

Writing this screenplay, Jayaraaj took Chekhov's story from a Russian winter to a Kerala landscape with fluid ease, preserving the essence of the narrative while adding local contexts. The story unfolds softly, encompassing themes of love, abandonment, childhood joys, harsh realities, and preservation of natural life. It’s a delicate multilayered narrative that simultaneously touches the heart and brings greater awareness to social issues like child exploitation and environmental preservation.

The cinematography of Ottaal is absolutely stunning, artfully capturing the lush greenery of Kerala, the sweeping vistas of paddy fields, settings of sun across tranquil rivers, and the ethereal vistas of backwaters. Expert cinematographer and National award-winner M. J. Radhakrishnan ensures that each frame of the film is imbued with a scenic charm that almost feels like it’s another character in the story. Coupled with the profound original background score by Sergey Cheremisinov, Ottaal becomes a sensory feast and an aesthetic experience.

The film premiered at the Mumbai Film Festival in 2014 and garnered widespread critical acclaim, winning several prestigious awards including the Crystal Bear for the Best Film in the Children's Jury "Generation Kplus" section and the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for the best feature-length film at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival. Ottaal is also the only Indian film to date to have won the Berlin's Crystal Bear in addition to the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.

Despite the critical acclaim, Ottaal is more than just a triumph of craft; it's a touching exhibition of human emotions, an exploration of the innocence of childhood, the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need for environmental conservation. It poses poignant questions about societal norms and practices, nudging the audience to introspect about child labor and the price our natural environment pays for our progress.

Ultimately, Ottaal is a simple yet deeply moving film, a beautiful tale of love and survival. Jayaraaj masterfully presents us with a captivating narrative that remains deeply rooted in reality, coursing with raw emotions and grace, reminding audiences of the magnificent art of storytelling. With its powerful social message, rich performances and a strikingly picturesque locale, Ottaal is a truly remarkable achievement in the landscape of Indian cinema.