Pattam Pole

Pattam Pole, a 2013 Indian Malayalam romantic film, is a beautifully woven love story straight from God's Own Country - Kerala. Directed by cinematographer-turned-director Alagappan N and scripted by Girish Kumar, this movie offers a fresh perspective on modern love intertwined with traditional Indian values.

The movie stars Dulquer Salmaan and Malavika Mohanan in the lead roles, Lalu Alex, Leema Babu, and Shradha Gokul graciously add depth to the story with their powerful performances in significant roles. The music, composed by M. Jayachandran, is spellbinding and evocatively captures the essence of the narrative.

The heart of Pattam Pole is a charming love story that blossoms between the lead characters, Karthik (played by Dulquer Salmaan) and Riya (played by Malavika Mohanan). The film commences with a visually enchanting portrayal of sunny beaches and tranquil backwaters, setting the tone for the unfolding romance between the leads.

Karthik, the son of a Hindu father and a Christian mother, is a jovial and free-spirited young man who cherishes his mixed cultural heritage, while Riya, raised in an orthodox Tamil Brahmin family, embodies the grace and elegance of traditional South India. As fate would have it, Karthik and Riya meet and find themselves working together on a wedding planning assignment. Amidst the splendor of wedding decorations and laughter, love secretly blooms between Karthik and Riya, leading to a plethora of heartfelt moments.

In true Bollywood style, the path of love doesn't run smooth. Pattam Pole presents its audience with a romantic entanglement that faces the many hurdles thrown by societal norms and parental expectations. Karthik, with his ever-optimistic outlook and boundless charisma, and Riya, with her traditional wisdom and elegant composure, attempt to navigate their love through these trials and tribulations.

The film portrays how the two young hearts embark on a journey exploring love, faith, and tradition, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Kerala's divine landscapes. From tranquil backwaters to vibrant festivities to ancient temples, Pattam Pole, in its essence, is a hearty slice-of-life romance sprinkled with the enchanting cultures of Southern India.

Director Alagappan N manifests his flair for visual storytelling by capturing the ambiance and traditions of Kerala exquisitely. He successfully infuses the film with a believable and relatable story that resonates with the audience. Girish Kumar's script is a nuanced take on modern love that strives between tradition and progressive thought, making it more than just a random love story.

Dulquer Salmaan shines as Karthik, exuding charm and wit, effortlessly portraying the dilemmas of a young man divided between his love and his respect for societal norms. Malavika Mohanan is equally impressive in her cinematic debut as Riya, depicting a mix of traditional and modern values in her character beautifully.

Lalu Alex, in his vital paternal role with his sly humor and intense expressions, steals many scenes. Leema Babu and Shradha Gokul, with their respective roles, contribute significantly to the narrative and bring depth to the storyline.

The melodious soundtrack of Pattam Pole truly embellishes the narrative, the tunes lingering with the audience even after they leave the cinema. M. Jayachandran's foot-tapping numbers delicately encompass the spirit of love, celebration, and heartbreak that the characters traverse.

Taken together, Pattam Pole takes its audience through a surreal ride between love and tradition, departing from the formulaic tales of romance. The film is worth watching for its fresh take on contemporary romance, the combination of compelling performances, visually stunning cinematography, mesmerizing music, and engaging narrative. Pattam Pole amicably serves as a heartening and mesmerizing ode to young love, and to Kerala, in its resplendent glory.