While the Malayalam film industry is no stranger to making politically relevant movies(almost all of KG George’s cinematography), it's been several decades since we have experienced such films. However, now over the past few years, we see many beautiful movies lead by exceptional cast and crew talking about socially relevant topics and Kaathal is another fine example of the same.
As an actor of his stature, power and experience as Mammotty, he needn't have chosen to do a film like this, in a time like this - one which takes a clear stand on queer politics. A risky move but one which will have a profound impact on the viewers and our society at large. Mammotty as an actor has always been considered as an epitome of manliness and authoritativeness and therefore, the movies in which he displays vulnerability of any sorts has a huge impact on the audience and this movie is no different. His performance is honest and gentle and as the audience, we feel for him and his plight. He is a man of few words in the film but his expressions and his body language speak a million words - the anguish, the confusion, the internal conflict, the hopelessness - all of it.
While the film is full of poignant moments that tug at your heart, the scenes towards the end of the film are absolutely heartbreaking - a scene between a father and son and another one between a husband and wife. It was cathartic, even for the audience. Jyothika as the wife is brilliant - she too is a woman of few words but just like Mammotty, she delivers a fantastic performance.
While this movie is set in an idealistic world where people have accepted the queer people with open arms, we know that isnt the reality, especially in india. I hope that atleast through this movie people start accepting people the way they are and not ostracize them for it. Kaathal is a huge win for the queer community, especially in the Malayalam speaking community.
I don't know why Kaathal felt so personal to me. It felt so deeply personal, my heart was heavy as I walked out of the theater. It still feels heavy as I gather my thoughts here. All my life I have never really truly understood how difficult it must be to hide something so integral about who your are from the world and instead live a life of lies but this movie truly gave a glimpse into the same and it's all thanks to this beautiful film
My heart feels heavy and light now. Heavy as I think about the hundreds of thousands of people who are still stuck in the closet, struggling but ultimating failing to come out. Also, light because movies like this gives me the hope that we are moving in the right direction to give voice to the silenced. In fact, I hope this movie leads to at least a few divorces of couples stuck in a similar situation and enables people to live a more authentic life that they wish for.
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