Ranjith attacks Kerala through Mathukutty
Satire in every conceivable nook and cranny defines ‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’. There is satire aimed at the media, our marriages, Malayali culture, of relationships, on authority, society…. In short the movie is a highly satiric take on Kerala. While satire, which once in a while stoops to caricature, dominates, the philosophic lens is charming and lifts the otherwise simple tale.
The all-time Ranjith signature is evident in this movie too with the clean narration, Ranjith’s sonorous narrative voice, fleshed out and real characters, thorough research, justice to dialects and a defined camera angle. The story of ‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’ traverses various planes with numerous characters doing significant roles.
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Satire in every conceivable nook and cranny defines ‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’. There is satire aimed at the media, our marriages, Malayali culture, of relationships, on authority, society…. In short the movie is a highly satiric take on Kerala. While satire, which once in a while stoops to caricature, dominates, the philosophic lens is charming and lifts the otherwise simple tale.
The all-time Ranjith signature is evident in this movie too with the clean narration, Ranjith’s sonorous narrative voice, fleshed out and real characters, thorough research, justice to dialects and a defined camera angle. The story of ‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’ traverses various planes with numerous characters doing significant roles.
The narration opens in Germany with a meeting of the Pathanamthitta wing of the Malayali association. Siddique essays the role of the president of the association. Mathukutty (Mammootty), his strict and staid wife Janamma (Muthumani), and their daughter are also present at the meeting. It is decided that Mathukutty, will go to Kerala and persuade superstar Mohanlal to be the chief guest for their annual cultural function.
He leaves for Kerala and meets with Mohanlal at an event but declines the invitation. He encounters ‘Mammootty’ too at the event who he declares is arrogant. Mathukutty then meets up with his old circle of acquaintances like the priest (Balachandra Menon) and the Gandhian (Nedumudi Venu). He also decides to meet his old lover Rosie- still a spinster (Alisha Mohammad), whom he had to forsake because he was ‘sold’ for rupees 50 lakh to Janamma to repay huge debts. Rosie’s brother, who was once Mathukutty’s friend is still furious with him for deserting his sister and decides to kill him.
The bullet used and the target hit becomes the cause for the unfolding of the rest of the story, which is a tale of foul plays and double dealings. Tini Tom as the scheming media man and Mathukutty’s disgust with the entire dealings, decision to call Dileep and then Jayaram for the function in Germany and a large amount of money forms the crux of the second half.
The movie ends where it began- in Germany. What happens to the annual cultural function in Germany, life lessons learnt by Mathukutty from his episode in Kerala and Mathukutty’s life ahead is shown at the end.
There are humorous situations peppered in the narration, though the overall tone is serious. The message that ‘life goes on’ and that in spite of greener pastures, life is to be lived out is conveyed. A dark undertone pervades the movie, though presented in a lighter frame. Mathukutty chooses to live life the way it is meant too, trapped in a loveless marriage, a disillusioned aging man who finally understands that this is what life is and that it does not change overnight. ‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’ shows the greyer shade of life which nobody usually wants to acknowledge and director Ranjith has taken a big risk in choosing such a subject.
The various characters on this huge life-like canvas are real and the actors including Mammootty, Muthumani, Alisha Mohammad, Nedumudi Venu, Harishree Ashokan, Siddique, Meera Nandan, Shekar, Nandu, Balachandra Menon, Tini Tom, Balachandran, Siddique and the rest have effectively portrayed the characters. Mammootty has specially imbibed the character well and the movie is all about Mathukutty. The presence of Mohanlal, Dileep and Jayaram just skims the surface. More could have been done to make their presence more effective. The two songs in the movie are well done, especially the soulful Ghazal. Shahbaz Aman has done a commendable work. But the background score by Mervin is a letdown. The cinematography and editing are spot on.
‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’ is a highly watchable movie. Do not watch it expecting another ‘Pranchiyettan’ or ‘Indian Rupee’. Watch out for the satires and philosophic undertones in the narration. The film is a slow moving one with a few outstanding scenes and a litany of satires.
Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty Review By RajeevanThe movie ends where it began- in Germany. What happens to the annual cultural function in Germany, life lessons learnt by Mathukutty from his episode in Kerala and Mathukutty’s life ahead is shown at the end.
There are humorous situations peppered in the narration, though the overall tone is serious. The message that ‘life goes on’ and that in spite of greener pastures, life is to be lived out is conveyed. A dark undertone pervades the movie, though presented in a lighter frame. Mathukutty chooses to live life the way it is meant too, trapped in a loveless marriage, a disillusioned aging man who finally understands that this is what life is and that it does not change overnight. ‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’ shows the greyer shade of life which nobody usually wants to acknowledge and director Ranjith has taken a big risk in choosing such a subject.
The various characters on this huge life-like canvas are real and the actors including Mammootty, Muthumani, Alisha Mohammad, Nedumudi Venu, Harishree Ashokan, Siddique, Meera Nandan, Shekar, Nandu, Balachandra Menon, Tini Tom, Balachandran, Siddique and the rest have effectively portrayed the characters. Mammootty has specially imbibed the character well and the movie is all about Mathukutty. The presence of Mohanlal, Dileep and Jayaram just skims the surface. More could have been done to make their presence more effective. The two songs in the movie are well done, especially the soulful Ghazal. Shahbaz Aman has done a commendable work. But the background score by Mervin is a letdown. The cinematography and editing are spot on.
‘Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty’ is a highly watchable movie. Do not watch it expecting another ‘Pranchiyettan’ or ‘Indian Rupee’. Watch out for the satires and philosophic undertones in the narration. The film is a slow moving one with a few outstanding scenes and a litany of satires.
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