Kaliyattam - worthy adaptation of Othello

Kaliyattam is a dramatic, musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello in Malayalam. A universal tale of jealousy, hate, love and betrayal - its been wonderfully adapted to the Kerala culture and the theatre of action shifted from politics to art.

Accordingly, Suresh Gopi (as Othello) plays a revered, though ugly looking Theyyam artist. It's a different Suresh Gopi, probably playing the most nuanced role of his career and he excels in a dramatic performance. Manju Warrier as Desedemona is as usual brilliant. Pity that Manju Warrier had a small movie career. The best performance is by Lal, playing the scheming and menacing Iago- who is the sutradhar of the entire plot. A good watch, with some great music like 'Velikuvellupankalam' and 'Ennodu Enthuni Pinnakam' and footage of the 'Theyyam' art form.