Nottam - movie

Nottam is a simple story which showcases the Sanskrit theatre art of Kerala, Koodiyattam and its allied art  Nangyar Koothu. I loved the movie for the extended sequences of this art form that are depicted throughout the movie, especially the finale. The movie beautifully depicts the lifestyle of a community of Chakyars (who traditionally play this art form) and their adaptation to the world around them as modern times take the art form out of temples to the stage. Nedumudi Venu gives a fine performance as the Chakyar patriarch and a reputed Koodiyattam artist. Margi Sathi, an accomplished Nangyaar Kothu artist is a delight to watch in her performance of the drama. Jagathy Sreekumar must be one of the most under-rated actors ever. We see glimpses of his talent in many myraid comic roles he plays, but in this movie we see a very nuanced performance from him. The songs (Pachepanamthate) and their picturazation, though out of sync with the movie are excellent and brilliantly picturized.