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. 

Thakarachenda - movie review

'Thakarachenda' is a 2007 Malayalam movie set in the slums of Ernakulam. Many movies have been made around this theme from Mira Nair's excellent 'Salaam Bombay' to the stereotypical 'Slumdog Millionaire'. While all these movies relied on melodrama to make an impact that invokes pity or even inspiration, 'Thakarachenda' is a very raw depiction that shows the purposelessness and harshness of the lives of these poor slum dwellers. Period. The minimal but impactful background score and just a single song emphasizes this rawness.

Sreenivasan as a totally cynical handicapped beggar 'Chakrapani' is at his satirical best, and most of the men in the slum seem to have given up hope and are ekeing out an existence. In contrast the female characters in the movie are strong personalities (as in many Malayalam movies), doing their best to lead an honourable life, ensuring their kids can have a better future. Lata's attempts to keep her children away from Chakrapani's attempts to rope them in for begging even in the face of hunger is both tragic and inspiring.

Technically, the film by a debutant director leaves a lot to be desired, especially the acting of the kids. But it more than makes up for that with the choice of a very relevant theme and a tight narrative. Movies like these just remind us how fortunate we are in the lives we enjoy, and just reaffirms that we have a responsibility to excel in what we do, to lend an ear to what is going in around us, and to make a positive contribution beyond the cocoon of our comfortable lives.

Impressions: Pazhassi Raja

Finally, the long awaited Pazhassi Raja from the Mamooty-M.T.Vasudevan Nair-Hariharan trio has hit the screens. I wondered when I could see it on the big screens in Pune. Fortunately, it hit the Pune screens within one week of its release.

The movie keeps you rivetted every moment, MT Vasudevan's script is well-researched, the action scenes are brilliant and the background score keeps the tempo. Sharath Kumar as Edachena Kunkan stands out, though everyone has given an impressive performance. Except, Padmapriya - who is irritating with her strange Malayalam accent. Perhaps the character of the tribal girl Nili demanded it.

A good movie to watch. Comparison to the famed trio's 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' are inevitable, but difficult to justify. 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' is based on a regional legend which gave the makers ample creative license and M.T. Vasudevan Nair used it to brilliant effect in turning the story of Chandu on its head, while 'Pazhassi Raja' had to stick to history. Ofcourse, the music is disappointing as compared to the melodies of 'Ori Vadakkan Veeragatha'.