Kathal - film review

 

While initially hesitant to delve into another Mammootty or Mohanlal film, the irresistible allure of "Kathal," a Malayalam movie headlined by Mammootty, ultimately drew me in. The film artfully weaves a family narrative around gender issues within the confines of orthodox societies, harking back to the long-lost era of Malayalam cinema during MT Vasudevan nair's time.

Embracing the narrative style of that bygone period, "Kathal" poignantly captures the suppressed emotions of human suffering through the lens of a gender narrator. The storyline revolves around four oppressed personas in a religiously "pious" household – a wife, a queer husband, his lover, and an "aged" father (considering old age as a distinct gender). Social compulsions exert a profound influence in this setting, and the film unfolds the tale of individual triumph over oppression, where bold steps lead to liberation.

While gender issues take center stage, the film also delves into patriarchy, religious orthodoxy, money, power, family dynamics, and other oppressive factors with subtle references. In our own lives, we encounter or are part of such countless stories of social oppression, often witnessing individuals succumb without ever having an escape route. As the narrative progresses, the film leaves a haunting imprint on the heart, marked by memorable shots but offering a breath of relief by the end.

Unlike narratives like "Brokeback Mountain" or "Philadelphia," where the entanglement of queerness and family is explored with heightened complexity or a quest for dignity, "Kathal" eloquently takes a straightforward approach to the human lives ensnared in these issues. Omana's story is not centered on sex or sexuality but rather on social entrapment within an oppressive system dictated by societal norms, affecting not just her but also her partner. Unlike characters in "Charulatha" or "Paroma," Omana doesn't succumb to emotional impulses or rebel against society for freedom like Aparnasen's Paroma. The director's brilliance lies in creating a character attempting a personal "coming out" by helping her partner embrace openness.

Mammootty's subtle yet standout performance takes center stage, overshadowing Jyothika's portrayal. The film, in the end, unfolds more from a feminist perspective than a queer narrative. "Kathal" emerges as a brilliant cinematic piece, rekindling the essence of a lost format cherished in Malayalam films, where human vulnerabilities and subjectivities were the true "kathal" (essence) of the movies. Special commendation goes to Joe Baby for his directorial craft and Mammootty for his acting and production. Undoubtedly, a must-watch film.