Kodiyettam

This is a Malayalam language film from the year 1977.

The movie wants to depict how society accepts, respects and at times even in fear or awe, of a man who earns. And that a man who doesn't is even at times referred to as not a man at all, as directly happens in this movie.

This is a well directed art film. Performances by the Avante garde cast is very natural and realistic. The film revolves around the fireworks in festivals which is depicted at various portions in the film.

The film shows how a jobless, carefree youth gets scant respect from those around. While people with loose morals, if bread winners and productive, are respected: The policeman, the teacher, the truck driver.

The protagonist loses the viewer's respect when he many a times leaves his young bride at home, and upon a quarrel, abandons his pregnant wife. But all the while he keeps his morals and simplicity intact.

In the end, life straightens him up and he gets back to a normal family life.

The film has a side track of how many women are true home-makers in our society, when they take up the role of running the home and rearing the children while the men have to travel on work.

While an art film, the content keeps moving and keeps the viewers engaged. I'd call it a good watch.