Kottukkaali

Kottukali many of you say is an art film, nah it's not. If you literally creating art, u mean nothing, it's more like an experimental movie. Journey of an characters, you should have release the movie in a Ott or as a short film, not a theatrical material. Coz if you creating an slow burn story buildup for around 1.15 hrs, you should give a impact climax for audience not a open ending, seriously bruh what the heck was that?, The only good factor was "soori" guy literally walk away from his comedian shade and entering and breathing hell of a fire as an main actor, just kudos to "soori". Anna ben? Yeah she's okay more of an shuttle performance, side characters or all of them are raw natural.

You all know movie was just that, but at the end u need to think i need more of that, movie should be an unique and masterpiece but they missed the main factor.

I would categorise this as just a PURE CINEMA. We should have an additional sense to understand how the script was sensibly written (planned) and sensitively shot (executed).

I wish our audience gains the knowledge and ability to understand this kinda arts as soon as they learn about a pure art. The way Soori unlearned the acting skills he has experienced thus far and lived as Pandi shows how he has been used very less in Tamil Cinemas. All the characters in the movie has done their umpteen level best to the content. And last but not least, Anna Ben as Meena has been the key performance indicator of this gem. May her get great reach in Kollywood.

Very sooner, PSV is going to do wonders in this era! 💯

Let's start with Soori's whirlwind of a performance, then transition to Anna Ben's big breakout. Wonderful right? Sure, why not? Let's give them the solace of performance. Now, I'll take a dramatic pause before beginning (the director certainly took a few). What on earth did I watch? Whether or not Meena was possessed, Vinothraj certainly was. With shades of Sathyajit Ray, Vinothraj promises a Pather Panchali-esque viewing experience minus the Pather Panchali.

You read that right. A lack of sympathy, heartfelt emotion, dialogue, and god forbid Vinothraj adds a soundtrack. While the themes and symbolism hit the spot from an artistic view, such a film would be best kept in an exhibition, or better yet, a museum. Promising nothing apart from a subtle twist, a few gripping scenes, and some impeccable cinematography, the film lacks substance. Of course, it'll be raved on by pseudo-cinephiles in the hopes of putting on a cultured facade, but personally, I can see through the shallow attempt at garnering praise.

Too many overhead shots of Soori simply walking, or other characters doing absolutely nothing. One must ask themselves, have the principles of Chekov's gun vanished from modern era filmmaking?

The symbols are fine, the film, however, is not.

Kottukkaali (2024): A Poignant Look at Patriarchy with a Powerful Performance from Soori

"Kottukkaali" is a Tamil film that tackles complex themes of patriarchy and gender inequality within the framework of a simple family drama. While the storyline may not be filled with twists and turns, the film's impact resonates deeply due to its nuanced storytelling and a powerful performance from Soori.

Soori delivers a career-defining performance as Paandi, a man deeply entrenched in patriarchal beliefs. His portrayal is both nuanced and captivating, showcasing the internal conflicts of a character grappling with societal pressures and his own rigid mindset.

The film's cinematography is beautiful, capturing the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu with stunning visuals. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a gradual unfolding of the characters' emotional journeys and the underlying tensions within the family.

While "Kottukkaali" may not offer easy answers or a conventional resolution, it leaves a lasting impact with its unflinching portrayal of social realities and its celebration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection and sparking conversations about the deep-rooted issues it addresses.

However, the film's deliberate pace and lack of dramatic twists may not appeal to all viewers. Some may find the narrative slow and lacking in excitement. While the film's message is powerful, its impact may be diluted for those seeking a more conventional cinematic experience.

Kottukkaali

A hot debatable topic that is still practiced in this 21st century is put to screen by P S Vinothraj.

The movie throws light on the ancient superstitious customs and traditions that are still being followed in remote rural households of Tamil Nadu.

P S Vinothraj has portrayed his ideas in a realistic way through the characters in the movie.

The idea he visualized through the screenplay is perfectly curated on screen through subtle and realistic moments in the movie. Bold performance by Soori and Anna Ben in the movie.

This movie is a definite green signal for niche audience who loves festival films and movies on ancient culture. The movie may be a point of discussion among critics but not among mass audience.

The director concludes the movie with a small request to the audience to be the harbinger of change.

Rating - 3.25/5.