Moppala

In Moppala, Santhosh Puthukkunnu confronts one of the most painful questions in Indian society - who decides who is worthy of tradition? The film follows Devanandan, born from an inter-caste marriage, who is passionately drawn to Theyyam but barred from participating in it. The pain is shared by his grandfather, Ambhu Panickar, portrayed beautifully by Santhosh Keezhattoor. This is a film that breathes in rhythm and ritual, but exhales a quiet rebellion. The pacing is meditative, giving weight to every stare, silence, and gesture. Moppala doesn't offer easy answers - it offers difficult truths. An artistic protest against systemic exclusion.

Santhosh Puthukkunnu's Moppala is a visually rich and emotionally potent film that holds a mirror to the casteist practices that still govern cultural traditions in India. Through the journey of Devanandan, a child of an inter-caste marriage who aspires to perform Theyyam, the film exposes the invisible walls that prevent true inclusion. Santhosh Keezhattoor delivers a compelling performance as Ambhu Panickar, embodying a man torn between social expectations and familial love. The Theyyam sequences are stunning, both aesthetically and symbolically. The screenplay may be slow-paced at times, but it builds to a climactic moment of silent protest that speaks louder than words. Moppala is a courageous film, reverent to tradition yet radical in its intent.

Santhosh Puthukkunnu's Moppala doesn't shout - it sears. It quietly dismantles the glorified narratives of tradition to expose their discriminatory foundations. The film tells the story of Devanandan, who is barred from performing Theyyam due to his inter-caste origins, despite his deep passion and talent. His silent rebellion - leaving the village fully dressed as a Theyyam deity - is a moment of sheer cinematic power. Santhosh Keezhattoor delivers a remarkable performance that gives soul to the internal struggle of Ambhu Panickar. Every shot feels like a mural, rich with color and pain. Moppala is not just a film - it's resistance etched in ritual, a cry for inclusivity wrapped in sacred flames.

Moppala delivers a powerful emotional punch with its story of Devanandan, a boy whose love for the traditional Theyyam art form is crushed by the rigid rules of caste. The narrative is deeply personal, yet the social commentary it makes is universal and timeless. Santhosh Keezhattoor's performance is deeply moving, portraying a grandfather struggling with the shame and helplessness of watching history repeat its cruel patterns. The climax is brilliant - Devanandan walking away, dressed in full Theyyam costume, is one of the most symbolic and emotional moments I've seen in Malayalam cinema this year. I highly recommend this film for its sincerity, cultural richness, and ability to leave a lasting impression.

Moppala is a remarkable film that uses the power of cultural storytelling to highlight social injustice. Through the lens of a grandfather-grandson relationship, the film portrays how caste hierarchies still dictate access to even the most spiritual aspects of culture. Santhosh Keezhattoor as Ambhu Panickar gives a deeply resonant performance, revealing the emotional weight carried by those torn between custom and compassion. Santhosh Puthukkunnu's direction is elegant, letting the narrative unfold naturally while never losing grip on its message. The final sequence is poetic yet unsettling. This film should be seen, discussed, and remembered.