Moppala

Rooted in the rich cultural soil of North Kerala, Moppala is a powerful story that challenges who has the right to perform, preserve, and inherit tradition. Director Santhosh Puthukkunnu presents a drama that is deeply personal yet socially urgent. At the heart of the story is Devanandan, a boy caught between his love for Theyyam and a society that refuses to accept him. Santhosh Keezhattoor, as Ambhu Panickar, delivers a heartfelt performance of a man torn between societal norms and his own blood. The visuals are stunning, the sound design evocative, and the screenplay thoughtful. Moppala shows how tradition can become a prison - unless someone breaks free. A bold and essential film.

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.

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.

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.

A Bold Commentary Wrapped in Ritual and Colour!

Rooted in Culture, Soaring with Emotion!

Tradition Meets Rebellion in This Theyyam-Centric Drama!

Moppala is a poignant reflection of the cultural and social struggles rooted in Kerala's caste matrix. Santhosh Puthukkunnu crafts a deeply affecting tale of tradition and defiance through the story of Devanandan. Santhosh Keezhattoor delivers a mature, understated performance as Ambhu Panickar, embodying the weight of legacy and sorrow. The film's climax - where Devanandan walks away adorned in Theyyam regalia - is a haunting metaphor for reclaiming silenced identities. Unmissable.