Oruthee

Perhaps no single actress has been able to capture the essence of the everywoman Malayali village lass than Navya Nair, especially in the State-Award winning classic "Nandanam (2002)" as well other hits like "Mazhathullikkilukkam (2002)" and "Vellithira (2003)". Now, at age 36, she has ably metamorphosized into a quintessential hardworking mother character and displays all the experience she has gained working in multiple South Indian industries to deliver a resounding performance in V. K Prakash's hard-hitting "Oruthee".

Two-time National Award-winning director VK Prakash has had an inconsistent career to say the least. Having delivered groundbreaking cinema like "Punaradhivasam (2000)", "Beautiful (2011)" and "Nirnayakam (2015)", he has also forayed into ill-conceived, poorly executed comedies like "Gulumaal (2009)" and "Three Kings (2011)" as well. Thankfully, in Oruthee, he sticks to his strong suit of socially relevant drama, narrating the harrowing story of a few days in the life of a working mother desperately trying to arrange the funds for the treatment of her ill child.

The title itself, strongly conveys the politics of the movie with "Oruthee" a play on the Malayalam term for "her", smartly rewording it to also mean "A fire". And Navya Nair ably provides the fierce, fiery performance worthy of the titular character, displaying the care and compassion of a protective mother as well as all the anger, frustration and never-say-die attitude of a parent willing to go to any lengths for her children. Vinayakan is expectedly terrific as a virtuous police officer, stuck within a corrupt system that tries to suck him in at every turn.

It is downright criminal that the Malayalam industry has not been able to provide an actress of Navya Nair's capability with better roles on a regular basis. Nevertheless, in her first role in Malayalam after a gap of almost 10 years, the 2-time Kerala State Award winner for Best Actress makes a strong case for more accolades and recognition, which has already started off with Film Companion recognizing her terrific performance with the Performance of the Moth-March 2022 title. Highly recommended!

RATED 7/10 Language: Malayalam Media Partner: Prime - ManoramaMax

Solid drama without any lagging. Movie was bit slow in the beginning and quickly settles in the plot line. Good comeback Drama for Navya. The acting was solid and the expressions are authentic. I Liked Vinayakan role very much. He steals the show towards end. His cunning look and the role perfectly suits for him.

The only problem is the predictability of the story and simple story.

Worth the watch.

Brilliant movie, another masterpiece piece by VKP, camera work could have been better, there were multiple flaws, otherwise brilliant work by actors, director, script writer and the rest of the crew.

I wanted to watch this movie from the time I saw the trailer. I thought I wouldn't be able to watch it in theaters but was able to get tickets for a show at Lulu Mall at Kochi.

This was a very good experience. The characters all felt believable and real. Navya Nair's performance came across as very genuine.

I also liked the way the police officers were portrayed. Not all powerful or always looking to bring criminals to justice no matter what, but good at heart.

I didn't like it as much as How Old Are You, but I did enjoy it very much. I do wonder what a sequel will focus on though.

Navya Nair makes a good comeback performance. She has done exceptionally well. Also director Vk Prakash makes a good comeback

Like others say first 30 mins of movie might appear bit slow and pointless. But once the story picks up , it is good with twists and turns and emotions.

Vinayakan scores really well. The blending of story with politics of BJP purchasing MLAs was a good thought.

Unlike other regional languages, the strength of Malayalam movie is its stories. Let more smaller good movies like this happen in Mollywood.