KALA (2021)
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| Critic No. 220 |
Written by: Yadhu Pushpakaran, Rohith V. S.
Produced by: Juvis Productions, Tovino Thomas Productions, Adventure Company
Casts: Tovino Thomas, Sumesh Moor, Lal Paul, Divya Pillai
Language: Malayalam
Genre: Action, Thriller
Music: Dawn Vincent
SYNOPSIS:
The life of Shaji (Tovino Thomas), a laid-back youngster, turns upside down when an enemy from his past pays him a visit.
REVIEW:
Director Rohith starts the film with Oscar Wilde’s thought-provoking quote, “Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live”. The film explores the raw emotions of humans and how the basic form of selfishness can result in catastrophic payback. Driven with style and symbolism, Kala is a meticulously staged and shot film that will be a sheer treat for action film lovers.
The film’s main basis is about the mind-game between the two leads, but the movie is almost like a dramatic study on primitive traits that lie dormant in humans. The lead character Shaji, played by Tovino, is egoistic and narcissistic. When the ego is challenged by his enemy, the film accelerates into an intense ‘animalistic war’ between them. For me, I felt it was almost a study of the human mind interlaced with a thin social commentary.
Touching on the performances,, both Tovino and Moor have beautifully pulled off their roles. Shaji is not like any of Tovino’s previous characters that he has played/ In this, he portrays a clumsy but fit selfish man who is gradually being taken over by his ego. Moor is exceptional as a person who is willing to go to any length to prove his point. Lal and Divya Pillai who played as Shaji's father and wife respectively have done a decent job too in their limited roles.
The beautiful cinematography by Akhil George and the gripping stunts by Phoenix Prabhu enhance the film’s engagement value and kind of compensates for the simple story the director has tried to stretch out. There are lots of rapid intercuts. Flashback inserts and symbolic imagery that Rohith uses to stylistically treat the film. Of course, the film is for people who love intricate, raw action choreographies and can stomach the violence the comes with it. For others, if they are patient enough, the style and beautiful message at the end might appeal.
With arresting visuals and exhilarating action, ‘Kala’ is a gripping, violent thriller that will intoxicate you with its stylistic exploration of raw human instincts.
CELLULOID METER- 3.5/5:
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