KURUTHI (2021)
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| Critic No. 232 |
Director: Manu Warrier
Written by: Anish Pallyal
Produced by: Prithviraj Productions
Casts: Prithviraj, Roshan Matthew, Mamukkoya, Srindaa, Murali Gopy, Shine Tom Chacko
Language: Malayalam
Genre: Action, Thriller
Music: Jakes Bejoy
SYNOPSIS:
Ibrahim (Roshan Matthew), his father (Mamukkoya) and younger brother are waiting from their Hindu neighbour Suma to bring dinner, but when there's a knock at the door, it upends all their lives
REVIEW:
What I really like about Malayalam films in general is the effective use of supporting characters to form the holistic tension and rising action of the film. With an increasing number of films discussing caste/community issues in Indian cinema, Kuruthi interestingly talks about the growing fear of majoritarian sentiment, the alienation of minorities, and the mounting human cost of communalization. The film doesn’t take sides or justify any acts of its characters. It simply observes the eroding harmony and a sense of brotherhood. It helps us to see the senselessness of violence committed in the name of God.
Following the tropes of ‘home invasion’ films, the film’s inciting incident kicks in when a police officer (Murali Gopy) barge in one night along with an accused in a religious hate crime into the household of Ibru (Roshan Mathew), who is grieving the loss of his wife and daughter in the landslide. Before long, a band of extremists of the opposite hue breaks in, wanting the blood of the accused, setting up a clash of religious ideologies that gradually unveils the darker side of all the characters.
Besides the messaging, Kuruthi is also a claustrophobic and nerve-wracking thriller. The film’s tension is staged like a Tarantino-esque suspense building and shuddering reveals. It reminded me of Hateful Eight (2015) where long monologues are effectively layered to express the characters’ inner voice, though I felt that some parts could have less talking and more visual expressions. Prithviraj, Roshan and Srindhaa were the best among the lot and their characters are very well etched. The final shot that suggests that this clash and hatred will never end until the root is cut off, is a nice, practical ending which stamped the director’s voice clearly. Jakes Bejoy's striking score and the detailed sound design ensure that we are fully invested in the intensity of the film.
The only problem I had with the film is the pacing at the second act which slows down significantly before picking up at the final scene. This makes some parts a bit forced and artificial, especially the lengthy dialogues during action scenes. That said, Prithviraj should be commended for producing such a bold film that has many controversial yet important issues to discuss.
VERDICT:
Based on an intriguing discussion on the clash of religious views and eroding harmony among the society, Kuruthi is a bold, nerve wracking home invasion thriller that will keep your heart racing till the end.
CELLULOID METER- 3.5/5:
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