Here we take a look at the new Tamil movie Kottukkaali review ahead of its theatrical release worldwide on August 23rd. ‘Kottukkaali’ is the sophomore film of PS Vinothraj after gaining worldwide fame with his debut movie ‘Koozhangal’.
The Story of Kottukkaali
The word ‘Kottukkaali’ is often used in rural South Tamil Nadu to address a woman who is stubborn in her decisions. It is not a complimentary word but one that labels her as a misfit. In the film Meena (Anna Ben), is a village girl betrothed to her cousin Pandi (Soori) who goes against his family’s wishes to encourage her to go to college before tying the knot. However Meena apparently falls in love with a fellow student and is very much stubborn about parting ways with him. After several beatings and attempts to escape (told through the metaphor of a cockerel tied to a stone) the families conclude that Meena is possessed and should be exorcised. The major part of the screenplay consists of Meena’s forced autorickshaw ride along with Pandi and the other family members to meet a temple priest for the exorcism. Will Meena’s silent resolve will win or she will be forced to marry Pandi is what the climax is all about.
Actors Performances
Popular Mayalam actress Anna Ben won hearts with her charming performance as the futuristic rebel warrior Kyra in ‘Kalki 2898’. In ‘Kottukkaali’ she has completely transformed into a rural girl facing extreme physical and mental abuse at the hands of her family. Right in the opening scene itself she scores when she watches wide eyed at the cock trying to escape and feeling hope when it does but disappointed when it is caught. Throughout the film Anna does not speak more than a few words but towers with her subtle yet stunning performance. Watch out for the scene in which after being beaten to a pulp by Soori she breaks into a smile when her little cousin, a male is crying for her showing that there is still hope in humanity. Soori who is still in transformation mode from a comedian to a hero has shown another dimension as the ruthless man hell bent on enslaving his woman come what may. His one big scene in which the animal in him comes to the fore is shockingly realistic. A big plus for the film is the natural performances of the rest of the cast members especially YouTuber Pudhugai Boopalan as Soori’s ignorant father.
Positives
The detailing gone into making the auto rickshaw ride as realistic as possible works big time in ‘Kottukkaali’. The metaphor of the girl and the cock that is going to be offered as sacrifice traveling together calls audience attention to the inevitable in the most impactful manner. The resolved silence of the victim and the constant ruckus created by all those around her makes her standout as the strong protagonist. The journey is filled with a mix of extreme emotions like the fleeting moment when Meena whose hair is over oiled to submission walking with a loose mane held high. There are a few genuine laugh out loud fun moments that bring the house down. The sexual abuse of a fellow victim at the hands of the temple priest is shown in full details that unsettles both Pandi and the audience in equal measure which is proof of PS Vinothraj’s talent as a masterful filmmaker.
Negatives
The lengthy shots for each scene though lending novelty in the beginning portions test the patience after a point. The abrupt ending without offering any resolution will leave the majority of the audience high and dry especially after enduring the patience tests.
Technical Aspects
PS Vinothraj’s decision to do away with the background score and instead use live sounds gives a new watching experience. B. Sakthivel’s camera captures every emotion of both Anna Ben and her tormentors without any respite immersing the viewer into the story. Editor Ganesh Siva has ensured through his smooth flowing cuts that the different threads of the story are given equal importance. Sivakarthikeyan has proudly presented ‘Kottukkaali’ under his banner Sivakarthikeyan Productions and has already tasted success with the film making waves in international film festivals.
Writing and Direction
P.S. Vinothraj who already knocked at the doors of the Oscars with ‘Koozhangal’ has once again proved beyond doubt that he aims to make world cinema in Tamil. He uses external elements such as a young girl’s puberty function in which her cousin stakes claim of her to amplify his core message. Congratulations to Vinoth from Movie Memes Media hoping that he scores an hattrick with his next.
Verdict
‘Kottukkaali’ is a novel little gem of a world cinema in Tamil language which will enthrall film enthusiasts and audience looking for meaningful movies.
Rating : 3.5/5