- Date of Release: 25 March 2021
- Genre: Action Thriller
- Language: Malayalam
- Watch On: Amazon Prime Video
Kala
Introduction
Ok, no time to waste and lets jump on to the next release of the weekend and I have just finished watching the keenly awaited Malayalam film Kala on Amazon Prime. You can safely say that this year has been a resurgence of the Malayalam film Industry. An industry that can be termed as pioneers of world cinema putting India on the map has finally been getting its due thanks to the various OTT platforms. People have been talking about its films and also keenly awaiting them. On one such film group on facebook, there was a buzz about the bew Tovino Thomas Movie Kala that was doing the rounds. It did help that it had earlier had a theatrical release earlier this year and word of mouth was positive. And this weekend, it has made its way to Amazon Prime amidst a truckload of other releases. So then is it worth your time, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
Kala is a psychological thriller which can also be termed as a revenge thriller about a man who owns a peppercone field until one day, a strange turn of events changes his life forever. For a better viewing experience, I am keeping the story under wraps but the story is simple yet engaging. The screenplay is an exhibition of how good the writing is from the Malayalam industry. A true testimony if there ever was one! From the very opening sequence you can sense a feeling of uneasiness in the drama. Though very little things are happening, you are glued to your seat in anticipation of when calamity might strike. It is an extremely slow buildup that introduces you to the characters and allows you to make your judgement. And this portion is important for the mayhem that is to follow. Things begin to roll swiftly after the 40 minute mark when you get to know the conflict and things that are about to transpire. Come the second hour, things get gory with plenty of hand to hand combats and blood splashes that may not be for the faint hearted leading upto a climax that is painfully thought provoking. On the downside, things get slightly repetitive in the second hour. But nevertheless an excellent screenplay!
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are minimal but important as they convey the smallest of details so you need to be attentive. The music was pretty good with an outstanding BGM that keeps you hooked and booked throughout. Another thing to notice and savour is the cinematography that is visually appealing and creates images that stay with you long after the film has ended. Director Rohith VS has done a terrific job in displaying amazing skills to portray an interesting buildup followed by total carnage. Distinction marks here!
Performances
Before I get to the performances, I would say the screenplay is such that you as a viewer are conflicted on who the protagonist and antagonist actually here. And the performances are top notch! Lal as the head of the family Ravi brilliantly portrays the patriarchy in the family. Divya Pillai as Vidhya looks gorgeous and has done an excellent job. She has a magnetic screen presence that makes you want to watch more of her. Sumesh Moor is terrifyingly brilliant(you will know who he is when you watch the film). He looks menacing and is in brutal form here. Tovino Thomas as Shaji is once again outstanding. He has so many shades to his character and he holds on to each one of them. It is a memorable performance in a memorable film.
Conclusion
Kala is a brutally brilliant gore fest that can be marvelled for its technical brilliance. A film not meant for the faint hearted, a film you cannot miss. Available on Amazon Prime and Highly Highly Recommended.