'Puzhu' review: Intense narrative aided by brilliant Mammootty, Parvathy Thiruvothu
The promos of Mammootty's most recent outing Puzhu had amped up our curiosity. And, the wait has been worthwhile. Puzhu, which was released on Friday, revolves around a social theme often being spoken about lately. If you had your expectations raised after watching the teaser and trailer, you would be pleasantly surprised to know Puzhu does more than live up to that. We review.
What is the film all about?
Mammootty's Kuttan is a retired police officer and a sadistic father who treats his son Kichu (Vasudev Sajeesh Marar) like a captive. He watches his son's every move and dictates how should he brush his teeth or whether he should call a tomato a vegetable or a fruit. Every time Kuttan says, "Good evening, Kichu," you would feel a gripping sensation in your throat.
Paranoid Kuttan tackles his haunting past AND present
But Puzhu isn't just a family drama. We won't reveal the other tone of the film as it would spoil your film-watching experience. But to give you a gist, Kuttan's past haunts him and he senses someone is plotting to murder him. He gets paranoid and doubts everyone including his son and his sister (Parvathy Thiruvothu) who married a man from an oppressed community.
Thiruvothu, Appunni Sasi stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Mammootty
Not to mention, Mammootty the actor stands out. Mammukka's minute nuances breathe life into Kuttan. He neatly delivers the conflicting emotions he endures in trying to find out who he actually is. He is supported by a galaxy of talents like Thiruvothu, among others. The brilliant Appunni Sasi deserves a special mention as he elegantly shoulders a heavy role, standing tall with the megastar.
'Puzhu' is a must-watch for all it has to offer
Director Ratheena has to be lauded for the stylized narrative. Puzhu is a deliberately slow-cooked meal and you will relish every bit of it. The intersection of mythology in a modern-day story, rhetorical insertion of stage plays, and the darker color palette—everything is thematic. Verdict: The SonyLIV offering bags 4/5 stars (If not for the predictable climax, we would have gone with 5/5 stars).
