Kaathal – The Core movie review - Why Mammootty, Jyothika's modern classic is a must watch?

4/5

Kaathal – The Core story: A wife decides to legally end her marriage of 20 years, coinciding with her husband's political debut.

Kaathal – The Core review: During the pre-release promotions, Malayalam superstar Mammootty described Kaathal – The Core as "revolutionary." And it, indeed, is true for multiple reasons.

Kaathal – The Core revolves around Mathew (Mammootty) and Omana (Jyothika), a couple who, on the surface, appear to lead a tranquil life in their sleepy hillside town. But the truth unveils itself the moment one steps into their bedroom, revealing a marriage that lacks intimacy despite sharing the same bed.

While the film may initially seem like a classic portrayal of suburban life, where romance dwindles after years of marital drudgery, it goes beyond this narrative.

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Kaathal – The Core navigates through a myriad of sensitive subjects and personal choices deeply influenced by the age-old societal concern of "What will people say?" The film suggests that this concern, often prioritised at the cost of one's prime years, is ultimately overrated and inconsequential.

Mathew and Omana find themselves trapped in the web of societal expectations. After two decades of a marriage devoid of intimacy, it becomes evident that they have served a silent life sentence under the weight of societal judgement. The film avoids the cliched portrayal of loveless marriages turning into hatred; instead, it reveals a complex dynamic where Omana, driven by deep love, endures two decades of loneliness to protect her husband.

The twist lies in Mathew's closet—he is homosexual. Omana refrained from filing for divorce for years, as homosexuality was deemed a criminal offence in the country until 2018. When society becomes more accepting and the legal landscape changes, Omana decides to end the charade as an act of compassion. Kaathal – The Core sheds light on the silent sacrifices made under societal pressure and the transformative power of understanding and acceptance.

Omana, in a sense, forces Mathew to confront his true self, highlighting the way individuals often imprison themselves behind layers of shame, fear, guilt, regret, and self-hatred.

Mammootty delivers a nuanced performance, skillfully portraying Mathew's internal struggle and shame, while Jyothika shines with her subtle and empathetic portrayal of a devoted and understanding wife.

The verdict: Kaathal – The Core is the latest addition to the growing list of Mammootty's modern classics, adding a new layer to the evolving landscape of Malayalam cinema. Many celebrated the seismic shift as a "new wave" when a bunch of ambitious and talented young filmmakers began redefining the meaning of mainstream cinema from the fringes at the beginning of the 2010s. It seems these filmmakers have managed to work their way up and have begun to claim a stake in the prime real estate of Malayalam cinema by joining forces with top stars. And Mammootty is fast becoming their loyal patron, lending his star power and money. In the process, he reminds a larger section of the audience that cinematic experiences extend beyond explosions and action.