In the heart of the Indian film industry, where Bollywood traditionally dominates with its glitz and glamour, a quieter revolution is unfolding. Enter Malayalam cinema, the unassuming yet powerful force making waves with its distinctive storytelling. The recent success of “Kaathal — The Core,” a Malayalam film that explores the life of a closeted middle-aged politician, serves as a testament to the industry’s ability to captivate audiences with nuanced narratives that defy conventional norms.
Unlike the typical Bollywood fare, “Kaathal” rejects song and dance, presenting a narrative where lovers communicate through fleeting eye contact in a monsoon rain. The absence of car chases and action stunts is deliberate, allowing vulnerability to take center stage, with male characters shedding tears in a departure from cinematic stereotypes.
Movie release in Kerala, the southern state that houses the Malayalam film industry and approximately 35 million people, “Kaathal” achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. The film’s unique premise, coupled with the sensitive portrayal of a gay protagonist by one of South India’s leading stars, sparked conversations far beyond Kerala’s borders.
While Bollywood often defines India’s cinematic identity internationally, the vast nation of 1.4 billion people is home to numerous regional film industries, each with its own distinct style and language. Malayalam cinema stands out for its commitment to progressive storytelling, featuring low-budget productions that delve into the complexities of real human drama
What sets Malayalam cinema apart is its rare ability to strike a balance that resonates with diverse audiences. In Kerala, viewers turn out with equal enthusiasm for modest Malayalam-language stories of everyday people as they do for high-adrenaline blockbusters imported from other regions of India. This unique dynamic has transformed modest, low-key films into commercial successes, a feat often associated with mainstream, high-budget productions.
Jeo Baby, the director of “Kaathal,” acknowledges the exceptional support of the Kerala audience. “The same audience creates success for mass movies and at the same time for small movies and comedies,” he says, underscoring the industry’s versatility. He made a name for himself by highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of daily life. His previous work, “The Great Indian Kitchen,” explored the toll of misogyny in a family and gained wide recognition two years ago.
Malayalam cinema’s understated storytelling has gained increased exposure in the post-Covid era. The rapid expansion of streaming services in India, triggered by the pandemic, has created opportunities for regional cinema to find national and global audiences. In contrast, Bollywood initially grappled with drawing audiences back to theaters post-Covid. Recent high-grossing films in Bollywood have often relied on well-established storylines, increased violence, slick visual effects, and a heavy dose of populism and propaganda. The dominance of superstars, coupled with an environment of censorship and self-censorship, makes it challenging for independent cinema to thrive in Bollywood.
Swapna Gopinath, a professor of film and culture studies, notes the marked difference in intervention between Bollywood and Malayalam cinema. “There is a lot more intervention there,” she says, referring to Bollywood, “That makes it difficult for independent cinema to thrive.”
Interestingly, until about a decade ago, Malayalam cinema followed a similar trajectory to Bollywood. Big-name actors and recycled storylines often celebrated traditional, patriarchal values. However, a shift occurred after several boundary-pushing films by young directors achieved popular success. This demonstrated that audiences in Kerala, a state leading India in living standards, were receptive to experimental and nuanced content.
The cinematic landscape changed significantly, and Malayalam cinema began to address issues such as gender and caste, reflecting the evolving sensibilities of its audience. A study by Ormax Media, a consulting firm, revealed that three-quarters of recent Malayalam films were small-town dramas focusing on ordinary people rather than larger-than-life heroes. The subjects tended to be local and modest, portraying scenarios like the messy politics of broadening a small village road or a priest haunted by his chapel’s history as a soft-porn cinema.
“Kaathal” continues in this vein, delving into the struggles of a closeted gay man, played by Mammootty, a 72-year-old star with a massive following in Kerala. Mammootty’s decision to both star in and produce “Kaathal” played a crucial role in keeping the film, and its groundbreaking subject, in the public eye.
The film revolves around Mathew Devassy, a retired, married bank clerk with a daughter in college. As he runs for village elections, his wife, played by Jyotika, files for divorce, revealing that she knew throughout their marriage about his homosexuality. The film navigates through courtroom scenes but primarily centers on the silent struggles within the household, the rumors circulating in the village, and Mathew’s internal conflicts.
The decision to portray a gay protagonist in a deeply conservative society, and the sensitive exploration of his struggles, is particularly significant in the Indian context. India decriminalized gay sex only five years ago, and the recent rejection of a petition to legalize same-sex marriage by the Supreme Court underscores the societal challenges that persist.
“Kaathal” has resonated with audiences like Jijo Kuriakose, an artist and activist in Kochi, Kerala, who appreciates its sensitive portrayal of the social pressures faced by many gay Indians. He notes that the film addresses the common response of urging gay individuals to marry someone of the opposite sex, reflecting the societal norms that persist despite changing attitudes.
The film has sparked discussions not only in Kerala but also across India about how caste, class, gender, and religion shape the choices available to individuals. Sreelatha Nelluli, a poet and translator who recently separated from a closeted gay man, shares a personal connection with the film’s narrative, highlighting its relevance in addressing societal complexities.
The success of “Kaathal” also sheds light on the evolving role of veteran actors in Malayalam cinema. Mammootty’s decision to take on a challenging role like that of Mathew Devassy, a closeted gay man, not only breaks stereotypes but also demonstrates a commitment to meaningful storytelling. The influence of actors in choosing roles that contribute to the broader social dialogue is a trend that adds depth to the industry and further strengthens its connection with audiences.
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by grandeur and spectacle, Malayalam cinema’s rise to prominence signifies a shift toward storytelling that reflects the depth and diversity of the human experience. The success of films like “Kaathal” demonstrates the appetite for narratives that delve into the intricacies of everyday life, challenging traditional norms and fostering a cinematic revolution that extends well beyond the borders of Kerala. As regional cinema continues to find a global audience through streaming platforms, Malayalam cinema stands as a beacon of storytelling that resonates with the authenticity and complexity of real human stories.
