A strong visual language is arguably the most powerful tool in a filmmaker's arsenal. Filmmakers who master visual storytelling don't need lengthy dialogues to convey their characters' emotions. National-award-winning filmmaker Christo Tomy’s compelling drama, Ullozhokku, exemplifies how a filmmaker with strong visual language can weave complex narratives with utmost subtlety, even using sighs and silences.
Set in a flooded Kuttanad village, the film delves into the complex lives of Leelama (Urvashi) and her daughter-in-law Anju (Parvathy Thiruvoth), who have lived far too long on a foundation of lies. The man who connects them both lies in a mortuary, and they must wait for the floodwaters to subside to bury him. As the wait continues, the intricate web of lies around them gets exposed. The grounded and poetic script beautifully captures the essence of human emotions and relationships.
Urvashi, as Leelamma, and Parvathy Thiruvothu, as Anju, deliver stellar performances that anchor the film. A slow-building drama, Ullozhukku offers a character study of Leelamma and Anju, providing different perspectives and leaving questions of right and wrong open for the audience to explore.
Notably, the film not only explores the emotional dimensions of its characters but also delves deeply into their socio-religious backgrounds and the unique geography of their land. The Kuttanad region, situated 2.2 meters below sea level, has the lowest altitude in India. The people of Kuttanad experience their homes and graves being flooded throughout their lives. The film offers an authentic portrayal of life in these neighbourhoods, surrounded by picturesque backwaters that often feature on lists of “India’s most beautiful spots.” Shehnad Jalal's cinematography deserves praise for its compelling visuals that enhance Tomy's narrative perfectly.
Urvashi’s portrayal of Leelamma is arguably one of the best performances in Malayalam cinema this year. For instance, there is a scene towards the end of the film where Leelamma simply has to offer frankincense into her son's grave. Although there are no dialogues, Urvashi elevates the scene with her body language, embodying a mother drained of energy after years of weeping. Thiruvoth’s performance as Anju is also powerful. The supporting cast, including Prashant Murali, Arjun Radhakrishnan, Alencier Ley Lopez, and Jaya Kurup, all deserve applause for their commendable performances.
From a technical standpoint, the film excels as well. Sushin Syam’s music effectively transports the audience into the continuous rain-soaked atmosphere of the Kuttanadu village. The film happens in a minimal setting with a minimum number of characters. However, Kiran Das' adept editing, as seen in his work on similar films like Ila Veezha Poonchira and Appan, is evident in making the narrative compelling and tight.
2024 is poised to be a standout year for Malayalam cinema, with Ullozhukku joining the ranks of classy films produced in the southern industry this year. Once more, it demonstrates that neither large budgets nor star-studded casts guarantee good cinema. Rather, it is the meticulous crafting of a strong script that delivers a compelling tale, led by a visionary filmmaker adept at storytelling. Malayalam cinema reaffirms that content reigns as the sole king, now and forever!
Movie: Ullozhokku
Directed by: Christo Tomy
Starring: Urvashi, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prashant Murali, Arjun Radhakrishnan, Alencier Ley Lopez, and Jaya Kurup
Rating: 4/5
