Ullozhukku - Detailed Review

Director: Christo Tomy
Writer: Christo Tomy
Producers: Ronnie Screwvala, Honey Trehan, Abhishek Chaubey
Starring: Urvashi, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Arjun Radhakrishnan
Cinematography: Shehnad Jalal
Editing: Kiran Das
Music: Sushin Shyam
Production Companies: RSVP Movies, MacGuffin Pictures
Distributed by: Central Pictures
Release Date: 21 June 2024
Country: India
Language: Malayalam

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Plot:

Ullozhukku is set in a flooded region in Kerala, where Leelamma (Urvashi) and her daughter-in-law Anju (Parvathy Thiruvothu) struggle to bury a loved one amidst the chaos of heavy floods. The postponement of the burial brings long-buried secrets and lies to the surface, threatening the family's unity. The story transitions from Anju's meeting with her lover at work to her marriage with Thomaskutty, Leelamma's son, and then to the aftermath of Thomaskutty's death during the Kerala floods, revealing dark secrets one after another.

Performances:

• Urvashi as Leelamma delivers a compelling performance, capturing the essence of a woman filled with regret and burdened by past secrets.
• Parvathy Thiruvothu as Anju plays a rebellious woman with intensity and depth, adding layers to her character that resonate throughout the film.
• Arjun Radhakrishnan provides strong support, though his role is more peripheral compared to the leading ladies.

Technicians:

• Director Christo Tomy, despite being a debutant, executes the script with a mastery that belies his inexperience. His ability to pull off such a complex narrative is admirable.
• Cinematography by Shehnad Jalal captures the flooded landscape and the ensuing chaos effectively, adding to the film's atmosphere.
• Editing by Kiran Das ensures the narrative remains cohesive, though some sequences could have been more tightly woven.
• Music by Sushin Shyam is the standout element, elevating the film's emotional and dramatic impact significantly. The film's music, by Sushin Shyam, is a hero in its own right, amplifying the emotional and dramatic beats of the story.

Strengths:

• Music: Sushin Shyam's score is powerful and immersive, driving the emotional core of the film.
• Performances: The lead performances by Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu are exceptional, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
• Direction: Christo Tomy's direction is impressive, particularly for a debutant, with a clear vision and effective storytelling.

Weaknesses:

• Affair Perspective: The subplot involving Anju's affair can be irritating and feels disconnected from the main emotional arc, possibly alienating some viewers.
• Character Connection: The narrative could have benefited from a more in-depth exploration of Anju's love story to create a stronger emotional connection with the audience.

My Personal Take on This Film:

Ullozhukku is a film that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of regret, rebellion, and the unveiling of long-buried secrets. Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu carry the film with their powerful performances, portraying characters who are complex and deeply human. The film's music, by Sushin Shyam, is a hero in its own right, amplifying the emotional and dramatic beats of the story.

The film, however, is not without its flaws. The subplot involving Anju's affair feels somewhat disjointed and could have been handled with more finesse to enhance the viewer's connection to the characters. Additionally, the perspective shifts to the bandits' point of view can be distracting, diluting the emotional impact carried by the protagonist.

Despite these shortcomings, Ullozhukku is a compelling watch. It offers a raw and realistic portrayal of life amidst calamity, with strong performances and a gripping narrative. This is not a film meant to entertain in the conventional sense but to evoke thought and reflection. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

"This movie may not work well in theaters, but the strong performances and music make it an exceptional film."

Rating: 3/5