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Kallu Konduru Pennu (Malayalam)
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'Kallu Konduru Pennu (Malayalam)' This woman is made of sterner stuff

By Sreekumaran. N.
Film critic, ApunKaChoice.Com

Shyama Prasad treads a lonely path in Malayalam filmdom. His films are neither out and out commercials nor tediously artistic His first film Agnisaskshi, based on celebrated writer Lalithambika Antharjanam’s novel of the same name, won him laurels though the film wasn’t a runaway success. Having graduated from T V serials to feature films, he wasn’t able to completely wear off T V serial style in Agnisakshi. His second film Kallu Kondouru Pennu carries the hangover of TV serials too.

Kallu Kondoru Pennu handles a bold issue highly relevant in contemporary Kerala. Sita, the lead character, is a working nurse in a Gulf country. Welfare of her family back home—consisting of her elder brother and his family, younger sister and younger brother— is uppermost in her mind. Thanks to her regular financial help they all are comfortably placed. Singularly devoted to the family, nothing, not even her love for Dr Suresh, changes Sita’s priorities. Sita is headed for home to attend her younger sister Raji’s marriage when the Gulf war breaks out. She remained untraced for a few days. A local newspaper then flashes her photograph along with a child. Finally she is back home, only to realize life is no more same in the wake of the Gulf war.

The

down-to-earth, yet powerful story line of the movie offers ample opportunities for a cinematic portrayal of Kerala’s peculiar mindset swayed by Gulf money. A socially committed director, Shyama Prasad daringly attempts to bare this mindset. Is he successful? Based on noted playwright S L Puram’s play, Kallu Kondoru Pennu has high-pitch melodrama which somewhat negates the cinematic effect.

Vijayashanti, known as Amitabh Bachchan of the south for her powerful portrayal of the angry young woman in Telugu films, is superb in the role of Sita. An entire gamut of emotions is effortlessly essayed. Those who have seen her overacting in Telugu films would be surprised to see her efficient handling of even intensely emotional scenes. A brilliant performance in Kallu Kondoru Pennu makes her a strong contender for the best actress award.

The rest of the cast includes seasoned actors like Suresh Gopi, Murali, Dileep, Raju, Harisree Ashokan etc. None disappoints.

O N V Kurup has penned some beautiful lyrics. Illayaraja’s music is as usual marvelous.

If for nothing else, the bold theme of the film makes it a must-see

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