Ottamuri Velicham

Set against the picturesque backdrop of rural Kerala, the 2017 movie "Ottamuri Velicham" is a heart-wrenching exploration of the issues surrounding marital abuse and mental illness, narrated through the lives of its leading characters. Directed by Rahul Riji Nair, this emotional rollercoaster of a movie features fascinating performances from Vinitha Koshy, Deepak Parambol, and Rajesh Sharma.

Ottamuri Velicham - which translates to ‘Light in the Room’ - tells the story of a newly wed couple living in the rural high ranges of Kerala. The narrative follows the life of Sudha (played by Vinitha Koshy), a simple and shy girl from a poor family, who gets married to Chandran (played by Deepak Parambol). Chandran is either constantly quiet or harsh, displaying very little empathy otherwise. Mysterious and moody, he stays aloof, leaving Sudha to deal with her loneliness and despair, which takes us on an emotional journey. Rajesh Sharma provides more depth to the film's narrative with his sterling act as a supporting character. The story, however, unveils sentiments much more profound than what seems on the surface, showcasing many layers to these characters.

The film offers a thought-provoking insight into isolation, marital rape, and domestic abuse. Despite the film's disturbing narrative, it tactfully unpacks the serious subjects at its core with a sense of sensitivity and respect. The film approaches these difficult topics with the aim to bring them to the forefront, underlining the importance of talks about mental health and societal norms.

Director Rahul Riji Nair excels at painting an evocative image of the social structure in rural India where such abuses are commonplace yet largely unspoken. The film delves deep into the psyche of the characters, thereby providing a layered understanding of their actions and motivations.

The portrayal of Sudha by Vinitha Koshy is a stunning portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite her circumstances, she maintains her individuality and strength, showcasing a performance that's emotional and impactful. On the other hand, Deepak Parambol perfectly essays the role of an emotionally disturbed husband. His character evokes a myriad of emotions ranging from deep sympathy to absolute detest.

The supporting cast, too, delivers sterling performances, adding depth and gravity to the storyline. Characters are believable, which makes the issues that the film raises even more hard-hitting. Every character in the film contributes to the thematic essence, and their combined performance brings the narrative alive.

Visually, Ottamuri Velicham is stunning. The cinematographer beautifully captures the soul of Kerala with lush landscapes and sleepy hamlets, providing a striking contrast to the disturbing theme of the film. The serene beauty of rural Kerala forms a contrasting backdrop to the turmoil unfolding in the lives of the protagonists. The peaceful exterior of the village is sharply contrasted with the unsettling events that occur behind closed doors, which is a clever metaphorical illustration by the director.

Music is effectively used throughout the film to elevate the mood and complement the narrative. The meaningful songs serve as an emotional outcry reflecting the inner turmoil of the characters. The background score is minimalist yet impactful, adding to the overall tone of the movie.

Ottamuri Velicham needs to be appreciated for the courage it displays in dealing with a topic as dark as marital abuse. While it paints a grim picture, it also shines a ray of hope on resilience and survival. The movie won multiple awards at state awards, proving its impactful narrative and impressive performances.

In summary, Ottamuri Velicham is undoubtedly a thought-provoking, beautifully crafted film that is sure to leave its audience thinking long after the end credits roll out. Dark yet hopeful, disturbing yet engaging, the movie speaks volumes about societal norms and mental health issues, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that pushes boundaries and encourages dialogue about topics that society often turns a blind eye towards. It’s a simple narrative with powerful performances and a stunning backdrop of Kerala, perfectly encapsulating the essence of hard-hitting purposeful cinema.