Language: Malayalam
Country : India
Year: 1989
Genre: Comedy, Drama
'Kandathum Kettathum' was in-your-face whiplash of a ride through an average man's life from the late 80s. It was an accurate flip-side depiction of the ruthless organizational exploitation which dominantly prevailed in kerala at that time. The movie is so packed with emotions, grisly humor and the spontaneous joy of low-life. The movie is an amazing example of using several subtle but powerful nods to current social issues, but never gets irritating like the present day 'preachy/over the top' sreenivasan style or the 'one-social-issue-per-scene' sathyan anthikaad style.
THE PLOT
The movie is about a young man's days of struggle. Krishnan Kutty (Balachandramenon) is constantly trying and failing in the task of making means of a living. He is cheated by his Photo studio partner, Sadanandan (Mala Aravindan) after taking all his money and throwing Krishnan Kutty out of the Studio. Krishan Kutty along with his assistant (Baiju) starts a new studio, but Sadanandan steals his only lens and they are left with the one choice of running away. Krishnan Kutty manages to get a job in a Weekly publication, only to realize that the owner (Thilakan) is an extended version of Sadanandan. Krishan Kutty has to work over time in the press and its sister concern, the oil factory, despite the fact that he is not even properly paid. Torn between the bone breaking job and the helpless landlord's daughter with absolutely no money even for a meal, Krishnan Kutty takes a stand of his own to solve all his problems in one go.
THE DIRECTOR
According to me, 'Kandathum Kettathum' is writer/director Balachandramenon's best film till date. The Movie is brilliantly directed with an ensemble cast who were best fit for their respective roles. From the intro scene to the climax, I cant say a single scene which demanded a re-work. Its pretty evident that there were no ad-libbing involved as it was a brilliantly researched and fine-tuned script. So much thought went in making this movie, which shows up in the quality of the finished product. Editing was excellent ( Check out the confrontation scene between Krishan Kutty and Sadanandan in a hotel) and so was the Music. A good example of using themes for characters. I didnt hear a single piece of stock music in this movie (Given the fact that, it was so popular to use stock scores in movies back then). The dialogues were so authentic and at the same time brings a smile on our face. (For inst: Krishnan Kutty to Baiju “ Thenga eringittu Pottiyillaloda”. Baiju “Chakkeelottu eringaal chettanalla james bond aaneeelum pottilla”). Another impressive thing to point out is the absence of Lip-sync songs or any songs for that matter. The title track 'Kandathum Kettathum' is used in the opening credit sequence of the movie.
THE ACTORS
Balachandramenon himself played Krishnan Kutty and did a very good job at that. He makes the character so natural and believable with the use of colloquial lingo and improvised character mannerisms. Thilakan did a remarkable job as the ruthless employer. He looks and lives the cold blooded tycoon. Sadanandan is without a doubt Mala Aravindan's best character till date. Baiju delivers a natural performance and so does Usha in her debut role as Muthulakshmi. Meena was apt for the disgusting and rude landlady.
OUR VERDICT
A Fine Director at the peak of his form. No finer film has ever been made about Employee Exploitation. A must see for all Movie Enthusiasts and Movie Lovers.
Original URL of the Published Article
http://www.movierecycle.com/box-office/recycled-kandathum-kettathum/
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