Hubbry Logo
PuzhuPuzhuMain
Open search
Puzhu
Community hub
Puzhu
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Puzhu
Puzhu
Puzhu
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Puzhu
Official release poster
Directed byRatheena PT
Written byHarshad
Suhas-Sharfu
Story byHarshad
Produced byS.George
StarringMammootty
Appunni Sasi
Parvathy
CinematographyTheni Eswar
Edited byDeepu S. Joseph
Music byJakes Bejoy
Production
companies
Wayfarer Films
Cyn-Cyl Celluloid
Distributed bySonyLIV
Release date
  • 13 May 2022 (2022-05-13)
Running time
115 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Puzhu (lit. 'Worm') is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language psychological drama film directed by debutante Ratheena and jointly written by Harshad and Suhas-Sharfu.[1] The film stars Mammootty, Appunni Sasi and Parvathy Thiruvothu in the lead roles. Cinematography of the film is handled by Theni Eswar and the film score and songs are composed by Jakes Bejoy.

Principal photography began on 17 August 2021 in Ernakulam, Kerala.[2] The film was scheduled to release in theatres in the first half of 2022. Later, it was released on streaming on SonyLIV.[3][4] It premiered on 12 May 2022.[5] The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Mammootty's performance but criticized its story, writing, concept and screenplay.

Plot

[edit]

Kuttan is a high-ranking IPS officer and a widower who belongs to a Brahmin community and stays in a luxury flat along with his son, Kichu. Kuttan is an irritable, provokable and hot tempered man who completely avoids someone whose behaviour is annoying, irritating or provocative to him especially when it comes to some young women and he does not give a thought or consideration about what other people think. He is somewhat a complete introvert who has only a small circle of close friends and acquaintances and does not like to socialize too much. His somewhat overprotective nature and authoritative methods suffocate Kichu, who wishes his father to die. Kuttan starts to feel that someone is trying to kill him and is suspicious of everyone around him except his friends and close ones whom he trusts. His paranoia is accentuated when his younger sister, Bharati, comes to stay in a nearby flat along with her theatre artist husband, Kuttappan. Kuttan shares a problematic relationship with Bharati, as she had eloped with Kuttappan, who is from an oppressed caste. Kuttan's hatred and bigotry result in him unleashing his rage and losing his sanity.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

On 8 March 2021 (Working Women's Day), makers announced the film through social media by sharing the title poster.[6]

The audience will be shocked to see the kind of character Mammootty is playing in ‘Puzhu’. It is a kind of character he has never played before. And it is a film that aligns with the kind of political thoughts and gender politics I believe in.

— Parvathy Thiruvothu, The Cue[7][8]

Puzhu is a debut direction of Ratheena who has previously worked as the executive producer of Parvathy-starrer Uyare, aside from associating with filmmakers such as Revathi. The film was to be produced by S. George under the banner Cyn-Cyl Celluloid and distributed by Dulquer Salmaan's home banner Wayfarer Films. Deepu Joseph was announced as the editor while Manu Jagadh was in charge of the art department. Vishnu Govind and Sree Shankar of Sound Factor were to be working on the sound design. Veteran production controller Badusha was roped in with Renish Abdulkhader, Rajesh Krishna, and Shyam Mohan as executive producers.[9]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began on 17 August 2021 with a switch-on ceremony held at Ernakulam, Kerala. Mammootty joined the sets of the film on 10 September 2021. A first look poster of the film was released on 18 September 2021.[10] On 15 October 2021, Mammootty informed the completion of shoot by sharing a group photo with the crew members through his social media account.[1]

Release

[edit]

Puzhu was scheduled to release in theatres in the first half of 2022. Later, It was announced that the film would be skipping the theatrical release and option for a direct-to-digital release. Puzhu had its world premiere on SonyLIV on 12 May 2022 in Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu languages.

Reception

[edit]

In a review rating it 4 out of 5 stars, Anna M. M. Vetticad of Firstpost wrote, “Puzhu's flaws cannot be taken lightly, yet the film is stunning for so many reasons, making Ratheena one of the most significant voices to emerge from Indian cinema in recent years."[11] Anna M. M. Vetticad ranked it seventh on her year-end list of best Malayalam films on Firstpost.[12] Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express rated it 4 out of 5 stars and wrote that the film "Puzhu distinguishes itself from other movies that examine the dehumanizing effects of the caste system by being completely non-judgemental. Mammootty is a revelation. If not for the camera's power to capture the minute details of faces, the hatred that Mammootty showcases with the little twitch of his eyes and lips would have escaped our naked eyes. Mammootty delivers a moving performance as a man with a questionable and even condemnable worldview".[13]

The Hindu's S. R. Praveen reviewed that "Mammootty's menacing presence anchors this important debut film with few failings" and added "It is always a joy to see superstars breaking out of the tiresome mould that they have been caught in for years, and rediscovering their sparkling abilities which endeared them to the audience in the first place".[14] The News Minute in its review said, "Ratheena, the director, could not have made a better debut", adding that "Another plot device that seems to distract you from the otherwise captivating script is the overuse of theatre. Drama trying to be too dramatic, years after theatre found new pathways. But Puzhu is still going to disturb you, a lot, as it is supposed to.[15] Vishnu Muraleedharan of Malayala Manorama wrote "It seems like Mammootty has found his calling in scripts that have its base in Mahabharata and we are not complaining. The veteran actor has performed like a dream in Puzhu."[16] Calling the film a "disturbing mystery thriller", Kerala Kaumudi wrote that "despite its flaws, Puzhu definitely marks an exceptional directorial debut."[17]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Puzhu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
(Malayalam: പുഴു, lit. 'Worm') is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language psychological drama film directed by Ratheena in her directorial debut and written by Harshad, Sharfu, and Suhas. The film stars Mammootty as Kuttan, a retired upper-caste police officer afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder and deep-seated prejudices, living a rigidly disciplined life with his young son Kichu (Vasudev Sajeesh Marar). It premiered on the streaming platform SonyLIV on 13 May 2022, eschewing a theatrical release, and centers on the protagonist's escalating paranoia and familial conflicts triggered by his sister Bharati (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and her lower-caste husband Kuttappan (Appunni Sasi) moving into the same apartment complex. Key themes include caste-based discrimination, toxic parenting, and psychological unraveling, portrayed through a tense father-son dynamic and Kuttan's suspicion of those around him, including perceived threats from social inferiors. The film garnered praise for Mammootty's nuanced depiction of a domineering, bigoted figure and Ratheena's taut direction, but also ignited controversy for its unsparing critique of upper-caste entitlement and Hindu orthodoxies, prompting backlash from right-wing activists in 2024 who accused it of promoting anti-Hindu narratives. Parvathy Thiruvothu received the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam for her role.

Background and Development

Title and Symbolism

The title Puzhu (പുഴു), which translates to "worm" in English, alludes to an insidious, burrowing entity that undermines from within, mirroring the film's exploration of entrenched prejudice and psychological decay. Director Ratheena PT, in a May 2022 interview, emphasized that the title's deeper connotations are intentionally ambiguous, inviting audiences to derive personal interpretations upon viewing the narrative of familial tension and bigotry. Critics have frequently associated the worm motif with the Kuttan—a domineering, obsessive father portrayed by —as emblematic of -driven hatred and class entitlement that corrodes social bonds, akin to a parasite consuming its host. This symbolism underscores the film's portrayal of how unexamined biases manifest destructively in interpersonal dynamics, particularly in Kerala's ostensibly progressive society, where overt violence has waned but subtler forms persist. Alternative readings posit the worm as representing Kuttan's self-perceived vulnerability or his dehumanizing view of marginalized figures like his sister-in-law and nephew, whom he treats with suspicion and control. The title's stark, unconventional choice for a Mammootty-led production—eschewing heroic connotations in favor of something lowly and repulsive—heightens thematic tension, signaling a deliberate subversion of mainstream tropes to provoke reflection on moral rot over triumphant arcs. This layered symbolism aligns with the screenplay's roots in and mythology, drawing parallels to archetypal tales of and downfall without explicit moralizing.

Pre-Production and Scriptwriting

Ratheena PT, making her debut with Puzhu, initially pitched the story idea to , who responded positively and encouraged her to develop it into a script. Recognizing potential challenges in writing, Ratheena sought assistance, and connected her with Harshad, the scenarist of the 2019 film Unda. Harshad then collaborated with writing duo Suhas and Sharfudheen (credited as Sharfu) to craft the , building on Harshad's original story concept. The writing team rented a flat in for intensive sessions, iterating through multiple drafts to refine the narrative, which centers on a psychologically complex, antagonistic lead portrayed by . Harshad specifically pitched the project to by emphasizing a "full-fledged negative ," which the accepted after discussions that addressed his reservations about such characterizations. This phase focused on script refinement to balance thematic depth—exploring , undertones, and personal biases—with dramatic tension, prior to commencing.

Production

Casting

Mammootty was cast in the lead role of Kuttan, an IPS officer with antagonistic traits, after director Ratheena PT approached him with a one-line story pitch, which he deemed promising, followed by his approval of the full script narrated by co-writer Harshad. This marked Ratheena's directorial debut, fulfilling her long-held aspiration to helm a project starring the veteran actor, whom she had admired since her early career. Parvathy Thiruvothu was selected for the role of Bharati, Kuttan's estranged sister, on the recommendation of co-writer Harshad; she expressed interest after hearing the one-line concept and confirmed her participation following a detailed script narration, further motivated by Ratheena's involvement as director from their prior collaboration on the 2019 film Uyare. The pairing of Mammootty and Parvathy represented their first on-screen collaboration, a deliberate choice by Ratheena to leverage their established acting pedigrees for the film's intense familial dynamics. Supporting roles were filled by established actors, including Appunni Sasi as Kuttappan (Kuttan's father), Vasudev Sajeesh Marar as Kichu (Bharati's son), and the late as Mohan, Kuttan's neighbor; Venu completed his scenes mere days before his death on October 19, 2021, allowing the production to incorporate his performance in what became one of his final roles. Additional members such as Ramesh, , Kunchan, and rounded out the ensemble, selected to support the leads' portrayals without overshadowing the central narrative focus. Ratheena emphasized the actors' professionalism, noting that their commitment facilitated efficient shooting despite the script's demanding emotional range.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal photography for Puzhu commenced on August 17, 2021, in , , following a traditional pooja to mark the start of production. The shoot primarily took place in , with additional sequences filmed in , emphasizing confined indoor settings to underscore the film's psychological tension. Cinematography was handled by , whose flat framing effectively highlighted the emotional and physical distances between characters, while capturing Mammootty's nuanced expressions of disdain and . Reviewers noted Eswar's composition as elegant and deliberate, contributing to the film's unsettling atmosphere through restrained visuals that prioritized subtlety over dramatic flourishes, though some critiqued it for not fully evoking the story's deeper moods. Editing by Deepu Joseph maintained a deliberately slow pace, allowing tension to build through judicious cuts that mirrored the narrative's introspective rhythm. The film's , led by Vishnu Govind and Sreesankar, adopted a restrained approach, enhancing the psychological dread without overt effects, complemented by Jakes Bejoy's pensive score. The final cut runs 122 minutes in color, focusing on intimate, dialogue-driven sequences rather than expansive technical spectacle.

Content

Plot Summary

Kuttan, a reclusive retired from an upper-caste background, lives a highly regimented life with his young son Kichu in an urban apartment complex, enforcing strict discipline and isolation to protect what he perceives as their social superiority. Widowed and haunted by past experiences, Kuttan instills in Kichu through daily rituals, such as repeatedly watching a of the boy's deceased grandmother, while harboring deep-seated prejudices against those he deems inferior, including lower-caste individuals. Tensions escalate when Kuttan's estranged sister Bharati, whom he has disowned for marrying a man from a lower named KP Appunni, moves into the same complex with her family, seeking reconciliation. Kuttan's suspicion mounts toward Bharati, her husband, and even his own son, whom he begins to view as potentially disloyal or contaminated by external influences, leading to a psychological unraveling framed by the mythological tale of the serpent Thakshaka infiltrating a fortified . The narrative builds to a exposing underlying family secrets, caste-based animosities, and Kuttan's victimhood complex.

Cast and Characters

leads the cast as Kuttan, a retired officer characterized by rigid discipline, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and upper-caste prejudices that strain his relationships. His portrayal emphasizes Kuttan's authoritarian control over his household and interactions marked by suspicion toward those outside his social norms. Parvathy Thiruvothu portrays Bharathi, Kuttan's estranged younger sister whose return to the family home with her child introduces tensions rooted in past familial rifts and differing worldviews. Her character navigates the dynamics of reconciliation amid Kuttan's domineering influence. Vasudev Sajeesh Marar plays Kichu, Kuttan's adolescent son, who grapples with his father's overbearing expectations and the psychological pressures of their isolated living arrangement. Appunni Sasi enacts Kuttappan (also known as KP), a figure whose interactions with the family highlight underlying conflicts and serve as a foil to Kuttan's biases. Supporting roles include , Kunchan, Ramesh as Hari, and , contributing to the ensemble that underscores the film's exploration of interpersonal and societal frictions.

Release

Premiere and Distribution

Puzhu premiered directly on the OTT streaming service on 12 May 2022, bypassing a planned theatrical release that had been scheduled for the first half of 2022. The shift to was influenced by ongoing timelines and market preferences for streaming amid evolving release strategies in . secured the exclusive digital rights, enabling the film's availability across and select international markets via subscription access. No traditional theatrical distribution occurred, marking it as one of Mammootty's early direct-to-OTT ventures produced by Wayfarer Films and Cyn-Cyl Celluloid.

Box Office Performance

Puzhu received a direct-to-OTT release on SonyLIV on 12 May 2022, forgoing a traditional theatrical rollout amid ongoing preferences for digital platforms in the post-COVID era. Consequently, the film generated no verifiable box office collections from cinema halls, as it was not screened in theaters on a wide scale. Despite the absence of theatrical earnings, producers and cast, including lead actor Mammootty, marked its success through celebrations shortly after premiere, attributing positive reception to strong digital viewership and buzz. The decision aligned with industry trends for mid-budget content, prioritizing streaming rights over box office potential.

Themes and Motifs

Central Themes

Puzhu examines the persistence of prejudice in contemporary , portraying the protagonist Kuttan, an upper-caste former , as embodying entrenched bigotry toward lower castes. His resentment toward his sister's to a man underscores how hierarchies manifest in familial rejection and , framing not merely as overt but as an insidious force intertwined with personal identity and power dynamics. The narrative critiques the brahminical mindset through Kuttan's actions, which reflect broader societal norms where upper-caste privilege fosters and violence against perceived threats to status. A secondary theme revolves around toxic parental authority and intergenerational trauma, depicted in Kuttan's domineering relationship with his young son, which mirrors his own upbringing and perpetuates cycles of control and emotional abuse. This dynamic highlights how individual prejudices extend into family structures, stifling and fostering dependency rather than nurturing growth. The film also touches on intersecting biases, including Islamophobia and police impunity, using these to illustrate how bigotry compounds with institutional power, though the primary focus remains on as the root of personal unraveling and societal dysfunction. Overall, Puzhu deconstructs upper-caste privilege by humanizing yet condemning its defensive fragility, particularly amid external pressures like the , which amplify insecurities and rationalize . Critics note the film's for how such mindsets lead to self-destruction, challenging viewers to confront unexamined biases without offering facile resolutions.

Allegorical Elements

The title Puzhu, translating to "worm" in , functions as a primary for the corrosive and self-destructive essence of bigotry, embodying how infiltrates and undermines the individual's psyche and relationships much like a parasite gnawing from within. This symbolism is evident in the protagonist Kuttan's (played by ) escalating and discriminatory behavior toward his brother-in-law Kuttappan, a lower- figure, illustrating as an internal "worm" that poisons familial bonds and rational judgment. Critics interpret this as a deliberate exposing entrenched social evils in , where overt violence gives way to subtle, insidious forms of caste-based exclusion and hostility. The allegory draws explicitly from the episode involving King , who insults the serpent and faces a prophesied death by , symbolizing inevitable downfall through and moral failing; the film's lead character, named Raja Parikshit, mirrors this archetype, with his bigotry and unresolved past traumas acting as the fatal "worm" that precipitates personal ruin. This mythological parallel underscores themes of karmic retribution, where unexamined privilege and invite self-inflicted destruction, positioning Kuttan's upper-caste entitlement as a catalyst for his isolation. Beyond the titular worm, the narrative employs the claustrophobic domestic sphere as an for broader societal microcosms, where everyday rituals and power dynamics replicate hierarchies and patriarchal control, fostering a cycle of inherited passed to the next generation via the protagonist's son. Supporting cast member described the film's layered metaphors as evoking larger political realities of marginalization and othering, though such interpretations reflect director Ratheena PT's intent to provoke reflection on contemporary prejudices without didacticism. These elements collectively frame Puzhu as a on the latent destructiveness of unaddressed bigotry, prioritizing psychological realism over overt moralizing.

Critical Analysis

Strengths and Achievements

Mammootty's as Kuttan, a retired upper-caste grappling with bigotry and isolation, stands as the film's most acclaimed element, with reviewers highlighting his ability to humanize a deeply flawed through subtle physicality and emotional restraint, enabling audiences to empathize despite the character's repugnance. This portrayal was described as a in character immersion, transforming what could have been a one-note into a psychologically layered figure whose prejudices stem from personal trauma and societal conditioning. The screenplay's focus on interpersonal tensions, particularly the father-son dynamic and underlying trust issues, provides a taut psychological framework that prioritizes behavioral realism over didactic messaging, distinguishing Puzhu from more polemical narratives by allowing consequences to unfold organically through character actions. Director Ratheena P.T.'s handling of this intimate scale—her feature directorial debut—demonstrates restraint in visual storytelling, using confined spaces and escalating domestic conflicts to amplify unease without relying on overt symbolism. In terms of recognition, received the 2023 Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress in the Malayalam Film Industry for her role as Bharati, underscoring the ensemble's effectiveness in supporting the central performance. While the film did not secure broader national honors, Mammootty's work contributed to discussions of his versatility, with some observers noting its potential for state-level acclaim akin to his prior roles, though it ultimately highlighted his consistency in elevating script limitations through interpretive depth.

Criticisms and Shortcomings

Critics have noted shortcomings in the screenplay of Puzhu, particularly its occasional lapses into predictability despite the film's tense atmosphere. The narrative, while building suspense around Kuttan's , follows a somewhat conventional structure that fails to innovate sufficiently on familiar tropes of psychological thrillers involving prejudice and familial dysfunction. The climax has drawn specific rebuke for being mishandled, undermining the film's earlier subtlety by resorting to overt resolution that feels forced and less nuanced than the preceding buildup. of argued that these flaws "cannot be taken lightly," as they dilute the impact of the central performance and thematic exploration, though Mammootty's portrayal mitigates some deficiencies. Additionally, the film's making style has been described as generic, lacking distinctive visual or directorial flair beyond Ratheena PT's assured handling of actors. Reviews highlight that Puzhu relies heavily on Mammootty's commanding presence to elevate a middling script, with supporting elements like and pacing occasionally faltering under the weight of .

Reception and Impact

Initial Critical Reception

Upon its digital premiere on on May 12, 2022, Puzhu garnered generally favorable initial reviews from critics, who highlighted its tense psychological atmosphere and Mammootty's nuanced portrayal of a prejudiced patriarch. awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, commending director Ratheena PT for crafting an of bigotry that compels empathy for the protagonist's flaws through Mammootty's "formidable" performance, while noting the film's deliberate pacing builds unease around caste-based disgust. Similarly, described the film as deliberately disturbing, with its creepy undertones emerging gradually to underscore familial tensions rooted in upper-caste entitlement, though it critiqued the rushed acceleration in the final minutes. Critics also praised the screenplay's deconstruction of privilege and subtle invocation of mythological motifs like the serpent to symbolize insidious hatred, positioning Puzhu as a continuation of cinema's scrutiny of dynamics in society. Onmanorama lauded Mammootty's role as Parikshit-like figure haunted by bigotry and past trauma, emphasizing how the narrative unearths without overt didacticism. Times of India rated it 3.5 out of 5, attributing the story's propulsion to sustained tension despite occasional overreach in thematic commentary. Frontline later echoed this in June 2022, framing the film as dissecting 's "insidious worm" within modern , though early responses focused more on its emotional subtext than broader sociological critique. However, some early assessments pointed to execution flaws, including an uneven blend of thriller elements and allegory that occasionally felt amateurish or unresolved. High on Films noted its shift from suspense to emotional depth on privilege but implied the thematic ambition sometimes strained the 130-minute runtime's coherence. Lensmen Reviews appreciated the political undertones and Mammootty's intensity but faulted the jarring climax for undermining prior subtlety. Aggregate user scores on platforms like IMDb (6.2/10 from initial ratings) and Letterboxd (around 3.3/5) reflected this mix, with praise for performances overshadowed by debates on narrative tightness.

Audience and Commercial Response

Puzhu garnered mixed audience reception upon its streaming release on in May 2022, with viewers frequently highlighting Mammootty's portrayal of Kuttan—a paranoid, upper-caste widower—as a standout element that carried the film despite narrative shortcomings. On , the film holds a 6.2 out of 10 rating from 3,279 user votes, reflecting appreciation for its psychological depth and tension but criticism of a perceived mishandled climax and underdeveloped supporting characters. users rated it 3.3 out of 5 across 3,399 reviews, often crediting Mammootty's ability to evoke discomfort through subtle menace while noting the script's occasional overreach in thematic execution. Commercially, as an OTT-exclusive release bypassing theaters amid lingering pandemic effects, Puzhu achieved notable success on , evidenced by a publicized success celebration involving the cast and crew shortly after premiere. later expressed satisfaction with the audience's engagement, describing the role as versatile and well-received in public discourse. The film's digital performance contributed to renewed interest in director Ratheena PT's work, though specific viewership metrics remain undisclosed by the platform.

Awards and Recognition

Puzhu received limited formal accolades following its release. At the South in 2023, won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role () for her portrayal of Bharathi, the neighbor and single mother whose interactions with the protagonist expose underlying social tensions. The film earned nominations in additional categories across award circuits. Director Ratheena PT was nominated for Best Debut Director () at the 11th (SIIMA) 2023, recognizing her first feature-length directorial effort. Despite Mammootty's critically noted performance as Kuttan, a paranoid grappling with bigotry, Puzhu secured no wins or nominations for him in major categories at these events. Puzhu was not selected for consideration in the Kerala State Film Awards for films released in 2022, despite Mammootty's dual eligibility through other projects like Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, which earned him Best Actor honors instead. Similarly, the film received no submissions or recognition at the National Film Awards, as confirmed by reports on the selection process for that cycle. These outcomes reflect the film's niche thematic focus on caste prejudice and psychological strain, which drew praise for performances but limited broader jury appeal compared to commercially or narratively expansive entries.

Controversies

Portrayal of Caste and Bigotry

Puzhu centers its portrayal of and bigotry on the protagonist Kuttan, an upper-caste former , whose deep-seated erupts in response to his sister Bharati's marriage to Kuttappan, a artist. Kuttan's pride drives him to estrange Bharati and ultimately murder her and her husband to safeguard perceived family honor rooted in purity, illustrating how bigotry manifests as honor-based against inter-caste unions. This act exemplifies the film's depiction of discrimination as an insidious force enabling , control, and lethal retribution within upper-caste dynamics. Beyond overt violence, Kuttan's bigotry permeates everyday patriarchal authoritarianism, as he enforces suffocating rituals and discipline on his son Kichu, mirroring rigid caste hierarchies that prioritize hierarchy over empathy. His paranoia fuels suspicion toward lower-caste outsiders, whom he perceives as existential threats despite his own societal privilege, underscoring understated prejudice that blends caste entitlement with a victimhood complex. The film contrasts Kuttan's autocratic household with Bharati's more egalitarian one, highlighting how caste bigotry sustains domestic oppression and intergenerational trauma. Analyses note that this non-didactic approach allows empathy for Kuttan's flawed psyche while critiquing the dehumanizing persistence of norms in , positioning the narrative as a reversal of traditional upper-caste heroism in cinema.

2024 Online Backlash

In May 2024, the 2022 film Puzhu faced renewed scrutiny and sparked an online backlash primarily from Hindu right-wing activists and users, who accused it of promoting anti-Brahminical or anti-upper- propaganda. The controversy was triggered by an interview given by Sharshad Baniyandi, husband of director Ratheena PT, to an online channel, where he discussed the film's themes of prejudice and alleged interference by certain groups during production, including claims of pressure from individuals linked to the character portrayed by . Critics on platforms like X (formerly ) targeted Mammootty's portrayal of a bigoted upper- father, labeling the film as divisive and calling for boycotts of his future projects. The online harassment extended to personal attacks on , including references to his Muslim background, with some detractors framing the film's narrative as part of a broader agenda against Hindu traditions. This led to widespread condemnation from Kerala's political figures across parties, including , who described as "Malayali pride" and criticized the attacks as attempts to divide society. Opposition leaders like and celebrities also voiced support, emphasizing artistic freedom and decrying the as politically motivated. Supporters argued that the backlash misrepresented the film's intent, which critiques caste-based bigotry through a character-driven story rather than endorsing blanket vilification, as evidenced by its initial reception focusing on themes of prejudice without similar uproar at release. The episode highlighted tensions between cinematic explorations of social issues and interpretations by ideological groups, with no formal legal challenges reported but significant amplification via social media, peaking around May 15, 2024.

References

  1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/puzhu/ottmoviereview/91519939.cms
  2. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2022/05/13/mammootty-film-puzhu-review-sonyliv.html
  3. https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/puzhu-row-and-the-absurd-rightwing-effort-to-focus-on-mammoottys-muslim-identity
  4. https://en.themooknayak.com/society/why-puzhu-is-creating-uproar-the-controversial-malayalam-film-for-which-veteran-actor-mammootty-is-receiving-online-abuse
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14195192/awards/
  6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/puzhu-5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-miss-this-mammootty-starrer/photostory/91514962.cms
  7. https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2022/05/12/puzhu-review-mammootty-a-class-apart-in-this-slow-burner.html
  8. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/ratheena-pt-talks-about-mammootty-movie-puzhu-7911155/
  9. https://frontline.thehindu.com/arts-and-culture/cinema/movie-review-puzhu-dissects-the-insidious-worm-of-caste/article65500606.ece
  10. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/entertainment/puzhu-review-mammoottys-magnetic-presence-keep-you-invested-eager-to-know-more-8506991.html
  11. https://theprint.in/feature/reel-take/watch-puzhu-for-mammootty-an-ageing-superstar-given-a-script-worth-his-stature/955655/
  12. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/interviews/2022/04/05/mammootty-starrer-puzhu-interview-ratheena.html
  13. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mammootty-and-parvathy-thiruvothu-in-ratheenas-film-puzhu/article65388099.ece
  14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/puzhu-co-scenarist-harshad-reveals-how-mammootty-agreed-to-do-a-negative-role-in-the-film/articleshow/91307896.cms
  15. https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2022/May/06/i-pitched-mammootty-a-full-fledged-negative-role-puzhu-writer-harshad-40711.html
  16. https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/interviews/ratheena-interview-filmmaker-on-making-her-debut-with-mammootty-starrer-puzhu/
  17. https://www.[imdb](/page/IMDb).com/title/tt14195192/fullcredits/
  18. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2021/08/17/puzhu-movie-mammootty-parvathy-thiruvothu-starts-rolling.html
  19. https://reviewpuram.in/reviews/puzhu/
  20. https://scroll.in/reel/1023793/puzhu-review-mammooty-steers-an-absorbing-tale-of-the-haunted-and-the-hunted
  21. https://www.galatta.com/amp/malayalam-movie-review/puzhu/
  22. https://upperstall.com/film/puzhu/
  23. https://www.binged.com/reviews/puzhu-malayalam-movie-review/
  24. https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/puzhu-movie-review-mammoottys-electrifying-portrait-of-a-bigots-persecution-complex-eclipses-a-mishandled-climax-10683191.html
  25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/puzhu-teaser-mammootty-starrer-hints-at-a-thriller-ahead/articleshow/88645346.cms
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14195192/technical/
  27. https://www.latestly.com/entertainment/south/puzhu-ending-explained-decoding-the-shocking-climax-of-mammootty-parvathys-psychological-drama-on-sonyliv-spoiler-alert-3702100.html
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14195192/plotsummary/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14195192/
  30. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/803626
  31. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-parvathy-upcoming-film-puzhu-mammootty/article65402328.ece
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14195192/fullcredits/
  33. https://letterboxd.com/film/puzhu/
  34. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/mammootty-parvathy-s-puzhu-skips-theatrical-release-to-premiere-on-sonyliv-soon-1925982-2022-03-16
  35. https://www.flixjini.in/movie/puzhu
  36. https://www.sonyliv.com/movies/puzhu-1000170986
  37. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/puzhu-to-12th-man-check-out-upcoming-movies-releasing-on-ott-in-may-2022/photostory/91324670.cms
  38. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-shares-glimpses-of-the-success-celebration-of-his-latest-release-puzhu/articleshow/91645778.cms
  39. https://www.highonfilms.com/puzhu-2022-sonyliv-review/
  40. https://feminisminindia.com/2022/06/06/puzhu-movie-review-a-matter-of-fact-look-at-the-society/
  41. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/puzhu-review-an-in-form-mammootty-makes-us-empathise-with-a-bigot-7914346/
  42. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/puzhu-twitter-review-netizens-heap-praises-on-mammoottys-brilliant-performance/articleshow/91533286.cms
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14195192/reviews/
  44. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/07/23/mammootty-state-award-puzhu-bheeshma-parvam-malayalam-movies.html
  45. https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/reviews/puzhu-review-mammootty-easily-shoulders-a-middling-film-on-the-predators-paranoia
  46. https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/puzhu-review-mammootty-parvathy-film-will-disturb-you-it-should-163905
  47. https://lensmenreviews.com/puzhu-malayalam-movie-review-sony-liv-2022/
  48. https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2023/malayalam/winners
  49. https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/winners-of-the-68th-filmfare-awards-south-malayalam-2023_-67192.html
  50. https://www.filmibeat.com/top-listing/siima-awards-2023-complete-nominees-and-winners-list-7-1761.html
  51. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/nanpakal-best-film-mammootty-best-actor/articleshow/102027794.cms
  52. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/south-jury-member-claims-mammoottys-movies-were-not-submitted-for-national-film-awards/article68535857.ece
  53. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/online-hate-campaign-against-mammootty-draws-widespread-political-social-condemnation/article68178951.ece
  54. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kerala-rallies-behind-mammootty-megastar-faces-online-harassment-right-wing-sympathisers-anti-caste-film-puzhu-9330653/
  55. https://scroll.in/latest/1067953/malayalis-pride-kerala-politicians-denounce-online-harassment-faced-by-actor-mammootty
  56. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammoottys-puzhu-faces-cyber-bullying-over-religious-element-fans-and-politicians-lend-support-for-the-actor/articleshow/110157353.cms
  57. https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/mammootty-online-attack-puzhu-movie-anti-brahmanical-director-ratheena-pt-2539651-2024-05-15
  58. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/mammootty-gets-backing-from-across-keralas-political-spectrum-on-backlash-over-two-year-old-film-9331765/
  59. https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/mammootty-backed-by-kerala-politicians-amid-two-year-old-film-controversy
  60. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2024/May/15/kerala-politicians-stand-by-actor-mammootty-facing-online-harassment-call-him-states-pride
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.