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Kaathal - The Core backdrop

Kaathal - The Core

23 November 2023Malayalam1h 52m
out of 10
Exceptionalcritics broadly rave
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 3 not rated

Weighted from an 8.1 average · Why?

Verdict tier Exceptional, critics broadly rave, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Mammootty's restrained, nuanced performance

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Critic consensus

What 11 critics are saying

Critics are near-unanimous in calling Kaathal - The Core a landmark achievement in Malayalam cinema, praising director Jeo Baby and Mammootty for directly and maturely confronting homosexuality and societal acceptance within a conventional family drama framework. Mammootty's restrained, deeply felt performance draws the most sustained acclaim across reviews, with several critics also noting strong work from Jyotika and commending the scriptwriters for their sensitive handling of the subject. A handful of reviewers acknowledge minor flaws in the narrative but consider them inconsequential given the film's broader significance. No common criticism emerges beyond scattered, unspecified quibbles.

How the 8 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

The Monk Score is weighted from a plain average of 8.1 · how scores work

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 11 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (11)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. The Week

    Film review ·

    Kaathal – The Core is a watershed moment in Malayalam cinema, much like The Great Indian Kitchen. Both Baby and Mammootty have shattered a glass ceiling, the sound of which, one hopes, will reverberate loudly in the society and for long.
  2. Cinema Express

    Film review ·

    Kaathal is arguably the most daring attempt from Malayalam cinema so far, mainly owing to one of its biggest superstars spearheading a film that asks some much-needed questions about a complex topic that doesn't have to be so. Kaathal is yet another testament to the fact that Mammootty still carries the ability to stun you in the most unexpected ways.
  3. India Today

    Film review ·

    'Kaathal - The Core' is path-breaking, poignant and revolutionary. It's a film that projects the right lens on homosexuality and acceptance. On top of it, a superstar like Mammootty headlining 'Kaathal - The Core' makes it one of the best films of 2023.
  4. Indian Express

    Film review

    Jeo Baby's film, starring Mammootty and Jyotika, is a groundbreaking film that should be watched by all, particularly those in the film industry who continue to present recycled age-old narratives, expecting unquestioning acceptance from the audiences.
  5. KoiMoi

    Film review

    Mammootty is 72, and NO ONE, I repeat, NOT A SINGLE actor from across the country, across the languages, can do what he has done. He uses his undying innocence and subtle charm as his strengths, delivering a performance that will be remembered for an eternity to come. This Mammootty starrer is like a burning candle; you'll often feel it'll turn off, but it doesn't, and it keeps flaming high only to let you go with hope in your heart.
  6. Ottplay

    Film review ·

    Kaathal – The Core is the latest addition to the growing list of Mammootty's modern classics, adding a new layer to the evolving landscape of Malayalam cinema. The film navigates through a myriad of sensitive subjects and personal choices deeply influenced by the age-old societal concern of "What will people say?" while suggesting that this concern is ultimately overrated and inconsequential.
  7. PinkVilla

    Film review ·

    Kaathal stands as another masterpiece from Jeo Baby and Mammootty. With a compelling plot and a poignant subject, the movie succeeds in establishing a strong emotional connection with the audience throughout its two-hour runtime. Kaathal, at its core, emerges as a clear winner.
  8. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Straight off the bat, kudos to Mammootty and Jeo Baby for coming together to bring a bold story on the big screen in a beautiful manner. Credit to the whole team for tackling the main issue straight on without hiding behind innuendo or so-called polite words. Good movies can make society think and even initiate change. Kaathal - The Core might be one such.
  9. Film Companion

    Film review ·

    Kaathal – The Core speaks about the struggles of coming out and addresses the need for acceptance in a conventional society. And if that's not bold and progressive, I am not sure what is. Mammootty and Jyotika bring out their characters' vulnerability with wonderful restraint in Jeo Baby's film, with Mammootty poignantly making us feel his character's vulnerability and helplessness while Jyotika conveys her deepest worries with just a few expressions.
  10. OnManorama

    Film review ·

    Jeo Baby, in his own masterful way, manages to keep the movie going, with few flaws. The scriptwriters Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria deserve kudos for their mature handling of a sensitive subject. Mathews Pulickan's music is the biggest highlight of the film, and the performances of the actors are impressive, with Mammootty owning every single frame.
  11. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    Despite these quibbles, one cannot overstate the importance of what Kaathal beautifully achieves by using a conventional family drama setting to tackle a subject which is still largely a taboo in the industry and the larger society. It is quite a triumph in that sense.

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