Photo by A Glimpse into Village Life: ‘Kunddala Puranam’ Review
In an era where filmmakers are experimenting with unique styles and genres, ‘Kunddala Puranam’ stands out for its simplicity and focus on everyday village life. The movie, directed by Santhosh Puthukunnu, is set in Kasaragod and revolves around a family who opens up their private well to their neighbors.
Village life in Kasaragod
The well, a common trope in Malayalam cinema, serves as a gathering point for women to share gossip and stories. The movie follows the story of Venu (Indrans) and Thankamani (Remya Suresh), who have a school-going daughter yearning to wear gold earrings. When her ear infection improves, Venu decides to purchase a pair for her, which becomes the source of both happiness and unhappiness for the family.
Indrans shines in his role as a resolute father, effortlessly mouthing his dialogues in the Kasaragod dialect. Remya Suresh, known for her role in ‘1001 Nunakal’, performs exceptionally well in this movie. Unni Raja, famous for ‘Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam’, also plays an interesting character. However, it is the child actor Sivaani Shibin who steals the show with her playful innocence.
The Kasaragod dialect, explored in films since the latter half of the last decade, has a certain charm…
Although the writers have attempted to infuse humor into the movie, most of the dialogues fall flat, except for some scenes involving a drunkard and the other villagers. The story, though interesting, is stretched too long for comfort. Sound designer and musician Blesson Thomas manages to capture the mood of the story well through his music.
Kasaragod village life
In conclusion, ‘Kunddala Puranam’ is a simplistic tale that offers a break from the bustling city life. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer experimental storytelling, it is a heartwarming movie that showcases the beauty of village life.
A village well
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a light-hearted, feel-good movie that explores village life, ‘Kunddala Puranam’ is a good choice. However, if you prefer more complex storytelling, you might want to look elsewhere.
