Kala Review: This pulsating action film layered with equations of power which is quite an interesting watch

Cast: Tovino Thomas, Sumesh Moor, Divya Pillai, Lal
Music: Dawn Vincent
Direction: Rohith V S

An action film with a conflict only between two individuals is interesting and challenging at the same time. Last year we got such an action film – Ayyappanum Koshiyum. This year we have got Kala from the same Malayalam industry. Similar to how Ayyappanum Koshiyum was about the conflict between two individuals, Kala is also about the conflict between two individuals- Shaji (Tovino Thomas) and an unnamed worker (terrific portrayal by Sumesh Moor). Similar to how Ayyappanum Koshiyum has power politics undertone, Kala has undertone that talks about power & ego.

Shaji is living with his father (Lal), wife (Divya Pillai) and son in a house that’s surrounded by a large farm. He is looked down upon by his father and other people for his continuous business failures. Initially when Shaji talks to his father, he doesn’t meet his eyes. Throughout the film until the end, his father has a dominant stare at him. The film brilliantly portrays the power and ego through eyes. I loved the close up shots for Moor’s eye in the end.

The ego of Shaji is the reason for this film to proceed. The continuous business failures has only adds to his inferiority complex and every time his ego is tested, he loses it. The film beautifully shows the arc of his ego. At first when Moor intrudes into the house, Shaji tries to make deuce with him for his mistake. But as the film proceeds, we can see a change in his approach towards him.

The power dynamics is also between Shaji’s family and the workers who come to work in their house. But it isn’t explored much. The film hugely focuses only on the action between Shaji and Moor. The action choreography is so violently beautiful. I loved how Moor saw Shaji as a pig while fighting against him. Even with great action sequences, it does get fatigue at one point. Despite these flaws the film gives you an adrenaline rush.

Verdict: This pulsating action film layered with equations of power which is quite an interesting watch