Sweat, blood, grime, gang, crime, land, camaraderie - 'Kammatipaadam' paints a rich landscape which deftly weaves a tale across decades. This gritty tale is in essence a story of evolution and survival - of people and of their lands. While on one hand some loose out in the battle to an industrial and commercial upheaval happening around them, others cash it in. There are no 'evil' men in this tale which chronicles change. This is where director Rajeev Ravi and scenarist P. Balachandran has succeeded.
The narration is something that commands our attention. The story weaves in and out of time, taking us through different eras. Flashbacks, grainy frames, voice overs that mimic the consciousness all make the movie interesting. Characterization is again spot on. Each and every character which dot the narrative seems so true to life that one feels that they live this life.
'Kammatipaadam', which spans around three hours to chronicle four decades of life is hard to explain in words. There is a feel to this movie that is raw and life like that engrosses the viewers. That said this is not the run of the mill story with laughs and love. Of course these human emotions too are there in the narrative as with the love shared between Krishna (Dulquer Salmaan) and Ani mol alias Anitha (Shaun Romy) and Ganga's (Vinayakan) unconditional one for Ani mol. This emotion also provides some laughs as with Bala (Manikandan) and Rosamma (Amalda Liz).
There are no lead actors in the narrative. All of them are of immense importance in the narrative. Standing out with brilliant timing and emotional range are the actors Manikandan and Vinayakan who essayed Bala and Ganga. Dulquer has gotten into the skin of the character and there are moments of intensity in his acting that pulls you in as with the hospital scene after Bala's dies and Ganga accuses him of killing Bala. Suraaj Venjaramoodu, Shine Tom Chacko, Soubin Shahir, Anil Nedumangad, Alancier Lay, the SI, Vinay Fortt, the Kammatipaadam residents all are exceptional. As the movie spans time, the casting has been spot on with such remarkable continuity.
There are so many thematic concerns in the movie which has been narrated beautifully. The industrial surge, the erosion of a kind of people working their lands and passions overruling, the systems in place that define crime and dignity, a kind of class system, the street and the street people, of growing up - all of these has been perceived in a unique manner befitting a class movie.
Editing by Ajith Kumar, who worked for Rajeev Ravi in 'Annayum Rasoolum' also has once again delivered massively with 'Kammatipaadam'. The cuts that drives the story has been done beautifully. Camera too is engaging. The overhead frames, the night time frames, the crowds, train, street, fences, green fields, cityspace and of course all the emotions in the close ups and the gaits - one feels the mood and feel with the camera. Music especially the mourning song, the picnic one all were brilliant. The background music was too loud at times but impressed on the whole.
Scenarist P. Balachandran should take a bow for creating such characters and weaving them into such a fine tale. And Rajeev Ravi deserves a standing ovation for for the way he has chosen to narrate this beautiful thriller. And so does all the actors who has given such a realistic take. 'Kammatipaadam' is not meant for those who like the frills and laughs. This is one classy movie which needs to be applauded for its passion and intensity. A must watch movie for all real cine lovers.
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