Ozhivudivasathe Kali Review

'Ozhivudivasathe Kali' is a brilliant take on the double standards, prejudice and power hierarchies rampant in the psyche of our contemporary society. The way in which the ideologies are imbibed and put out into the world is brought out in an unhurried and realistic narration, without forcing the pace or feel of the story. Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has succeeded in conveying the complex mindset of individuals in the society we live in a simple manner. 

More than a usual plot which is carried forward through explicit events that happen, the plot here is centred around the thought processes of those friends gathered on that election day out to have a good time. The five friends are at a remote guest house to enjoy the day. Their mindless chatter are not just mere words, but a window to their complex ideologies.

It is interesting that the simple events in the movie are all metaphors of something that have a deep meaning and bearing on the overall outcome of the movie. For instance there is that chicken sequence which has a lot of connotations as far as race and class are concerned. There is also its bearing at last when the person meets with the same fate. 

This play of meanings ("kali") are what makes the movie rich. A police and thief game shows how minorities are treated and the manner in which race issues pervades the society. It is a bigger picture on a small canvas, but very powerful imagery. In the course of their revelry, a lot of politics including hypocrisy, male dominion, and other such aspects are touched upon.

The making of the movie is quite outstanding. The cinematographey and editing have been done well. The realistic mode is maintained throughout. The movie is actually an adaption of Unni R's story of the same name. However, an analysis of the two texts together points out how much Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has added and reworked to make the movie much deeper and of a more political dinemsion. 'Ozhividuvasathe Kali' needs to be lauded for the kind of input it gives on life and mindsets in the cinematic medium.