Kaduva - An eye for an eye

Kaduva

Malayalam, 2022

Director: Shaji Kailas

Stars: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Vivek Oberoi, Samyuktha Menon, Rahul Madhav

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The famous line from the Book of Leviticus is presented as a motto of sorts for Kuriyachan. He is a man of seeming contradictions, a devout Catholic who prefers the Old Testament, a loving father and honest businessman who is also is his village's local don, a homespun farmer who smokes expensive cigars. This complexity leaves room for moral dilemma, making this the perfect backdrop for classic film noir. 

In what is clearly some of the finest acting we have seen from him, Mr. Prithviraj portrays Kuriyachan in a way that more is conveyed in a look or a facial expression than words. The camera focuses on eyes filled with anger, a large tear of sorrow serving like a filter from his unbounded rage.  The seasoned actor carries us through the movie, revealing his anger at the dark connections between the Church and Politics, and how this has helped sinful clergymen escape punishment. 

But, punishment comes when these crimes are brought to light through a scandalous priest and the cop who protects him.  Just as Lucifer guards Kerala from dirty politicians, Kaduva guards the Church against its own demons. 

Kaduva is as poignant as Lucifer in bringing subtle symbols that set the tone of this movie, from the black stone rosary bracelet, to the image of St. Michael in the home shrine, to the Kerala style Church festival. The world needs a return to a more earthy and primitive form of religion, one which is freed from its interweaving with politics and corruption. For such to occur one needs a man who is willing to stand up for justice; one who can stand toe to toe against the clergy and the politically corrupt. We all need a man of primal codes, a man the town calls Tiger.