Kaapa - the sacrificial pawn

Kaapa

2023, Malayalam 

Director - Shaji Kailas

Stars - Prithviraj Sukumaran, Asif Ali, Anna Ben, Aparna Balamurali, Dileesh Pothan

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐

The City of Trivandrum is known for its lush palm trees, tropical warmth, and most certainly, the awe inspiring Anantha Padmanabha Temple.  Director Kailas wants to show us its underbelly, crime, gangs, and dons. 

He does so through Prithviraj Sukumaran as the dangerously powerful Kotta Madhu. What I like about him is how he is not some rich guy with some multi million dollar mansion, riding around in fancy cars.  Indeed, he is an ordinary man, with a wife and child, holidays and traditions. But he is also one who is willing to kill as and when necessary. 

But, surprisingly, the movie is not about him. Rather, it is about Anand, a newly married software guy who is living the millennial life with his charming bride. It just so happens, however, that his wife has the same name of a man Madhu assassinated. The intent to clear her leads him down the rabbit hole in to a world of crime as complex as it is deadly. 

Anand's wife is played with stoicism by Ms. Ben.  She, it turns out, is sister to the man who Madhu killed, and it is clear that she has been deeply traumatized for having witnessed it.  Ms. Ben is known for her subtle acting.  But, there are elements of her characterization which, albeit intentionally. 

For it is indeed the unique nature of this gangster film to give the women strong roles. Ms. Balamurali plays Madhu's wife with steadfastness and inner strength, such that she is well aware of her husband's career choice, and how it is more a lifestyle. 

While the gang violence and the stoic philosophy of Kaapa is much like the rest, it is bringing in the two talented actresses into intelligent roles quite watchable, and also intriguing.