Vetrimaaran reviews Kottukkaali: 'It's an important film in Tamil cinema'

Seasoned filmmaker Vetrimaaran has showered praises on PS Vinothraj's latest film, Kottukkaali, calling it a significant addition to Tamil cinema. Produced by Sivakarthikeyan, Kottukkaali stars Anna Ben and Soori in lead roles. After making waves on the film festival circuit, the film opened in cinemas worldwide on Friday to much anticipation.

"PS Vinothraj is a unique voice in contemporary Tamil cinema," Vetrimaaran remarked, emphasizing the innovative approach Vinothraj brings to filmmaking. He noted that both Koozhangal and Kottukkaali go beyond the typical understanding of filmmaking in Tamil cinema, describing Vinothraj's style as surprisingly simple yet profoundly empathetic. "His narrative structure and film language are very new. He tells the story in a realistic way," Vetrimaaran added.

ALSO READ: Kottukkaali Review: Anna Ben, Soori are extraordinary in this cinematic intersection of feminism and faith

In Kottukkaali, Vinothraj explores the life of Meena, a woman who defies societal norms and challenges the expectations imposed upon her. Meena’s unyielding spirit creates tension within her family and community, as her fiance, Paandi (played by Soori), struggles to understand her complex emotions. The film's plot unfolds as a road journey, revealing the harsh realities and superstitions of rural life.

Vetrimaaran also praised Vinothraj's ability to draw remarkable performances from non-professional actors, a task he deemed particularly challenging. "Besides a few actors like Soori and Anna Ben, none of them are professional actors. Everyone has lived as their characters," he observed.

Kottukkaali is celebrated for its feminist narrative and critique of how superstition and societal expectations shape individuals' lives. It portrays the struggle of women resisting patriarchal norms and the extremes people go to avoid confronting emotional complexities.

Desimartini's 4-star review of the film echoes similar sentiments, noting, "Vinothraj's storytelling is deceptively simple. At first glance, it may seem like he is merely following his characters with a camera, but there is profound depth to his work." 

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