In computing, WYSIWYG or What You See Is What You Get (pronounced "wiz-ee-wig") editor or program is one that allows a developer to see what the end result will look like while the interface or document is being created. In real life, however, that is not always true, and it is very easy to get sucked into a vortex of crime and malfeasance. Especially so for young women from smaller towns with little education and shiny dreams but a naïve outlook to life.
ASHOK’s FIVE reasons to watch #KAPPELA now streaming on #NetflixIndia. The film is directed by Muhammed Mustafa and stars Anna Ben, Srinath Bhasi and Roshan Mathew. Viewers will recollect Roshan who starred in Anurag Kashyap’s #ChokedPaisaBoltaHai (Read my review here https://www.ashoksfive.com/post/choked-paisa-bolta-hai-you-will-need-some-fresh-air-for-sure).
1. I continue to be intrigued with how Malayalam cinema continues to churn out films based on the male ego, male gaze and the underlying patriarchy of a society that is hundred percent literate, makes informed political choices and has almost managed to eradicate poverty. Here is another script based on the same theme but a clever twist that throws red herrings at you and makes you believe what they want you to believe. You can almost imagine the script writers sitting down and discussing the wafer-thin plot – “what if we build up the characters in a particular way and lead people to believe something but ultimately twist it around and jolt them out of their belief?”. And its not as if they haven’t thrown around enough clues to help you figure out the truth.
#Kappela tells the story of Jessy (#AnnaBen) who is a 12th standard fail girl living in scenic Poovaranmala in Wayanad. She belongs to a poor family with her father being a daily wage labourer and mother helping to cope up with the expenses with some tailoring work part-time. She dials the number of Vishnu, an enterprising young auto driver in Kozhikode by mistake and this sets in motion a love affair. Meanwhile, her parents are all set to marry her off to a local boy Benny but in a desperate bid to seize her future and set herself free from the clutches of a societal set-up that will keep her chained forever, she sets out to meet the young man. In a mix-up of identities, she runs into Roy a disgruntled political activist with a tendency to break the law and then ensues a thrilling turn of events that leaves you on the edge.
The first half builds up the romance at its own pace and has its endearing moments. In that sense, the film is more of a romantic thriller. What it also sets up is a chauvinistic view of romance – the scene where Roy holds Anita’s hand in public and refuses to let go is supposedly romantic!
2. #Kappela has some first-rate acting performances. #AnnaBen, fresh from the successes of #KumbalangNights and #Helen, is in her elements as she plays a wide-eyed, small-town girl with a dream in her head and backs herself to pick an alternate future for herself. #RoshanAndrew plays Vishnu and endears himself to the viewers as he shows empathy to women who are the victims of domestic abuse and is generally pictured as a god-fearing, happy-go-lucky bloke. #SrinathBhasi is perhaps the pick of the lot with a riveting performance as a hot-headed youth with criminal tendencies. The scene where he hurls glass bottles at a thug in the shop is carefully constructed to portray him as the villain. Then there is Benny’s mother a strict, assertive persona who is class-conscious as well as the decision-maker in the house.
3. The camera-work and the BGM call for special mention. The lush green backdrop of the Wayanad forests with the Mother Mary motif in almost every shot of Jessy sets up the context very well. The film sets up the basic arc ever so slowly and the proverbial twist in the tale is left for the last twenty minutes!
4. Mustafa intended #Kappela to be a warning for young women. Data suggests that a lot of similar instances in India are a result of such misadventures often forced by poverty, unemployment, naivety and misguided enthusiasm. The film is almost like a chapter in the book which parents can provide instruction for their wards!
5. Jessy says that she wants to see the sea. A simple wish that is almost a metaphor for her dreams. When things do not work out for her and she pleads to make that one wish come true. It is almost as if by settling for that one realization, she has achieved a part of what she wants in life. This is a poignant scene and very well conceptualised; it is almost as if the sea is the metaphor for her dreams and aspirations – so close and yet so un-attainable.
I am undecided as to whether #Kappela is a brilliant thriller or a clever stunt. Once in a while, you see Malayalam movies that come up with such plots based on trends in society that are a result of the digital upheavals. Remember Vikruti? And the writers set out to put in place a moral science lesson for the public. I do not wish to take away from the brilliant acting or the execution though. If you were to go back and see the film again, you would see plenty of clues that point you in the right direction. But human nature prevents you from taking cognizance of these I suppose. There is one clear lesson though – do not let first impressions of people mislead you and do not be too hasty in judging them either.
Thankfully, the ending does not show Jessy going back and getting hitched to Benny straightaway and this in my opinion, is a stronger reflection of hope for the women in Kerala to claim back their rights. Inshallah!
I am going with a 4 on 5 for a film set up on a flimsy plot but brilliantly executed. Much like an extremely well made dal khichdi !
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