Kamal Ghorui
Mammootty remains one of the most respected and versatile actors in Indian cinema. Although the actor had faced downfall in certain years, he made his massive comeback recently, with focus to good content oriented films.Several of his recent standout movies are now easily available on major OTT platforms. Here is a quick guide to some must-watch options currently streaming.
‘Bramayugam’
Bramayugam is a gripping black-and-white period horror-thriller set in 17th-century Malabar. Mammootty plays a menacing feudal lord in a haunted mansion. The film’s stunning visuals and his commanding screen presence make it unmissable.ETimes review for the film reads, “Mammootty keeps the viewers spellbound throughout, with the way he looks, his resounding laugh and the horrors he conveys. Siddharth plays down his character and you feel, at the start, that he could have taken it up a notch, but even with his even voice and demeanour, he is striking when the tempo of the story rises. He has done a great job with the overall look of his character. Arjun Ashokan is also good.“It is streaming on Netflix.
‘Kaathal – The Core ‘
Kaathal – The Core is a sensitive drama where Mammootty shines as a retired government officer. He deals with personal and societal issues after his wife files for divorce. Mammootty played a homosexual character under Jeo Baby’s direction and with subtle acting Mammootty convinces his character and also the ending of this movie leaves an impact among the audiences. Any superstar would be thinking twice to play such a role and kudos to Mammukka for stepping into such a character. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Unda’ and ‘Kannur Squad’
‘Unda’ is a realistic drama where Mammootty leads a small Kerala police team handling elections in a Maoist-affected area with limited resources. The film beautifully balances humour and tension. It is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.The film was directed by Khalid Rahman and interestingly Mammootty and him will be teaming up again for the upcoming film ‘Mattancherry Mafia’.‘Kannur Squad’ sees Mammootty as the head of an elite police team cracking a major crime case. Packed with action and solid performances, ‘Kannur Squad’ mixed realism with commercial aspect and it blends well too.‘Kannur Sqaud’ is available on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema.
‘Kalamkaval’
Now comes one of the most daring attempts of the superstar who plays an intense serial killer who preys of women. Mammootty is seen in a chilling dual role as a ruthless serial killer and the investigating officerThe slow-burn narrative and his intense acting have won huge praise. ETimes review for the film reads, “Mammootty’s star power is unmissable and he has some good ‘massy’ dialogues, but the other actors, Rony, Azeez Nedumangad, Shabareesh Varma also have backstories that give their characters some weight. Ankith Madhav does a commendable job as a UP constable, who becomes a part of the team and guides them through the rough and unfamiliar parts of north India. It is good to see fresh, young talents like him and even Deepak Parambol in our industry.” The movie is streaming on Sony LIV.
‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam ‘
‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’ is a unique, layered drama where Mammootty plays a man who suddenly starts behaving like someone else when he and his gang enters a strange village.The film explores identity and memory with quiet brilliance. The film was directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and even though it didn’t collect any huge amount at the box office, ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’ received good reviews from the critics and audiences. It is available on Netflix.
