Puzhu Review…it was distressing…

Year: 2022
Genre: Tradition, Family, Psychological, Drama
Cast: Mammootty, Parvathy, Vasudev Sajeesh, Appunni Sasi, Kottayam Ramesh, Nedumudi Venu, Indrans, Kunchan, Prasanth Alexander, Thejas EK
Director: Ratheena
Writer: Harshad, Suhas-Sharfu
Cinematographer: Theni Eswar
Summary: Kuttan lives a strict disciplinary life with his son Kichu; when his estranged sister moves into his residential building, he starts experiencing near-death incidents

Overall Rating: Feast
Puzhu was a…can’t even put in the correct words together…It was a distressing sensation to see how someone can live in such an emotional, physical, and spiritual ‘prison’. Life is already tough, why make it tougher? 😖
We really wished to have fully grasped the meaning of the word ‘puzhu’ (‘worm’ in Malayalam) in relation to the story (please do share your thoughts below and educate us)
~Worth Watching~

Delicious
—Puzhu had a very malicious aura to it. There was no soundtrack (if we recall accurately) or action segment but the ominous score warned us about a bad vibe.
The writers did a fantastic work using different symbols (found in the theatrical plays, Kichu’s book reading, etc) to deepen the story
—On one hand, we saw Kuttan (Mammootty) who had all the possessions and influence living a strict, insecure, and unfulfilled life whereas KP (Kuttan’s brother-in-law) who had little living confidently, happily, and rewardingly.
It was so fascinating to contrast how Kuttan brought an aroma of fear and death to his environment while KP radiated life and joy
—Ratheena directed every frame with purpose; she took the time to show us Kuttan’s lifestyle and surroundings.
We could comprehend the wounded and shattered heart Kuttan hid and felt so bad that he was imprisoned by destructive values
—It’s not even worth mentioning the amazing and provocative dialogues 🙌🏾
—Best actor award goes to Appunni Sasi (playing KP)! If we could hand a second actor award, it’d go to Vasudev Sajeesh (playing Kichu). Ok, ok, if we had a third one, Parvathi (playing Kuttan’s sister) would definitely receive it!
—It was gut-wrenching that Kuttan is a representation of many people who also suffocate in these dogmatic ways.
Come to think of it, suffocation was a great symbol used in the movie to demonstrate Kuttan’s inability to ‘breathe’ and enjoy a normal life

Bland
—Did Puzhu have a climax? Don’t think we noticed it as the film flowed in a linear manner
—Using diverse shot types and camera movements could have really solidified the cinematography