Porattu Nadakam

Story: Abu, a struggling communist worker facing foreclosure, seeks help from his party but is abandoned, prompting his friends' attempts to assist him to spiral into a chaotic web of religious and political manipulation

Review: Porattu Nadakam is a political satire set in the fictional village of Gopalapura, located on the Kerala-Karnataka border. Directed by Noushad Saffron, the film spans 21 days and critiques the socio-political dynamics of North Malabar through traditional art forms like Kothamuriyatam and Porattu Nadakam, addressing themes of political exploitation, religious fanaticism, and economic disparity.

Saiju Kurup stars as Abu, a debt-ridden communist party worker facing foreclosure. Abandoned by his party, Abu becomes entangled in a political struggle that exposes how politicians exploit religion and manipulate fear for personal gain.

Despite its promising premise, the film falters in execution. Suneesh Varanad's script is laden with familiar political clichés and social media-inspired humour, lacking the fresh insights needed for a cohesive satire. While occasionally amusing, the humour does not sustain the narrative, resulting in a disjointed story.

Saiju delivers a predictable performance as Abu, with Dharmajan Bolgatty adding limited comic relief as Murugan, Abu's friend. Advocate Shukoor plays right-wing leader Gopal Ji, but his portrayal leans toward caricature rather than depth. The supporting cast, including Babu Annur and Chitra Shenoy, also fails to make a significant impact.

Overall, the movie attempts to tackle pressing political and social issues but falls short due to its reliance on clichés and uneven storytelling. While it raises important concerns about political and religious manipulation, it lacks the sharpness necessary to stand out in a crowded genre.
- Anjana George