Ottaal (English: The Trap) is a 2015 Indian Malayalam film directed by Jayaraj, an adaptation of the short story "Vanka" by Russian author Anton Chekhov.[1] This film stars Ashanth K Sha and Kumarakom Vasudevan, as well as actors Shine Tom Chacko, Sabitha Jayaraj and Thomas G. Kannampuzha.[2]
| Ottaal | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Jayaraj |
| Screenplay by | Joshy Mangalath |
| Story by | Joshy Mangalath |
| Based on | Vanka by Anton Chekhov |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | M. J. Radhakrishnan |
| Edited by | B. Ajithkumar |
| Music by | Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Sreevalsan J. Menon (Background music) |
Production company | Director Cutz Film Company Ltd |
| Distributed by | Qube India Reelmonk |
Release date |
|
Running time | 81 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Languages | Malayalam English |
It became the first movie in India to be released online on the same day as its theatrical release.[3] The film made history, becoming the first ever Malayalam movie to have swept all the top awards in the 20-year history of the International Film Festival of Kerala.[4] The film was one of four Malayalam films selected to be a part of the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November 2015.[5]
Plot
editThis film tells the story of a young boy (Ashanth K Sha) and his relationship with his grandfather (Kumarakom Vasudevan), his only living relative in the world. Actor Kumarakom Vasudevan is a fisherman in real life, whom Director Jayaraj found during his hunt for actors to play the role. Shine Tom Chacko’s character, Mesthri, also has a pivotal role in the story.[6] Ottaal is an adaptation of one of Anton Chekhov’s timeless works, Vanka. A story of the 18th century, but one that has travelled the time and space to be retold in the present day at a small village in the South of India.
Cast
edit- Master Ashanth K Sha as Kuttappai
- Kumarakaom Vasudevan as Vallyappachayi
- Shine Tom Chacko as Mesthri
- Thomas J Kannampuzha as Betty
- Sabitha Jayaraj as Moly
- Master Hafis Muhammed as Tinku
- Vavachan as Outha
Soundtrack
editThe film has one song, "Aa Manathilirrunnu",[7] composed by Padma Bhushan Kavalam Narayana Panicker.[8] The background score composed by Sreevalsan J. Menon was praised by the jury when the film won the Crystal Bear at the Berlinale 2016.[9]
Release and reception
editThe film was released in theaters in Kerala on 6 November 2015 and online on the same day through Reelmonk, making it the first Indian film to be released simultaneously in theaters and on the internet.[10][11][12][13]
Accolades
edit
| Award / Film Festival | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Film Awards[14] | Best Screenplay Writer (Adapted) | Joshy Mangalath | Won |
| Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation | Ottaal | Won | |
| Kerala State Film Awards[15] | Best Film | Jayaraj | Won |
| Mumbai Film Festival[16] | Golden Gateway of India Award | Ottaal | Won |
| Film for Social Impact Award | Ottaal | Won | |
| International Film Festival of Kerala[17] | Suvarna Chakoram (Best Film) | Ottaal | Won |
| Best Film - International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) jury | Ottaal | Won | |
| Best Malayalam film - Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) jury | Ottaal | Won | |
| Rajatha Chakoram - Audience Prize | Ottaal | Won | |
| Berlin Film Festival[18] | Crystal Bear | Ottaal | Won |
References
edit- ^ "'OTTAAL': JAYARAJ ADAPTS CHEKHOV'S STORY". YTalkies. 16 February 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "When a photo inspired a film". The Hindu. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "'Ottaal' to have simultaneous release in theatres, online". Business Standard. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ "Jayaraj's 'Ottaal' sweeps top honours". Manorama Online. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ "Four Malayalam Films to be Screened at International Film Festival". New Indian Express. 4 November 2015. Archived from the original on 6 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "'Ottal' is more than an environmental film: Jayaraj". Manorama Online. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "Ottaal Multiple Award Winning Movie Review". Youtube. 8 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ "Ottaal Multiple Award Winning Movie Review". Saj Media. 8 November 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
- ^ "Malayalam film wins Crystal Bear at Berlinale". The Hindu. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
- ^ "Exploring online market for movie release". The Hindu. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- ^ "Ottaal releasing this Friday". JanmaBhumi Daily. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ "Malayalam film Ottaal to release in theatres, online on same day". 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ "'Ottaal' First Indian Film to be Released Online in Real-time". 6 November 2015. Archived from the original on 6 November 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
- ^ "National Awards: Kangana Ranaut Collects Best Actress Award". NDTV. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ "Kerala State Film Awards 2014 - Winners List". Now Running. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- ^ "JIO MAMI 2015: 'Haraamkhor', 'Chauthi Koot' bag top honours; complete list of winners". IB Times. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
- ^ "Malayalam film 'Ottaal' sweeps all awards ar International Film Festival of Kerala". DNA India. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
- ^ "Malayalam film wins Crystal Bear at Berlinale". The Hindu. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.