Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty

A good-natured, innocent guy. A nagging wife. Longing for birthplace. An ex-girlfriend. A people's man. A scapegoat. Few indirect villains. Graft. Happy ending.

Does any combination of the above terms strike a chord? Somewhere in the recent past? Or any world cinema? Indeed, in Malayalam cinema? That's right! KKOM is utter melodramatic in its style and its narration which talks about the story of a man sent to his native-place to hatch a deal with a celebrity to be a part of their association's silver jubilee.

What unfolds is a series of incidents that brings Mammootty, the central character, to play good Samaritan. With a bunch of blown-off and/or naive characters, Ranjith pulls the repeatedly told story, giving it a drop of humor & foreignness. And by foreignness, don't get excited because Germany isn't explored as I thought it would be. There's nothing new in the plot except it showcases some of the prevalent practices that keeps happening in Kerala. This helps to create some oohs & aahs in the audience, but as a whole, KKOM's trails go pale & thus invisible. The first half is bearable & funny.

Awful editing & cinematography pays no respect to the average direction. The use of various actors in double roles (real & reel lives) was a good attempt and I could totally digest the sarcasm involved. With the introduction of one of the ugliest actresses I have ever seen launching, Ranjith & crew's attempt go puff (after that Bavutti... blunder).

In spite of all these, it was joy to watch some of the thespians come together and act. Tini Tom is a sure-shot winner.

BOTTOM LINE: It has its moments. Although, not recommended! A simple- afternoon no-other-work-then-watch type of a flick.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Smoking/Drugs: No | Alcohol/Violence: Strong | Gore/Sex/Nudity: No