Shabana Azmi Applauds Mammootty's Courageous Performance in 'Kaathal - The Core'
Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi has expressed immense admiration for Malayalam superstar Mammootty's latest film 'Kaathal - The Core', directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jeo Baby. In a recent interview with Mathrubhumi News, Azmi revealed that the film, which features Mammootty portraying a gay character, completely blew her mind with its bold narrative and exceptional execution.
A Film That Requires Genuine Guts to Make
Shabana Azmi emphasized that creating a film like 'Kaathal - The Core' demands significant courage and conviction. She specifically praised Mammootty for not only acting in the film but also producing it through his banner. "I saw a film which was produced by Mammootty sir, and I could not believe that he had produced this film because it was so much out of the box," Azmi stated. "When I saw the film, I really marveled. I wondered if anybody in the Hindi film industry mainstream, having the same position as Mammootty sir, would even dare to act in such a film, let alone produce it."
The National Award-winning actress further elaborated that such projects require both guts and confidence in the audience's willingness to accept established stars in radically different roles. "That requires guts and also a confidence that this audience is willing to see me in a completely different kind of character," she explained, reiterating how the film's approach left her thoroughly impressed.
Malayalam Cinema's Bold Storytelling Earns High Praise
Beyond her appreciation for 'Kaathal - The Core', Shabana Azmi shared her longstanding admiration for Malayalam cinema as a whole. She revealed that among the various South Indian film industries producing quality content, Malayalam films have consistently been her personal favorite. "The South Indian film industry is big, and out of the very many important and good films that are coming out of the South, my favorite would be the Malayalam films, and has always been," Azmi noted.
The actress, known for her powerful performances in films like 'Dabba Cartel', clarified that she isn't referring to mainstream commercial Malayalam cinema but rather the industry's more thought-provoking and daring content. "I think the subjects are so bold," she remarked, adding that many of her colleagues from Mumbai's film fraternity share her enthusiasm for Malayalam cinema's narrative depth.
Azmi also acknowledged the role of translations and subtitles in making regional language content accessible nationwide, helping Malayalam films reach wider audiences across India.
Understanding 'Kaathal - The Core' and Its Impact
'Kaathal - The Core' represents a significant cinematic achievement in Indian cinema. Directed by Jeo Baby, who previously earned critical acclaim for 'The Great Indian Kitchen', the film stars Mammootty alongside Jyothika in pivotal roles. The narrative follows a married couple from rural Kerala whose seemingly perfect marriage unravels as they head toward divorce, exploring complex themes including:
- Homosexuality and personal identity
- Societal pressures and expectations
- Personal choices and their consequences
The film's artistic merit has been recognized with four Kerala State Film Awards, including the prestigious Best Film honor, cementing its place as an important work in contemporary Indian cinema.
Shabana Azmi's endorsement highlights the growing appreciation for regional cinema's willingness to tackle sensitive subjects with nuance and courage, setting a benchmark for storytelling that mainstream Hindi cinema might increasingly aspire to match.
