'Kaattu Vithachavan' tells the haunting tale of Shanichari, a woman who has suffered a lot from being treated like an outcast by the villagers to abandoned parents, lack of financial security, and so much more. Now at this old age, when she barely makes a living, her friend Bhekni, asks her to work with her as a 'thozhi' (servent). But Shanichari has been too hardened by life that her eyes never even leak a small drop of tear. All this is changed by a revelation.
This is perhaps one movie where director Rev.Suvi gets it all (or most of it) right. 'Kaatu Vithachavan' too ends on a dramatic note but it feels more real and fit to the theme. I loved the way the film opens with the silhouettes of four dancing 'thozhis' and ends with a muted cry. Throughout the film, the pace is well-maintained and the platonic love between Shanichari and the young 'jameendar' and between Shanichari and Bhekni is very well portrayed. 'Kaattu Vithachavan' is also part satirical as we see how the mourners are also seen as a form of entertainment. The great A.Shareef deserves equal credit for his screenplay as 'Kaattu Vithachavan' would never have turned up this way had it not been for this man's input. The songs are beautiful and breathtaking. The great Poovachal Khadar's lyrics are simply amazingly awesome and it's quite apparent how the singers, including Yeshudas, Mari Shaila and S.janaki have put their heart into the singing. My favourite song of the soundtrack is 'Mazhavillinanhathavaasam' which is introduced in the opening sequence and repeated in the film. the songs will haunt the viewer long after the end credits have rolled.
Just like the singers, the actors too have put their heart into their acting. A frighteningly obese K.P Ummar perfectly fits his part. Thikkurishi Sukumaran Nair is impressive. Bahadoor, Sujatha and Radha Mani are effective in their small roles. Rani Chandra is excellent. It's refreshing to see her after a long time in a role other than the typical Malyalam film mom she was famous for playing. However, 'Kaattu Vithachavan' belongs to a barely recognizable Vijaya Nirmmala. She looks authentic as Shanichari and acts very natural. I've never liked her as an actress based on her 80s and early 90s films but she impressed me in 'Bhaargavee Nilayam' and 'Kavitha' and in 'Kaattu Vithachavan' she proves that she can be an amazing actress and that she can act her heart out given the right role. A phenomenal performance. One of the finest of the 70s. 'Kaattu Vithachavan' is quite a beautiful film to watch. The cinematography and background score are simply wonderful. Suvi's attempt is honest and she tells the sad tale very convincingly. 'Kaattu Vithachavan' may not appeal to all (especially those looking for sugarcoated entertainment) but to me this is a genuine piece of cinema, a film where all the parts (story, music, acting, cinematography...) fit together brilliantly.
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