Padavettu

Liju Krishna's 2022 Malayalam film is set in a village in Kerala. Ravi is unemployed and taken for lazy, while farmland in the village changes hands through politicians. After an incident Ravi gets drawn in. The film does not make him a ready-made hero; the narrative shows how local politics works, and building any solidarity takes time. Nivin Pauly leads, with Indrans and Shine Tom Chacko in support. The images keep the countryside close. There is action, but it is limited. Who it's for: those who like Malayalam cinema and stories of rural politics. Who it's not for: viewers expecting driving action; the film moves heavily.