Karutha Pakshikal Malayalam Movie

Nov 20, 2006 By Unni Nair

The Kamal-directed Karuththapakshikal is a well-made, touching film that is rather slow- paced, realistic and shorn of all glamour and glitter, essential factors in a commercial venture.

Murugan, a migrant from Tamil Nadu ekes out a living by ironing clothes on the street. His wife Muththulakshmi is no more and he is the one who looks after his three children Azhagu, Mayil and Malli. While Azhagu and Mayil go to school, Malli goes along with her father, because she is blind. The big wish that Murugan has is that his daughter should be able to see someday. He knows that this can be done only if someone donates eyes to her. He also knows that the operation would incur huge expenses, well beyond his means.

Murugan and his children live in a slum. Among their neighbours are Muthu and family who live by making pappads, and Poonkodi who makes a living by begging on the streets. Poonkodi has a special place in her heart for Murugan and his family.

Murugan is a regular visitor at the big house owned by Chandramohan and his wife Anitha. Chandramohan has a sister Suvarna, who is in Mumbai with her husband. Another member of the house is Warrier, who is sort of a caretaker and is very cordial towards Murugan, who comes there for ironing. Suvarna comes from Mumbai to stay with her brother. She is suffering from a terminal disease and finds solace in music. She develops a fondness for little Malli. She knows that her days are counted and wants to donate her eyes to Malli. What follows then forms the plot of Karuththapakshikal.

Mammootty, in a deglamorised role as Murugan does his role perfectly well. Meena as Suvarna, Padmapriya as Poonkodi and Jagathy Sreekumar as Warrier are their usual selves. Padmapriya occasionally overdoes her bit and her character seems to be one that we have come across in umpteen films. The children Thejas, Suhaila and Malavika as Azhagu, Mayil and Malli respectively do their roles in a commendable manner. Salim Kumar as the drunkard Shanmughan is also good.

Cinematography by director Kamal's favourite cameraman P. Sukumar is well in tune with the theme. Of the songs penned by Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma and set to tune by Mohan Sithara, "Mazhayil raathri mazhayil..." and "Venmukil etho..." have come out really good.

Though the film is well-made, it is not without its drawbacks. This reviewer feels that at certain times, the children, especially the blind Malli speak and behave like grown ups. You don't carry much of the film with you once you leave the theatre, and that perhaps is the reason for the initial lukewarm response at the box office.

To sum up, Karuththapakshikal is a well-made film that impresses to a limited extend but doesn't remain in your heart for long.