Ottaal (The Trap) is an adaptation of one of Anton Chekhov's timeless works, Vanka. A story of the 18th century, but one that has traveled the time and space to be retold in the present day at a small village in the South of India. Kuttappayi, a young boy, is miserable and desperate as he starts writing a letter to his grandfather from a place, dim and dark. Kuttappayi's recollections takes us to the picturesque locations of Kuttanad, where Kuttappayi and his grandpa, Valiyappachayi, are arriving with their ducks. The village is as pleasant as it can be even though what brings him there is the death of his dearest parents. With hope and freedom, he is about to start his life afresh among the village's letter-less postman, the nameless dog, the rich lad, Tinku and many more.
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Reviews
Stunning visuals of kuttanad. Although the story mostly revolves around just the 2 characters, must be the screenplay and cinematography you never can take your eyes off the screen for a moment. This is one movie that will stay in your hearts for a long time to come. Watch it in theater if you can. Films based on foreign stories (chekov in this case) rarely come across as genuine and mostly come across as something is not right about it. This is one of those rare gems that has turned out quite well.
One of the Best movie which shows the nature, diversity,language and heart touching contents. It clarifies the real image of the prescribed place and the title is absolutely great, because the the title is known one and now it is obsoleted actually. However it matches when film finishes. Till the end it is just a title. So it depicts the characters and characteristics of a beautiful place. We can appreciate it's beauty, really pleasant , good , and entertaining one and also we must appreciate the film because of it's nature. And also the movie gives a lot of social and relevant messages to us. It is a complete and inevitable movie absolutely.
Soulful story, inspired direction, beautiful cinematography and haunting songs. Ottaal is a touching film that provokes a thought in you "why do we ignore these things?". We as a society live in denial of e problems around us. Cinema is a good medium to bring these situations to our notice. A compassionate audience can actually take action to correct the situation. Thank you Reelmonk.com for releasing the film online. The actors are newcomers and the lack of experience shows. But Jayaraj's years of compelling storytelling shines through brilliantly and more than makes up for the sub-standard performance of Ashanth K Sha and Vasudevan. The third character in the film is Kuttanad (backwaters of Kerala) which have been showcased brilliantly in the film. The cinematography by M Radakrishnan leaves you in awe of the wonder of mother nature and her beauty. Kavalam Narayanan Panicker's poem 'Aa Manathilirunnu' with a haunting tune at the end of the movie leaves you with chills down your spine.