Geethu Mohandas made her Malayalam directorial debut with Moothon in 2019, with Anurag Kashyap as one of the producers. The film is about a search, for Mulla (Sanjana Dipu), a 14-year-old orphan from Lakshadweep, who sets out in search of an older brother (Nivin Pauly) in Mumbai. As the hunt continues, we see the stark and bare reality of the streets of Kamathipura.
Rajeev Ravi's masterful cinematography vividly captures the stark dichotomy between the damp, gloomy Kamathipura and the clean, greyish shores of Lakshadweep. The visuals speak volumes, especially in the scene where Amir (Roshan Mathew) and Akbar silently embrace each other in the moonlit sea. Credit goes to Ravi's skill combined with Mohandas' visionary direction.
What distinguishes Moothon from other films in its LGBTQ+ representation is its compelling storytelling that delves into the realms of gender identity and love. The movie authentically depicts homosexual love without surrendering to gender stereotypes, achieving a level of sincerity and honesty that is often lacking in cinema. Moments like their first eye contact, Akbar's euphoria as he gazes at himself in the mirror, and Amir attempting to say Akbar’s name all vividly convey the depth, sensitivity, and tenderness of their love, creating a natural and unforced portrayal. Through these scenes, Geethu Mohandas strives to advocate for the acceptance of love beyond the confines of soceity and gender norms.
The movie also illustrates the struggle individuals face at the intersection of love and societal acceptance, which has been exemplified by Amir and Akbar’s story. In their case, one desires to nurture the relationship, while the other chooses to conform to societal expectations. Nivin Pauly delivers a transformative performance, shedding his next-door-boy image for a role that demands depth and emotional range. Roshan Mathew, as Amir, speaks volumes through his expressive eyes. Above all, the chemistry they share on screen adds to the beauty of the film.
Sajana Dipu delivers an amazing performance as Mulla in the film, skilfully portraying the challenges faced by a gender-fluid individual. Despite Mulla's confidence in her identity, societal norms impose expectations based on her sexual orientation. The film captures moments where Mulla bravely resists attempts by schoolmates to apply lipstick and makeup. While Mulla strives to maintain a gender-fluid identity, as the climax hits, she appears dressed as a girl, reflecting the complexities of navigating societal expectations.
Rosy, a mother of the 13-year-old and a sex worker by profession is portrayed by Sobhita Dhulipala. Unlike other portrayals that tend to overly sexualize such characters, Sobhita's depiction is grounded and realistic, seamlessly blending into the narrative.
Shashank Arora deserves praise for his outstanding performance as Salim, delivering just the right amount of dialogue to make his character memorable, which speaks volumes about his talent. Additionally, his vocals in the song "Bikhre" add a beautiful touch to the film.
Sujith Shankar plays Latheef, Akbar’s transgender friend who works in Mumbai. The film skillfully juxtaposes moments of brightness and shadows to depict Latheef's internal struggle, presenting both an angelic and devilish aspect. Despite having only, a brief on-screen interaction, the dynamic between Mulla and Latheef effectively captures the internal conflicts experienced by individuals navigating the complexities of gender identity.
Every character in the film is on a continuous quest for a place they can call home, seeking security and stability. For the LGBTQ+ community, coming out often means losing a feeling of belonging. Moothon film skilfully addresses the challenges of coming out and the societal repercussions faced by those who dare to defy norms. A unique, compelling, and courageous tale, Moothon (The Elder One) is definetely a must-watch.
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