# Kadalkkaattu (2024 film)

Kadalkkaattu is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language period drama featurette written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and directed by Rathish ambat. It is based on Nair's 1957 short story of the same name. The featurette is part of the anthology web series Manorathangal (transl. Mindscapes), which consists of nine featurettes adapted from Nair's short stories.

## Synopsis

A successful businessman Keshav leads a double life, juggling his family in the village and a mistress in the city. His life takes an unexpected turn when his lover reveals a shocking secret, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.

## Cast

* Aparna Balamurali as Bharathi
* Indrajith Sukumaran as Keshav
** Madhav P as Child Keshav
** Navaneeth as Young Keshav
* Ann Augustine as Margaret
* Sanju Sivram as Vincent
* Thennal Abhilash as Babymol
* K C Karunakaran as Gopalan
* Sarasa Balusseri as Naniyamma
* Shiny K as Kalikutty
* K C Krishnan as Old Man
* Shajeesh Chandra as Velayudhan
* Muraleedharan Kadathanad as Security
* Adharsh Babu as Keshav's helper
* Timmers Romain Georges as John David
* Muscat Sharath as Margeret's father
* Arun Subamanian as Godown Owner
* Drupath as Godown Owner's son
* Reshmi Pothuval as Keshav's mother
* Shubha as Valiyamma
* Dr Aneesh as Priest

## Production

The anthology consists of nine short stories by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. It was conceptualised by Nair's daughter, Aswathy V. Nair, during the COVID-19 pandemic to commemorate his 90th birthday. Initially, she selected 20 stories, but eventually narrowed it down to 10, and finally settled on nine. While her initial intention was to focus on stories with female protagonists, she also included stories with male protagonists after discovering several compelling narratives. Explaining her decision, she stated, "I wanted women as the protagonists but discovered many wonderful stories with male protagonists. Ultimately, I chose stories with an abiding human element, with emotions of love, lust, greed and revenge, etc". Aswathy also directed one segment titled Vilpana. According to Onmanorama, the anthology draws inspiration from Stories by Rabindranath Tagore (2015), a television series based on the works of poet Rabindranath Tagore.
Aswathy served as the creative producer. The series began production in 2021. By January 2022, six of the films had completed production, including Silalikhitham, Vilpana, Kadal Kattu, Kazhcha, Abhayam Thedi Veendum, and Swargam Thurakkuna Samayam. Priyadarshan-directed Olavum Theeravum is a remake of the 1970 film of the same name. It began production on 10 July 2022 and wrapped up on 17 July 2022. Priyadarshan also directed Silalikhitham. Kadugannawa Oru Yathra was initially supposed to be directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery. But Ranjith replaced him and began production on 16 August 2022 and wrapped up on 26 August 2022. Olavum Theeravum completed filming in July 2022 in Thodupuzha, which was made in black-and-white format. Initially, the series was produced for Netflix, but the platform rejected the anthology reportedly due to the addition of new segments starring Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Fahadh Faasil which increased the production cost. Later, ZEE5acquired the series.

## Reception

Padmakumar K. of Onmanorama wrote: "The only takeaway of the movie is the visual canvas which serves as a vehicle for a revisit to the pre-independent feudal era of Kerala".