Some good news coming from the recently concluded Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival). Jayraj Rajasekharan’s Malyalam film Ottal (The Trap) has bagged the Crystal Bear for Best Film in the Generation KPlus category.
The award was given by the children’s jury, and here’s what the jury said about the film –
This exceptional movie touched us all with its irresistible images of nature, laid-back music and amazingly gifted actors. The unique way of filming certain details blew us away. We think it’s important that such a sad and serious topic be tackled in a movie, though the film also managed to capture the humour and joy of life.
And here’s the official synopsis of the film –
“Fireworks companies will take him … He’ll be paid well too.” · “Will they look after him well? I have taken such good care of him.”
In the paradisaical countryside of Southern India, Kuttappayi and his Grandfather raise flocks of ducks in vast flooded fields, they fish, tell each other stories and kid around. Ever since the eight-year-old lost his parents, his Grandfather has looked after him with great tenderness. The boy’s life seems easy and sheltered, that is until the old man falls ill and the boy’s future is suddenly uncertain. Based loosely on Chekhov’s short story Vanka, director Jayaraj’s film tells the timeless story of a boy who wishes for nothing more than to be able to go to school. Alas, his dreams are dashed when confronted with the cruel reality of a world marked by poverty and the total absence of equal opportunity. A fate shared by millions of children around the world.
The film stars Ashanth K Sha, Kumarakom Vasavan, Shine Tom Chacko, Sabitha Jayaraj, and Thomas J Kannampuzha.
With Ottaal’s win, it’s three in a row for Indian films at Berlinale in Generation KPlus category. Killa and Dhanak won in the same category in the last two years.
Here is the full list of winners in the Generation KPlus category.
The trailer of the film (without subs though) –
(all pics via twitter)
F.i.g.h.t C.l.u.b 