Malayalam actor Vinay Forrt is exploring himself as an actor. His theatre background seems to be coming in handy for him in getting more offers.
His latest movie Family will hit the theatres on 5 January 2024.
Helmed by critically acclaimed director Don Palathara, Family got good responses at various film festivals where it was screened.
Family speaks about different issues, including how religious institutions pressurise people in their community. It revolves around a family in the hilly district of Idukki in Kerala.
The plot revolves around god-fearing people. The director sets up a typical Christian background through the “Chantham Chaarthu” ceremony (the custom of getting ready for marriage).
As the movie progresses, the audience will understand what Don Palathara wants to convey and he does not hesitate in presenting his viewpoint.
The film is inspired by the kidnapping of a kid by a family member in Kollam in early November this year.
Sony (Vinay Forrt), a youngster, is popular among the locals in his village. He takes tuition classes for children.
In one of the opening scenes, Sony drops a young boy at his house. On entering the home, the boy looks into the mirror to check his body, and the audience can easily understand what might have happened to him.
Sony is a paedophile, and there is nothing heroic about him. But he earns a place in everyone’s heart because of his helping nature.
In one scene, a young girl hides in her house when Sony arrives at her place. In another scene, he puts a young girl in a difficult situation while taking tuition classes.
One of Sony’s relatives, played by Divya Prabha, finds him and a young girl in a compromising position and alerts another relative, but in vain.
Meanwhile, Sony has an affair with a girl who runs away with her boyfriend. Her father commits suicide after the incident.
Don Palathara showcases how social and religious institutions become the reasons for unruly behaviour towards common people and how they silence the voices of the oppressed.
The director criticises religious institutions, which are at the forefront in case of an untoward incident but, in reality, sweet the issues under the carpet in the name of a compromise.
In Family, the locals don’t consider Sony’s actions objectionable. Indeed, one of his relatives, a nun, asks him to attend prayers to get rid of his relationship with a girl from an oppressed community.
Sony’s brother, played by Mathew Thomas, keeps a distance from him. However, a few boys and girls did not even realise what was happening to them.
Family has many layers. Don Palathara uses references like leopard and snake to represent the behaviour of men and the grey shades of humans. He explains that human beings tend to normalise serious issues.
The climax is apt and realistic. It shows that justice is not always served.
Vinay Forrt is the star of the film. As Sony, he delivers a spellbinding performance.
Sony is unapologetic and does the crime without fearing the consequences because he knows people consider him a saviour. Vinay Forrt pulls off these shades with ease.
Divya Prabha has a prominent role to play, and she is commendable as Sony’s relative.
Jolly Chirayath and Sajitha Madathil are good.
Leo (2023)-fame Mathew Thomas is impressive.
The technical department plays a major role in the film.
Jaleel Badusha’s frames give a new lease of life to the villages in Idukki.
Family talks about a burning issue that our religious institutions conveniently sweep under the carpet.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
Family review: Gives a tight slap to society that normalises child abuse
