Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali: A Bold Yet Polarizing Courtroom Drama
The Malayalam film industry rarely explores men’s rights and the legal misuse of dowry laws. Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali, directed by debutant Sethunath Padmakumar, takes on that controversial subject without flinching. Asif Ali leads the cast with a compelling performance, supported by a skilled ensemble including Thulasi, Jagadish, Harisree Ashokan, Siddharth Bharathan, and Azeez Nedumangad.
The filmmakers released the movie on June 6, 2025, after legal controversies delayed its original release. Despite facing resistance in court and online, the team pushed through and delivered a film that stirs debate across Kerala and beyond.
2. Plot and Premise
The film centers around Sahadevan, a temporary government employee who starts his married life with high hopes. However, those dreams unravel quickly when his new wife, Nayana, accuses him of dowry harassment and domestic violence. The accusations land him in court, stripping him of social standing and pushing him toward emotional collapse.
While defending himself, Sahadevan meets two other accused men—Peter and Makkar—who claim to face false charges. Through their experiences, the film reveals a hidden narrative: one in which the legal system can fail men who suffer manipulation under the guise of justice.
Director Padmakumar sets the stage in cramped homes, bureaucratic offices, and austere courtrooms, all to underscore the suffocating atmosphere that the accused endure. The film avoids glamor and embraces realism, but it also treads dangerous waters when portraying women as predominantly scheming or vengeful.
3. Performances and Characterization
Asif Ali delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date. He brings both vulnerability and restraint to Sahadevan, a character caught in an impossible bind. The actor avoids melodrama and instead grounds his role in emotional truth. When Sahadevan pleads his case before the court and the camera, the audience feels his despair, confusion, and growing resentment.
Thulasi portrays Nayana with sharp control, playing the ambiguous role without giving away whether her character believes in her accusations or not. This grey space adds tension but also fuels criticism that the film demonizes women without counterbalance.
Jagadish and Harisree Ashokan add comic relief as fellow accused men. They use humor not to distract but to cope with tragedy. Siddharth Bharathan, as a tough but thoughtful lawyer, adds credibility to the court scenes. His character questions the assumptions society holds about guilt and innocence, and his courtroom arguments carry weight even when the film’s moral stance turns heavy-handed.
4. Direction and Screenplay
Sethunath Padmakumar makes a bold directorial debut. He shows no hesitation in confronting a narrative that mainstream cinema often avoids. He crafts a tight, emotionally charged drama that walks a fine line between commentary and advocacy. However, the screenplay sometimes leans too far in favor of a single viewpoint.
By focusing solely on male suffering, the story forgets to acknowledge the real-world struggles that many women still face in the context of marriage and law. The film attempts to expose misuse, but it often overlooks nuance. It risks promoting a narrative that pits gender against gender rather than challenging institutional flaws.
Despite these pitfalls, Padmakumar constructs an effective courtroom thriller. He maintains pacing, inserts emotional beats at key moments, and closes the film with a statement that forces viewers to reflect—even if they disagree with the message.
5. Technical Merits
Cinematographer Ajay David Kachappilly captures the starkness of Sahadevan’s world. He avoids lush frames and instead embraces claustrophobia and dim lighting to reflect the protagonist’s mental and emotional state. Whether shooting crowded homes or sterile courtrooms, the visuals maintain consistency with the story’s tone.
Editor Sobin K Soman ensures that the film never drags. The court scenes remain crisp and easy to follow, even as legal jargon fills the dialogue. The transitions between flashbacks and present-day hearings happen seamlessly, allowing the narrative to maintain momentum.
The music team—Bijibal, Muthu, and Christy Joby—delivers a subtle score that underscores tension without overpowering dialogue. Rahul Raj’s background score lifts the courtroom sequences, particularly during climactic moments. However, the soundtrack lacks a standout number, which might limit the film’s long-term cultural imprint.
6. Critical and Audience Reception
Critics expressed mixed opinions. Some reviewers praised the film for tackling a sensitive subject with courage. They commended the performances, especially Asif Ali’s portrayal of Sahadevan. They acknowledged the technical finesse and emotional grip of the courtroom scenes.
However, others criticized the film’s heavy bias. They argued that the story ignores the systemic challenges women face in patriarchal societies. By focusing only on male trauma, the film loses sight of balance and risks reinforcing dangerous stereotypes. Some critics felt the film painted women as malicious, reducing a complex issue to a binary conflict.
Audiences responded more positively. Viewers gave the film a 9.2 out of 10 rating on major cinema platforms. Many applauded the director for finally giving voice to a topic rarely addressed in Indian films. Social media buzzed with personal testimonials from men who saw their own stories reflected in Sahadevan’s.
7. Box Office and Legal Challenges
The film had a troubled release journey. Initially scheduled for April 3, the release faced suspension due to a legal dispute between current producer Naisam Salam and a former collaborator. The former partner accused Salam of financial malpractice and sought to halt the film’s release.
The filmmakers fought the allegations in court. The Supreme Court eventually cleared the way for the film’s release, allowing it to hit theaters on June 6, 2025. Despite the delay, the film opened to a decent turnout in Kerala. Major cities like Kochi reported over 28% occupancy, while other regions like Bengaluru and NCR saw modest attendance.
While no official box office numbers have emerged, analysts estimate modest commercial performance. Delays and controversy affected marketing efforts, but strong word-of-mouth might support its post-theatrical journey.
8. Final Verdict
Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali tells a story few Indian films dare to touch. It puts male mental health, legal vulnerability, and social stigma at the center of the narrative. The filmmakers succeed in raising urgent questions about justice, gender roles, and the misuse of protective laws.
However, the film falters in its one-sided execution. By failing to portray both male and female perspectives with equal depth, it trades nuance for provocation. Critics pointed this out clearly, even as audiences stood divided.
Asif Ali’s performance holds the film together. Strong technical contributions from the camera, editing desk, and score elevate the material. For viewers ready to grapple with uncomfortable questions, Aabhyanthara Kuttavaali offers a powerful, if flawed, experience.
