Kaathal – The Core is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language courtroom drama film[2] directed by Jeo Baby and written by Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria.
Sudhi Kozhikode, RS Panickar, Joji John, Muthumani, Chinnu Chandni and Kalabhavan Haneef played the other supporting roles.
Upon questioning the need for a divorce then, the representing lawyer argues that Mathew would have been accused of committing a crime if she had filed the petition earlier according to the then existing law (IPC 377).
As the case proceeds, Devassy is called upon as a direct witness and accepts that his son has been a homosexual since his childhood and the marriage was pressurized by him due to the expectations of the society.
[8][9] On 18 October, the title of the film was announced and Jyothika's inclusion was confirmed, thereby marking her return to Malayalam cinema after a hiatus of 12 years, since Seetha Kalyanam (2009).
Jeo retained most of his technicians from his film The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) including cinematographer Salu K. Thomas, editor Francies Louis and music composer Mathews Pulickan.
"[26] Anna Mathews of The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Good movies can make society think and even initiate change.
"[27] Sukanya Shaji of The News Minute gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The heart of Kaathal - The Core is, undoubtedly, the relationship between Mammootty's Mathew Devassy and Jyothika's Omana, and the heartbreaking dignity with which they help each other out of their predicaments.
"[28] Manoj Kumar R. of OTTPlay gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Kaathal – The Core navigates through a myriad of sensitive subjects and personal choices deeply influenced by the age-old societal concern of "What will people say?".
"[29] S. R. Praveen of The Hindu wrote, "'Kaathal' beautifully uses a conventional family drama setting to tackle a subject that is still largely a taboo in the industry and the larger society; it is quite a triumph in that sense.
"[30] Princy Alexander of Onmanorama wrote, "Just like Nivin Pauly and Geethu Mohandas's Moothon, 'Kaathal The Core' will be remembered for its unconventional theme and for lending Mammootty one more praise-worthy character in his illustrious career.
"[31] Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl of The Week gave 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Kaathal – The Core is a watershed moment in Malayalam cinema, much like The Great Indian Kitchen.
With a compelling plot and a poignant subject, the movie succeeds in establishing a strong emotional connection with the audience throughout its two-hour runtime.
"[33] Harshini S. V. of Film Companion wrote, "Kaathal – The Core speaks about the struggles of coming out and addresses the need for acceptance in a conventional society.
"[35] Analysing the movie, Sajesh Mohan of Onmanorama wrote "In Kaathal - The Core, Jeo Baby's writers Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria occasionally resort to the FAQ format to elucidate the necessity of proper understanding and acceptance of sexual orientation.
With Kaathal, Mammootty also squashes pre written stereotypes for how a hero should be on screen, what kind of roles a megastar can take up, and whether an actor with a good market should do an experimental, bold film at all.