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Back in 2023, Kaathal: The Core received widespread acclaim for being a pathbreaking film that explored queer identity, the emotional challenges faced by individuals navigating their sexuality, the burden of secrecy, and the societal pressures they endure. It also shed light on the emotional toll such situations take on their spouses. Featuring Mammootty and Jyothika in the lead roles, the film addressed these complex issues with sensitivity and nuance. While it was praised by both critics and audiences for its portrayal of a marginalized community, it’s worth noting that Kaathal may not have been as revolutionary as some believe—especially when compared to the 2013 film Mumbai Police, which featured Prithviraj Sukumaran in a similar, yet earlier and bolder, role.
Why Kaathal: The Core Is Not as Groundbreaking as It Seems Initially
Kaathal: The Core was released at a time when public acceptance of queer identities had grown relatively stronger in Kerala. There was a noticeable shift in societal attitudes, with many Malayalis appearing more open and the state government showing surface-level support for the LGBTQ+ community. The film leaned more towards artistic expression than commercial appeal, aiming to thoughtfully portray the inner conflicts and challenges faced by individuals grappling with their identity—something that becomes evident through its narrative and tone.
The Societal Changes in Kerala Have Been Significant
When Mumbai Police was released in 2013, it arrived at a time when the Supreme Court had re-criminalized same-sex relationships, and societal acceptance was significantly lower. Even today, being part of the LGBTQ+ community in Kerala comes with its share of challenges. However, advocating for queer rights is now viewed with more openness and is often regarded as a courageous stance—something that wasn’t the case back then.
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Mumbai Police: Why Was It Groundbreaking?
By Mollywood standards, Mumbai Police was a mainstream commercial thriller that didn’t appear to be aiming for awards or delivering a social message. Yet, it broke ground simply by featuring a young lead actor in the role of a closeted queer man—something almost unheard of at the time. The film even depicted moments of emotional and physical intimacy between the characters, a bold move compared to Kaathal: The Core, which chose a more restrained approach.
That said, it remains notable that a veteran actor like Mammootty took on such a layered role in Kaathal. But as noted earlier, society is more open to such narratives today. Even now, Mumbai Police continues to surprise new viewers. One Reddit user wrote: “In theatres, our jaws dropped. We didn’t see the twist coming, not even from a hundred miles away. You have to remember—this was 11 years ago. LGBTQ+ representation in cinema was almost nonexistent back then. The impact wouldn’t have been the same if it released today.”
MUMBAI POLICE WAS CRAZYYYYYYY
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What stands out in both Kaathal: The Core and Mumbai Police is their departure from stereotypical portrayals of queer characters, often reduced to comic relief in mainstream cinema. In Mumbai Police, the protagonist is depicted as masculine and layered, breaking away from typical cinematic molds. While Kaathal went on to win several prestigious awards and gained widespread recognition, Mumbai Police didn’t receive the same level of acclaim at the time. It remains, in many ways, an underappreciated trailblazer.
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