When it comes to horror movies, especially in Malayalam cinema, expectations tend to hover around eerie atmospheres, jump scares, and the occasional creepy child whispering ominous words. But Nirmal Sahadev’s Kumari isn’t your typical horror flick. It’s a spellbinding mix of horror, fantasy, folklore, and mystery — all rolled into one visually stunning package. This film doesn’t just aim to scare you; it transports you to an entirely different world where legends come alive, and every shadow has a story.
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A Journey into the Unknown
Set in the fictional village of Kanhirangat in northern Kerala, Kumari draws heavily from the rich tapestry of local legends and myths. Director Nirmal Sahadev crafted this mystical world by taking inspiration from Vadakkan Aithihyamala, a collection of ancient folktales from Kerala. In an interview, Sahadev explained, “I wanted to create a story where superstition and sorcery coexist with breathtaking landscapes. Kumari is about fear, but not just the fear of the supernatural; it’s about the fear of the unknown.”
The plot revolves around Kumari, played by Aishwarya Lekshmi, who marries into a household steeped in ancient customs and superstitions. As Kumari navigates her new life, she discovers that her new village hides more than just old traditions — it conceals dark secrets that threaten her very existence.
Behind the Scenes: Creating the Enigma
Bringing the fictional village of Kanhirangat to life wasn’t an easy task. The film’s production design was meticulously handled by award-winning art director Gokuldas. The team built elaborate sets that perfectly captured the essence of an ancient, mysterious village. Cinematographer Abraham Joseph’s stunning visuals elevate the film, turning every frame into a painting. Sahadev shared, “Even the colors were chosen from a carefully curated palette to maintain a consistent tone throughout the movie.”
Adding to the immersive experience is Jakes Bejoy’s haunting score. The music blends traditional sounds with eerie undertones, creating an atmosphere that stays with the audience long after the credits roll. Many critics compared the music to iconic soundtracks from films like Manichithrathazhu and Anandabhadram. “Music is a character in itself in Kumari,” said Sahadev. “It helps build tension and keeps the audience on edge.”
A strong female narrative
One of the most commendable aspects of Kumari is its strong female-centric narrative. Aishwarya, in the titular role, delivers a powerful performance, portraying Kumari as both vulnerable and resilient. In addition to Kumari, the film features five significant female characters, each representing different shades of womanhood. Sahadev revealed, “All my films have strong female leads. In Kumari, each woman deals with her circumstances uniquely, showing the multifaceted nature of women.”
Aishwarya Lekshmi, who portrays the titular character, initially had reservations about the film’s execution, particularly concerning budget constraints and the potential for compromising quality. She admitted, “I was sure that if we made it on a small budget, we would end up compromising on the quality of the film.” However, the involvement of esteemed technicians and the association with Prithviraj Productions reassured her.
Reflecting on her role, Aishwarya mentioned that Kumari was one of her more straightforward projects as an actor, focusing more on the audience’s experience than on showcasing her acting prowess. She expressed pride in the film’s evolution, noting, “It’s become so much bigger than I imagined.“
Beyond the horror: A Genre-bending experience
While Kumari is marketed as a horror film, it transcends the genre by blending fantasy, folklore, and mystery. The film doesn’t rely on clichéd horror tropes. Instead, it builds a slow-burning tension through its narrative, making the audience question what is real and what isn’t. This genre-bending approach makes Kumari a refreshing addition to Malayalam cinema.
Critics have noted that Kumari shares thematic similarities with films like Anandabhadram, but with a unique twist. The Hindu’s review stated, “Kumari immerses viewers in a fantasy-horror world but falters slightly due to a shallow script.” Despite this criticism, the film’s ambition and visual storytelling were widely appreciated.
Must-watch for fantasy-horror lovers
In a sea of horror films that often follow the same formula, Kumari stands out as a bold and imaginative take on the genre. Sahadev’s vision, coupled with stellar performances, breathtaking visuals, and a haunting score, makes it a cinematic experience worth your time.
If you’re a fan of films that mix folklore with fantasy and horror, Kumari should definitely be on your watchlist. For more insights into South Indian cinema and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, check out our other articles. Dive deeper into the magical world of films and stay tuned for more captivating content! Read more.
