It is said that too many cooks spoil the broth. 'Kanthari' in a way suffers this fate as too many themes intersect to dilute a very important one. There are many underlying aspects that the movie tries to convey. For example, the way in which circumstances makes a man, societal judgement, crime, respectability, prostitution, marginalization etc dot the movie's landscape.
All these are weighty issues, but these are not held together securely to give a polished outcome. Rather, we have disjointed sequences which do not offer a complete overview. But all said, 'Kanthari' is a genuine attempt and holds good.
Rachana Narayankutty plays Rani, who is brought up by three prostitutes. Society's thumping of nose over matters not in her hands makes her grow into a "kanthari" who act all bold and tough. Her response to those to try to exploit her is by looting them of money and chains. She is a socially marginalized person. Ameer (Shekar Menon) is another such person, albeit marginalized in a different way. He is a rich man who is on the lookout for a suitable bride. His flabby body and handicap invites ridicule.
These two marginalized lives intersect as they find solace in each other. From here, the movie takes off to a different trajectory, mixing other themes. A murder mystery completely shifts the locus point. It is perhaps from there that 'Kanthari' takes a nosedive.
'Kanthari' had immense potential. It could have been a surprise hit. Rachana Narayanankutty has done well as the fire spitting Rani and so has Shekar Menon. The movie's BG add to the mood and the songs are apt, though not catchy. A more pruned and thematically contained script could have made Ajmal's directorial more effective. The bottom line is that, 'Kanthari' is good in patches and is a well intentioned movie, which albeit lacks consistency.
Rating - 2/5
