In a year marked by the return of regressive mainstream cinema, the best Indian films smashed the patriarchy, empowered the oppressed, and spotlighted talent from across regions and languages.
Jyotika recently opened up about Kaathal – The Core and shared insights into its intricacies, expressing admiration for Mammootty's bravery in taking on the project. Chithha actor Siddharth also lavished praise on the Malayalam superstar.
In matters of sexuality and gender, Hindi cinema is a microcosm of Indian cinema across languages. However, as a tsunami of cis-het machismo has raged across the country in the 2020s - epitomised by the pan-India triumph of the KGF franchise (Kannada), the Pushpa series (Telugu) and Animal (Hindi) - one megastar has stunned cinephiles this winter with Kaathal: The Core (Malayalam), a tender film on a closeted gay man.