Chemmeen (1965) Review in 2025
Chemmeen is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Ramu Kariat, based on Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai's novel of the same name. The film stars Madhu, Sheela, and Sathyan. It's a classic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption set in the backdrop of the Kerala coast.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its mature themes and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema and those who enjoy classic dramas. It's a film that will leave you feeling invested in the characters' lives and will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film revolves around the story of Karunakaran, a fisherman who falls in love with his friend's sister, Kochu Kunjamma. However, their love is forbidden, and Karunakaran is forced to marry another woman. The story takes a tragic turn when Karunakaran's wife dies, and he is left to care for their daughter. Meanwhile, Kochu Kunjamma's husband returns, and Karunakaran is forced to confront his past mistakes.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a strong narrative that explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The film's climax is emotionally charged and will leave you feeling invested in the characters' lives.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Madhu delivering a standout performance as Karunakaran. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Sheela and Sathyan delivering convincing performances as Kochu Kunjamma and her husband.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Madhu delivering a standout performance as Karunakaran. The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, and their performances are convincing and authentic.
direction9.00/10
Ramu Kariat's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the story. The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Kerala coast and a haunting score that complements the on-screen action.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the Kerala coast and a beautiful color palette that captures the mood and atmosphere of the film. The lighting is also noteworthy, with a subtle use of shadows that adds depth and texture to the scenes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's engaging story, well-developed characters, and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch for fans of Malayalam cinema. The performances are also excellent, with Madhu delivering a standout performance as Karunakaran.
Cons
The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the themes of love and betrayal to be heavy-handed. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise excellent film.
Notable Quotes
"Chemmeen is a film that will leave you feeling invested in the characters' lives."
"The film's climax is emotionally charged and will leave you feeling drained."
"The story is a classic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption."
