Kuttavum Sikshayum preview: All you need to know about the Rajeev Ravi film starring Asif Ali

With the lockdown measures in Kerala still in effect, filmmakers and producers have had to hold off on releasing several films. While some have opted for OTT releases thanks to the overwhelming number of streaming platforms available in India, others have decided to offer the full cinematic experience to audiences by deciding to move ahead with theatrical releases. Of course, in the current climate, it is more than likely that an OTT release could follow after premiering in theatres - a business strategy that even global heavyweights like Disney have opted for in their releases for 2021. Kuttavum Sikshayum could take a similar approach.

Who are the filmmakers?

The film is helmed by director Rajeev Ravi, known for films such as, Njan Steve Lopez, Annayum Rasoolum, and Kammatti Paadam. Ravi earned a reputation as an acclaimed cinematographer across India working on projects including Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Udta Punjab. He has also collaborated with his wife and director Geetu Mohandas on Liar’s Dice and Moothon. Kuttavum Sikshayum will be Ravi’s fourth film as director.

The film is written by Sreejith Dinakaran and Sibi Thomas, who comes on board as debut writers in the Malayalam industry with it being Dinakaran’s first credit in a feature film. Thomas on the other hand is an actor and has essayed memorable characters in movies like Trance and Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. The film is produced by Film Roll Productions with Arun Kumar V R serving as executive producer. The music is composed by Dawn Vincent (who previously collaborated with Ravi in several projects) while Suresh Rajan will be behind the lens.

Who are the lead actors in the film and what is the film about?

The lead character will be played by Asif Ali who will portray the role of police officer C I Sajan Philip. Asif Ali appeared in the anthology film Aanum Pennum earlier this year which was an OTT release. Actors Sunny Wayne (Sara’s, Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, Kayamkulam Kochunni, June), Sharafudheen (Virus, Premam, Aarkkariyam, Anjaam Paathira), and Alencier Ley Lopez (Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Ayyappanum Koshyum, Take Off) are expected to play important roles in the film. The film’s writer Sibi Thomas will also play a character in the film.

The story is based on the infamous real-life robbery that took place in the Kasaragod district of Kerala in 2015. The culprits were apprehended from different parts of the country by the police. The dramatised version of events may take a few liberties with the plot as most feature films about such incidents do. It will be a police procedural and the audience could expect an exciting action- thriller considering the talent involved in the making of the film.

When and where to watch?

There has been no official confirmation about a release date, as is the case for almost every Malayalam film that has been postponed. But for those eagerly waiting for the film, the release window of October-November may not be outside the realms of possibility, one can only speculate at this time. Of course, there is also the possibility of an OTT release. The film could take the same route that the highly anticipated Tovino Thomas film Minnal Murali took by announcing a straight to OTT release with Netflix acquiring the rights for the film. Though it seems unlikely that Kuttavum Sikshayum would skip a theatrical release, at the present juncture, anything may be possible.