Pada: Anurag Kashyap hails Kunchacko Boban’s film, calls it ‘Malayalam Dog Day Afternoon’

Kamal KM’s hostage drama based on a true story hit theatres earlier this month and it has been heaping praises for its story and performances. Recently, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap took to social media and appreciated the film, calling it a ‘must-watch’ movie. He called the movie, starring Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Vinayakan and Dileep Pothan, the “Malayalam Dog Day Afternoon”. 

The filmmaker took to Instagram to hail praises for the film. Sharing a poster of the film, he wrote, “This film is in cinemas now .. must watch.. see it on screen. What a powerful and fun rendering of a true event .. the Malyalam “Dog Day Afternoon” with a twist..”

The movie is based on the true story of a group of members in Palakkad, who identified themselves as Ayyankali Pada. They had barged into the collector’s chamber and held him hostage in protest against the amendment of the Adivasi Land Act by the Kerala government. 

The movie, which is written and directed by Kamal K.M, also features Prakash Raj, Indrans, TG Ravi, Kani Kusruti, Unnimaya, Jagadish, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Shine Tom Chacko and Salim Kumar.

The film received positive reviews from critics following its release. “Kamal KM’s Pada works as a stark and relevant reminder of the hostage drama in 1996 and how the issue has still not been addressed 25 years later. However, those who are aware of the incident and how it went down, wouldn’t be too engrossed as the cinematic elements are toned down,” reads OTTPlay’s review of the film.  

Recent reports also confirm that the film will start streaming on Amazon Prime Video. While the makers are yet to announce an official release date, it is expected to be available after 30 days of the film’s theatrical release.