Abhyanthara Kuttavali Review: Asif Ali-starrer is an adequate reminder that not all women are victims

Abhyanthara Kuttavali Story: Sahadevan, a temporary government employee, is happy to be marrying the woman of his dreams at a fairytale wedding. But after his wife fabricates allegations of domestic abuse and harassment in the name of dowry, he faces severe consequences. 

Abhyanthara Kuttavali Review: The basic idea of Sethunath Padmakumar's film—that victims are regardless of gender—might have been conveyed in a plausible manner, but a few flaws in the screenplay detract the movie's appeal as an entertaining film with an important social message.

Temporary government worker Sahadevan is thrilled to be marrying his prospective bride and anticipates a happy married life. His ambitions are greeted with disappointment, though, as his wife, Nayana, shows no interest in him or their marriage. He has legal issues right away after Nayana makes false claims of domestic abuse and harassment under the pretence of dowry, which leads him to a family court. Thus begins Sahadevan's fight against injustice and his legal exposition of the truth. 

The movie does a good job of portraying how men are harmed by laws intended to protect women. It also raises concerns about the rationale behind marital alimony and the reasons underlying the rise in male suicide rates. Though the film has an intriguing subject, there are other aspects that fail to make a lasting impression, including the heavy focus on the ways in which women victimise males. 

Most of the time, it looks plausible and emotionally stirring as the filmmakers show the audience a variety of events in which men suffer damages in the name of rules aimed at protecting women's rights. The film's strongest point is its discussion of how our society's "so-called traditions," such as giving a bride enormous sums of gold or giving the in-laws gifts during a marriage, can lead to problems.

For Asif, who has portrayed similar guy-next-door characters before, playing Sahadevan is a breeze. With his subtle performance, the Rekhachithram actor has also been able to effectively emote to the audience. Alongside Jai Mahendran star Anand Manmadhan, Azeez Nedumangad, who is well-known for his humorous parts in Nunakkuzhi and Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, has been able to add to the light-hearted moments of Abhyanthara Kuttavali. Although the characters portrayed by Jagadish, Harisree Ashokan, and Sidharth Bharathan raise hopes, they are only used as story devices to highlight the misery of men.

The film can be hailed as a decent family film that explores a different aspect of marital problems, dowries, and domestic violence instances in our society, despite its writing flaws. 

Abhyanthara Kuttavali Verdict: Although the Asif Ali film lacks a solid narrative, it does a great job of conveying the notion that not all women are good, just as not all men are terrible.