Ottaal

Ottaal (The Trap)
Theatrical Poster
Directed by	Jayaraj
Produced by	K Mohan (Seven Arts Mohan) Vinod Vijayan
Screenplay by	Joshy Mangalath
Story by	Joshy Mangalath
Based on	Vanka  by Anton Chekov
Music by	Kavalam Narayana Panicker
Cinematography	M J Radhakrishnan
Edited by	Ajithkumar B
Production company	Director Cutz Film Company Ltd
Distributed by	Qube, Reelmonk
Release dates	6 November 2015 (India)
Running time	81 minutes
Country	India
Language	Malayalam, English

Ottaal (The Trap) is a 2015 Malayalam film directed by Jayaraj and is an adaptation of the short story "Vanka" by Russian writer Anton Chekhov.^[1] This film stars Ashanth K Sha and Kumarakom Vasudevan, as well as actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sabitha Jayaraj.^[2] It became the first movie in India to be released online on the same day as its theatrical release.^[3] The film made history, becoming the first ever Malayalam movie to have swept all the top awards in the 20-year history of the International Film Festival of Kerala.^[4] The film was one of four Malayalam films selected to be a part of the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November 2015.^[5]

Plot

This film tells the story of a young boy (Ashanth K Sha) and his relationship with his grandfather (Kumarakom Vasudevan), his only living relative in the world. Actor Kumarakom Vasudevan is a fisherman in real life, whom Director Jayaraj found during his hunt for actors to play the role. Shine Tom Chacko’s character, Mesthri, also has a pivotal role in the story.^[6] Ottaal is an adaptation of one of Anton Chekhov’s timeless works, Vanka. A story of the 18th century, but one that has travelled the time and space to be retold in the present day at a small village in the South of India.

Soundtrack

The film has one song 'Aa Manathilirrunnu', composed by Padma Bhushan Kavalam Narayana Panicker.^[7]

Release and Reception

The film was released in theaters in Kerala on 6 November 2015 and online on the same day through Reelmonk, making it the first Indian film to be released simultaneously in theaters and on the Internet.^{[8][9][10][11]}

Accolades

Award / Film Festival	Category	Recipient(s)	Result
National Film Awards (India)[12]	Best Screenplay Writer (Adapted)	Joshy Mangalath	Won
	Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation	Ottaal	Won
Kerala State Film Awards[13]	Best Film	Jayaraj	Won
Mumbai Film Festival[14]	Golden Gateway of India Award	Ottaal	Won
	Film for Social Impact Award	Ottaal	Won
International Film Festival of Kerala[15]	Suvarna Chakoram (Best Film)	Ottaal	Won
	Best Film - International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) jury	Ottaal	Won
	Best Malayalam film - Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) jury	Ottaal	Won
	Rajatha Chakoram - Audience Prize	Ottaal	Won
Berlin Film Festival[16]	Crystal Bear	Ottaal	Won

References

1. "‘OTTAAL’: JAYARAJ ADAPTS CHEKHOV’S STORY". YTalkies. 16 February 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
2. "When a photo inspired a film". The Hindu. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
3. "'Ottaal' to have simultaneous release in theatres, online". Business Standard. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
4. "Jayaraj's 'Ottaal' sweeps top honours". Manorama Online. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
5. "Four Malayalam Films to be Screened at International Film Festival". New Indian Express. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
6. "'Ottal' is more than an environmental film: Jayaraj". Manorama Online. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
7. "Ottaal Multiple Award Winning Movie Review". Saj Media. 8 November 2015. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
8. "Exploring online market for movie release". The Hindu. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
9. "Ottaal releasing this Friday". JanmaBhumi Daily. 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
10. "Malayalam film Ottaal to release in theatres, online on same day". 5 November 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
11. "'Ottaal' First Indian Film to be Released Online in Real-time". 6 November 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
12. "National Awards: Kangana Ranaut Collects Best Actress Award". NDTV. 3 May 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
13. "Kerala State Film Awards 2014 - Winners List". Now Running. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
14. "JIO MAMI 2015: 'Haraamkhor', 'Chauthi Koot' bag top honours; complete list of winners". IB Times. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
15. "Malayalam film 'Ottaal' sweeps all awards ar International Film Festival of Kerala". DNA India. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
16. "Malayalam film wins Crystal Bear at Berlinale". The Hindu. 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2016.