View source for Kaathal: The Core

{{Short description|2023 film by Jeo Baby}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Kaathal: The Core
| image          = Kaathal - The Core.jpg
| alt            = 
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Jeo Baby]]
| writer         = {{Plainlist|
* [[Adarsh Sukumaran]]
* Paulson Skaria
}}
| producer       = [[Mammootty]] <!--Producer's name is not credited. Only executive producer George Sebastian is credited.-->
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* Mammootty
* [[Jyothika]]
}}
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
* Salu K. Thomas
*  Viggu
}}
| editing        = Francies Louis
| music          = Mathews Pulickan
| studio         = Mammootty Kampany
| distributor    = [[Wayfarer Films]]
| released       = {{Film date|2023|11|23|df=y}}
| runtime        = 114 minutes
| country        = India
| language       = Malayalam
| budget         = {{INR}}5 crore
| gross          = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->{{Estimation}} ₹14.5 crore<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/kaathal-the-core-11-day-box-office-collection-and-share-from-kerala-mammootty-jeo-baby-jyotika-nsn-s55391|title=Kaathal The Core Box Office : മമ്മൂട്ടിക്ക് അടുത്ത ഹിറ്റ്? 'കാതല്‍' കേരളത്തില്‍ നിന്ന് 11 ദിവസം കൊണ്ട് നേടിയ കളക്ഷനും ഷെയറും|website=www.asianetnews.com|access-date=5 December 2023|archive-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205123133/https://www.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment-news/kaathal-the-core-11-day-box-office-collection-and-share-from-kerala-mammootty-jeo-baby-jyotika-nsn-s55391|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

'''''Kaathal: The Core'''''{{efn|According to Jeo Baby and Mammootty, ''Kaathal'' has the dual meaning of "core" in Malayalam and "love" in Tamil.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2023-11-29|title=‘Kaathal – The Core’s subject is quite revolutionary,’ says Mammootty ahead of highly-anticipated film’s release|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kaathal-the-cores-subject-is-quite-revolutionary-says-mammootty-ahead-of-highly-anticipated-films-release-9034850/|date=20 November 2023|quote=Discussing the film’s title, which holds distinct meanings in Malayalam and Tamil, Mammootty and Jeo Baby highlighted its dual significance. In Tamil, it signifies love, while in Malayalam, ‘Kaathal’ conveys the meaning of ‘the core’.}}</ref>}} is a 2023 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[Legal drama|courtroom drama]] film<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2023 |title=Mammootty-Jyothika starrer 'Kaathal' barred in middle east countries |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/11/21/mammootty-movie-kaathal-the-core-banned-middle-east-countries.html |access-date= |website=Onmanorama |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121130529/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/11/21/mammootty-movie-kaathal-the-core-banned-middle-east-countries.html |url-status=live }}</ref> directed by [[Jeo Baby]] and written by [[Adarsh Sukumaran]] and Paulson Skaria. Produced by <!--Producer's name is not credited. Only executive producer George Sebastian is credited.-->Mammootty Kampany, the film stars [[Mammootty]] and [[Jyothika]] in lead roles. Sudhi Kozhikode, RS Panickar, Joji John, [[Muthumani]], [[Chinnu Chandni]] and [[Kalabhavan Haneef]] played the other supporting roles.

The film was officially announced in October 2022 and [[principal photography]] commenced in the same month and [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] up in November 2022. The music was composed by Mathews Pulickan. Francies Louis handled the editing while the cinematography was done by Salu K. Thomas.

''Kaathal: The Core'' was released on 23 November 2023 and opened to positive reviews from critics praising the performances of Jyothika and Mammootty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/060124/kaathal-the-core-review-rating.html|title=Kaathal-The Core Review: Mammootty, Jyothika deliver knock-out performances|first=B. V. S.|last=Prakash|date=6 January 2024|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> It emerged as a commercial success at box office.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2023-12-06 |title='Kaathal - The Core' box office collections day 12: Mammootty's film inches close to theatrical hit status; mints more than Rs 14 crores |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaathal-the-core-box-office-collections-day-12-mammoottys-film-inches-close-to-theatrical-hit-status-mints-more-than-rs-10-crores/articleshow/105782893.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name="sebastian2023">{{cite web | last=Sebastian | first=Meryl | title=Kaathal: When Malayalam superstar Mammootty plays a gay character | website=[[BBC News]] | date=9 December 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-67634682 | access-date=9 December 2023 | archive-date=9 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209012114/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-67634682 | url-status=live }}</ref> This movie is the final film appearance of Kalabhavan Haneef.<ref name=":0" />

== Plot ==
Mathew Devassy, a retired bank manager lives with his family of four - his wife, Omana, daughter, Femy, and father, Devassy, leading a respectable life in his village. Thanks to his father's contribution towards the CR Party, Mathew is given a chance to contest the Local Village Body elections. One evening, he discovers that Omana has filed a [[divorce]] petition against him alleging that he is [[homosexual]]. Upon confronting that it might hinder his election candidature, Omana says that she had filed it two months ago. They approach for a speedy trial in the [[Family court|Family Court]], where Omana had filed the petition alleging that he has not fulfilled her marital obligations, but was perfect in raising a family. The respondent lawyer asks her the number of times they had intercourse, to which she replies four - in their entire twenty years of marital life.

Upon questioning the need for a divorce then, the representing lawyer argues that Mathew would have been accused of committing a crime if she had filed the petition earlier according to the then existing law (IPC 377). Mathew denies his homosexuality and relationship with Thankan, his alleged partner accused in the case, during the cross-checking by the prosecution. Thankan, who owns a driving school, expresses anguish that his sexual orientation is different and that his school is flooded by only women. His nephew, Kuttayi, breaks down facing harassment and bullying in school. Meanwhile, the party is puzzled about Mathew's election campaigning.

As the case proceeds, Devassy is called upon as a direct witness and accepts that his son has been a homosexual since his childhood and the marriage was pressurized by him due to the expectations of the society. That night, Devassy bursts into tears and agrees that he was responsible for the mishappenings of his son's life. Mathew apologises to Omana and implores that he was afraid to come out. Omana says that she wanted a divorce to rescue them both from this meaningless family life; they both shed tears. The next day, as they sign the divorce papers, Mathew comes out as a gay man and proceeds to campaign for the elections.

Post the elections, the victorious Mathew is seeking a potential groom for Omana, with Thankan as his partner.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Mammootty]] as Mathew Devassy - a retired bank manager
* [[Jyothika]] as Omana Philip Mathew - Mathew's wife 
* Sudhi Kozhikode as Thankan, Mathew's friend
* [[Pooja Mohanraj]] as Thankan's sister
* Anagha Maya Ravi as Femy Mathew, Mathew's and Omana's daughter
* RS Panickar as Devassy, Mathew's father
* Joji John as Tomy, Mathew's brother-in-law
* [[Muthumani]] as Adv. Ameera
* [[Chinnu Chandni]] as Adv. Sajitha
* Alex Alister as Kuttayi
* [[Kalabhavan Haneef]] as Judge
* Josey Sijo as Sibin Teekoy
* [[Jeo Baby]] as Kuttayi's stepfather
}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
In August 2022, [[Jeo Baby]] was rumoured to direct a film starring [[Mammootty]] and [[Jyothika]] in lead roles. However, he denied it as a rumour.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rajan |first=Silpa |date=2022-08-12 |title=Is Jeo Baby directing Mammootty in his next? The director reacts - EXCLUSIVE |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/is-jeo-baby-directing-mammootty-in-his-next-the-director-reacts-exclusive/articleshow/93522239.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203010520/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/is-jeo-baby-directing-mammootty-in-his-next-the-director-reacts-exclusive/articleshow/93522239.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In late-September, Baby confirmed that he would be directing Mammootty in a film produced by Mammootty Kampany, for which the pre-production works had already begun. Jyothika was yet to sign the film as the casting process was underway.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rajan |first=Silpa |date=2022-09-29 |title=EXCLUSIVE! 'The Great Indian Kitchen' director Jeo Baby confirms his next with Mammootty |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-the-great-indian-kitchen-director-jeo-baby-confirms-his-next-with-mammootty/articleshow/94525254.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008233844/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-the-great-indian-kitchen-director-jeo-baby-confirms-his-next-with-mammootty/articleshow/94525254.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sidhardhan |first=Sanjith |date=2022-09-30 |title=Exclusive! Mammootty-Jeo Baby movie to be a family drama, Jyothika's yet to sign |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/exclusive-mammootty-jeo-baby-movie-to-be-a-family-drama-jyothika-is-yet-to-sign-the-film/c444083f7d825 |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=[[OTTplay]] |language=en |archive-date=26 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126153836/https://www.ottplay.com/news/exclusive-mammootty-jeo-baby-movie-to-be-a-family-drama-jyothika-is-yet-to-sign-the-film/c444083f7d825 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 October, the title of the film was announced and Jyothika's inclusion was confirmed, thereby marking her return to [[Malayalam cinema]] after a hiatus of 12 years, since ''[[Seetha Kalyanam (2009 film)|Seetha Kalyanam]]'' (2009). Jeo said that it was the first time that he was working on a script that was not his own. But when he heard the story, he liked it and then approached Mammotty to play the lead role. While considering options for a leading lady to play the role of the wife, Mammootty suggested casting Jyothika.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathews |first=Anna |date=2022-10-22 |title=Exclusive: Mammootty-Jyothika together for first time in Jeo Baby film |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-mammootty-jyothika-together-for-first-time-in-jeo-baby-film/articleshow/95028606.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125213450/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/exclusive-mammootty-jyothika-together-for-first-time-in-jeo-baby-film/articleshow/95028606.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The writing team included Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria. Jeo retained most of his technicians from his film ''[[The Great Indian Kitchen]]'' (2021) including cinematographer Salu K. Thomas, editor Francies Louis and music composer Mathews Pulickan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-19 |title=Mammootty and Jyotika to star in Jeo Baby's 'Kaathal - The Core' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-and-jyotika-to-star-in-jeo-babys-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/94958013.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107151727/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-and-jyotika-to-star-in-jeo-babys-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/94958013.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] began on 20 October 2022 in [[Kochi]] with a customary [[Puja (Hinduism)|pooja]] ceremony.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-20 |title=Kaathal: Mammootty suggested Jyotika's name for the film, says Jeo Baby |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaathal-mammootty-suggested-jyotikas-name-for-the-family-drama-says-jeo-baby/d469b32bb1816 |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=[[OTTplay]] |language=en |archive-date=27 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127205645/https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaathal-mammootty-suggested-jyotikas-name-for-the-family-drama-says-jeo-baby/d469b32bb1816 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-20 |title=Mammootty - Jeo Baby's 'Kaathal - The Core' begins with a pooja function, see pics |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-jeo-babys-kaathal-the-core-begins-with-a-pooja-function-see-pics/articleshow/94985330.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125082959/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-jeo-babys-kaathal-the-core-begins-with-a-pooja-function-see-pics/articleshow/94985330.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Jyothika joined the sets on 27 October.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-28 |title=Jyotika joins the sets of 'Kaathal - The Core' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jyotika-joins-the-set-of-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95137762.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112145042/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jyotika-joins-the-set-of-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95137762.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Mammootty completed filming for his portions on 18 November<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-19 |title=Mammootty completes his portions for 'Kaathal - The Core' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-completes-his-portions-for-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95619700.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418124421/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/mammootty-completes-his-portions-for-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95619700.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> while Jyothika's was completed on 20 November.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-21 |title=Jyotika wraps up her portions for 'Kaathal - The Core' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jyotika-wraps-up-her-portions-for-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95657402.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127073724/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jyotika-wraps-up-her-portions-for-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95657402.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Filming was [[Wrap (filmmaking)|wrapped]] up on 22 November 2022, in a span of 34 days.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-23 |title=It's a wrap for Mammootty-Jyotika starrer 'Kaathal - The Core' |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mammootty-jyotika-starrer-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95704337.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202234017/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-mammootty-jyotika-starrer-kaathal-the-core/articleshow/95704337.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Post-production ===
Post-production works began in late-January 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-27 |title=Post-production works of 'Kaathal: The Core' starring Mammootty and Jyotika progressing |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/post-production-works-of-kaathal-the-core-starring-mammootty-and-jyotika-progressing/articleshow/97365964.cms |access-date=2023-04-16 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210020154/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/post-production-works-of-kaathal-the-core-starring-mammootty-and-jyotika-progressing/articleshow/97365964.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2023, [[K. S. Chithra]] recorded a song composed by Mathews Pulickan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Madhu |first=Vignesh |date=2023-03-29 |title=KS Chithra records song for 'Kaathal' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/mar/29/ks-chithra-records-song-for-kaathal-2560672.html |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412151802/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2023/mar/29/ks-chithra-records-song-for-kaathal-2560672.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Release ==
=== Theatrical ===
The film was released theatrically on 23 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Akhila |date=2023-03-21 |title=Kaathal - The Core: Mammootty and Jyotika's film gets a release date; Read details |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kaathal-the-core-mammootty-and-jyotikas-film-gets-a-release-date-read-details-1213497 |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |language=en |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415083208/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/kaathal-the-core-mammootty-and-jyotikas-film-gets-a-release-date-read-details-1213497 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=Kaathal - The Core: Mammootty-Jyothika starrer gets a release date |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaathal-the-core-mammootty-jyothika-starrer-gets-a-release-date/c1fcd26abb104 |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=[[OTTplay]] |language=en |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324014250/https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaathal-the-core-mammootty-jyothika-starrer-gets-a-release-date/c1fcd26abb104 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Home Media ===
The digital rights of the film is acquired by [[Amazon Prime Video]] and released on 5 January 2024 in [[Malayalam]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Kannada]] languages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=Mammootty's 'Kaathal - The Core' now streaming on OTT|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/mammoottys-kaathal-the-core-streaming-on-ott-prime-video-2484719-2024-01-05|website= India Today|access-date=2026-04-16 |language=en}}</ref> After it's streaming rights on [[Amazon Prime Video]] got expired, the film was acquired by [[ZEE5]] and started streaming from 14 April 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=Mammootty’s Kaathal – The Core Now Streaming on ZEE5|url=https://tracktollywood.com/kaathal-the-core-zee5-streaming/ |access-date=2026-04-16 |language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==
The film was praised by some members of the LGBT community for its portrayal of the gay character, but people from anti-LGBT groups commented negatively on Mammootty's social media pages criticising the actor for his role and asking for a boycott of the film. Muslim clerics and Christian priests also criticized the film's representation of homosexuality, suggesting that it would "brainwash the youth".<ref name="sebastian2023" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Mammootty receives support amid hateful comments on 'Kaathal' |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/11/25/mammootty-social-media-hateful-comments-kaathal-the-core.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217105809/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/11/25/mammootty-social-media-hateful-comments-kaathal-the-core.amp.html |archive-date=17 December 2023 |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=Onmanorama}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=100|count=8|average=8|consensus=|ref=yes |access-date=28 May 2024}} ''Kathal - The Core'' received mostly positive reviews from critics.<ref name="sebastian2023"/>

Anandu Suresh of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "''Kaathal – The Core'' is a groundbreaking film that should be watched by all, particularly those in the film industry who continue to present recycled age-old narratives, expecting unquestioning acceptance from the audiences."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suresh |first=Anandu |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal The Core movie review: Mammootty and Jyotika outdo themselves in Jeo Baby's landmark film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-rating-mammootty-jyotika-outdo-themselves-jeo-baby-landmark-film-9038231/ |website=The Indian Express |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130742/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-rating-mammootty-jyotika-outdo-themselves-jeo-baby-landmark-film-9038231/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Janani K. of ''[[India Today]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "'''Kaathal - The Core''<nowiki/>' is not just about the coming out, it's also about how these characters move on in life after the divorce. The last shot is dedicated to all the LGBTQIA+ members."<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal The Core Review: Mammootty's film on homosexuality is path-breaking |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kaathal-the-core-review-mammootty-film-on-homosexuality-is-path-breaking-2466574-2023-11-23 |website=India Today |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130718/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kaathal-the-core-review-mammootty-film-on-homosexuality-is-path-breaking-2466574-2023-11-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sajin Shrijith of ''[[Cinema Express]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "''Kaathal'' is arguably the most daring attempt from Malayalam cinema so far, mainly owing to one of its biggest superstars spearheading a film that asks some much-needed questions about a complex topic that doesn't have to be so."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shrijith |first=Sajin |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal- The Core Movie Review: Mammootty and Jeo Baby deliver an emotional juggernaut |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2023/nov/23/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-mammootty-and-jeo-baby-deliver-an-emotional-juggernaut-49829.html |website=Cinema Express |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130721/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2023/nov/23/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-mammootty-and-jeo-baby-deliver-an-emotional-juggernaut-49829.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Anna Mathews of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Good movies can make society think and even initiate change. ''Kaathal - The Core'' might be one such."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathews |first=Anna |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal: The Core Movie Review : Mammootty-Jeo Baby tell a bold story well |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/kaathal-the-core/movie-review/105445068.cms |issn=0971-8257 |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130722/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/kaathal-the-core/movie-review/105445068.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Sukanya Shaji of ''[[The News Minute]]'' gave 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The heart of ''Kaathal - The Core'' is, undoubtedly, the relationship between Mammootty's Mathew Devassy and Jyothika's Omana, and the heartbreaking dignity with which they help each other out of their predicaments."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaji |first=Sukanya |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal: Jeo Baby's Mammootty-Jyothika starrer is a brave story of human reconciliations |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/kaathal-review-jeo-babys-mammootty-starrer-is-a-brave-story-of-human-reconciliations |website=The News Minute |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130721/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/kaathal-review-jeo-babys-mammootty-starrer-is-a-brave-story-of-human-reconciliations |url-status=live }}</ref> Manoj Kumar R. of ''[[OTTPlay]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "''Kaathal – The Core'' navigates through a myriad of sensitive subjects and personal choices deeply influenced by the age-old societal concern of "What will people say?"."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar R. |first=Manoj |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal – The Core movie review - Why this modern classic is a must watch? |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-why-mammootty-jyothikas-modern-classic-is-a-must-watch/b7588fb4b2310 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124071140/https://www.ottplay.com/review/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-why-mammootty-jyothikas-modern-classic-is-a-must-watch/b7588fb4b2310 |url-status=live }}</ref>

S. R. Praveen of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "'<nowiki/>''Kaathal'<nowiki/>'' beautifully uses a conventional family drama setting to tackle a subject that is still largely a taboo in the industry and the larger society; it is quite a triumph in that sense."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Praveen |first=S. R. |date=23 November 2023 |title='Kaathal – The Core' movie review: Mammootty steers a daring attempt that pays off |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-mammootty-steers-a-daring-attempt-that-pays-off/article67566529.ece |issn=0971-751X |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124071133/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-mammootty-steers-a-daring-attempt-that-pays-off/article67566529.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Princy Alexander of ''[[Onmanorama]]'' wrote, "Just like Nivin Pauly and Geethu Mohandas's ''Moothon'', '''Kaathal The Core''<nowiki/>' will be remembered for its unconventional theme and for lending Mammootty one more praise-worthy character in his illustrious career."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Princy |date=23 November 2023 |title=Mammootty's 'Kaathal' rides on theme unconventional to 'the core' {{!}} Movie Review |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/11/23/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-mammootty-jyothika-jeo-baby.html |website=Onmanorama |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124071132/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2023/11/23/kaathal-the-core-movie-review-mammootty-jyothika-jeo-baby.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl of ''[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]'' gave 4.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "''Kaathal – The Core'' is a watershed moment in Malayalam cinema, much like ''The Great Indian Kitchen''. Both Baby and Mammootty have shattered a glass ceiling, the sound of which, one hopes, will reverberate loudly in the society and for long."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramesh Kuniyl |first=Sarath |date=23 November 2023 |title='Kaathal – The Core' review: This Mammootty-starrer is revolutionary in every sense |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/11/23/-kaathal---the-core--review--this-mammootty-starrer-is-revolutio.html |website=The Week |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124071209/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/11/23/-kaathal---the-core--review--this-mammootty-starrer-is-revolutio.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nikhil Sebastian of ''[[Pinkvilla]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "''Kaathal'' stands as another masterpiece from Jeo Baby and Mammootty. With a compelling plot and a poignant subject, the movie succeeds in establishing a strong emotional connection with the audience throughout its two-hour runtime."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sebastian |first=Nikhil |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal The Core Review: Mammootty's latest film dives into society's perspectives on LGBTQ+ relationships |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/kaathal-the-core-review-mammoottys-latest-film-dives-into-societys-perspectives-on-lgbtq-relationships-1260614 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123154409/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/kaathal-the-core-review-mammoottys-latest-film-dives-into-societys-perspectives-on-lgbtq-relationships-1260614 |url-status=live }}</ref> Harshini S. V. of ''[[Film Companion]]'' wrote, "''Kaathal – The Core'' speaks about the struggles of coming out and addresses the need for acceptance in a conventional society. And if that's not bold and progressive, I am not sure what is."<ref>{{Cite web |last=S. V. |first=Harshini |date=23 November 2023 |title=Kaathal - The Core Review: The Jeo Baby Film Is A Remarkable Take On The Complexities Of Coming Out |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/kaathal-the-core-review-jeo-babys-most-progressive-drama-addresses-the-complexities-of-coming-out-mammootty-jyotika |website=Film Companion |language=en |access-date=23 November 2023 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123154412/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/malayalam-review/kaathal-the-core-review-jeo-babys-most-progressive-drama-addresses-the-complexities-of-coming-out-mammootty-jyotika |url-status=live }}</ref> Priyanka Sundar of ''[[Firstpost]]'' gave 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Joe Baby, the director who also gave us the ''Great Indian Kitchen'' masterfully depicts the life of Omana and Mathew so sensibly and with a sensitive approach. It is rare to see a film so well made when it centers on a relationship — especially one that is forced to stick with heteronormativity."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Priyanka |date=24 November 2023 |title=Mammootty and Jyotika's Kaathal: The Core movie review |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kaadhal-the-core-movie-review-joe-baby-film-starring-mammootty-jyotika-starrer-leaves-you-with-a-heaviness-in-your-heart-for-all-right-reasons-13425562.html |website=Firstpost |language=en |access-date=24 November 2023 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124071133/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kaadhal-the-core-movie-review-joe-baby-film-starring-mammootty-jyotika-starrer-leaves-you-with-a-heaviness-in-your-heart-for-all-right-reasons-13425562.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Analysing the movie, Sajesh Mohan of ''[[Onmanorama]]'' wrote "In ''Kaathal - The Core'', Jeo Baby's writers Adarsh Sukumaran and Paulson Skaria occasionally resort to the FAQ format to elucidate the necessity of proper understanding and acceptance of sexual orientation. However, it's not these preaching sessions that drive the point home; it's the characters."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeo Baby's cinematic politics: Decoding pain in 'Kaathal - The Core' |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/11/25/jeo-baby-kaathal-the-core-movie-themes-mammootty-jyothika.html |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130722/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/11/25/jeo-baby-kaathal-the-core-movie-themes-mammootty-jyothika.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Sujatha Narayanan of ''[[The Quint]]'' wrote "Kaathal – The Core is a sensitive, dignified, and nuanced film that brings to fore the importance of how big stars like Mammootty and Jyotika (who returned to the big screen after three years) fit into humble places with much grace. With Kaathal, Mammootty also squashes pre written stereotypes for how a hero should be on screen, what kind of roles a megastar can take up, and whether an actor with a good market should do an experimental, bold film at all. Kaathal makes us all want to be better human beings – and that's the most important achievement of Jeo Baby's film."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/south-cinema/kaathal-the-core-mammootty-gay-protagonist-how-heroes-should-be-on-screen|title=Gay and Nuanced: With 'Kaathal', Mammootty Rewrites How Hero Should Be on Screen|website=The Quint}}</ref>

=== Box office ===
''Kathal - The Core'' recorded an opening of ₹1.05 crore. The film recorded a 19% jump in revenue on its second day in theatres by earing ₹1.25 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-25 |title=Kaathal – The Core box office collection day 2: Mammootty, Jyotika film sees 19% jump in collections |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kaathal-the-core-box-office-collection-day-2-mammootty-jyotika-film-sees-19-percent-spike-9041684/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On its first weekend, the film grossed  ₹1.6 crores on Saturday with a 42.04% occupancy rate and grossed ₹1.75 crores on Sunday. ''Kathal - The Core'' grossed a total of Rs 5 crore within four days of its release. The film reportedly collected ₹16.25 lakhs from Aries Plex Theatre, [[Trivandrum|Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-11-26 |title='Kaathal - The Core' box office collections day 3: Mammootty's drama film mints more than Rs 4 crores |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaathal-the-core-box-office-collections-day-3-mammoottys-drama-film-mints-more-than-rs-4-crores/articleshow/105508584.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> By its first weekend the film grossed ₹1 crore from ROI circuits.<ref name="The Times of India">{{Cite news |date=2023-12-01 |title='Kaathal - The Core' box office collection day 8: Mammootty's drama mints nears Rs 8 crores |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaathal-the-core-box-office-collection-day-8-mammoottys-drama-mints-nears-rs-8-crores/articleshow/105654176.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The next day, the film grossed around 6.25 crore. By its 8th day it grossed around ₹7.95 crores.<ref name="The Times of India"/> On its 12th day the film grossed ₹13.15 crores and was declared a theatrical hit.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-06 |title='Kaathal - The Core' box office collections day 12: Mammootty's film inches close to theatrical hit status; mints more than Rs 10 crores |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaathal-the-core-box-office-collections-day-12-mammoottys-film-inches-close-to-theatrical-hit-status-mints-more-than-rs-10-crores/articleshow/105782893.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== Awards and honours ==
;[[Kerala State Film Awards]]
* [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film]] - [[Jeo Baby]] & [[Mammootty]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/kerala-state-film-awards-2024-winners-list-aadujeevitham-wins-big-prithviraj-urvashi-beena-chandran-take-top-honours-9517307/|title=Kerala State Film Awards 2024 winners list|website=Indian Express}}</ref>
*[[Kerala State Film Award for Best Story|Best Story]] - [[Adarsh Sukumaran]] & Paulson Skaria
*[[Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director – Score|Best Music Director – Score]] - Mathews Pulickan
*[[Kerala State Film Award – Special Mention|Special Mention]] - Sudhi Kozhikode
; [[69th Filmfare Awards South]]
*[[69th Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Critics Award for Best Malayalam Film]] - [[Jeo Baby]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/filmfare-awards-south-2024-full-winners-list-nanis-dasara-siddharths-chithha-win-big-101722757273293.html |title=Filmfare Awards South 2024 full winners list: Nani's Dasara, Siddharth's Chithha win big |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=7 August 2024}}</ref>
* [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Malayalam|Best Actress (Critics) – Malayalam]] - [[Jyothika]]
*[[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Malayalam|Best Lyricist – Malayalam]] - [[Anwar Ali (poet)|Anwar Ali]] ("Ennum En Kaaval")
; [[Vanitha Film Awards]]
*Best Director - [[Jeo Baby]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2024/04/24/vanitha-film-awards-malayalam-cinema-mammootty-mohanlal-joshiy-director.html|title=Vanitha Film Awards: Director Joshiy honoured for lifetime achievement|website=Onmanorama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/news/latest-news/2024/04/24/vanitha-film-awards-2024.html|title=താരത്തിളക്കത്തിൽ വനിത ഫിലിം അവാർഡ്; സമഗ്ര സംഭാവനയ്ക്കുള്ള പുരസ്കാരം ജോഷിക്ക്|website=www.manoramaonline.com}}</ref>
* Best Actor - [[Mammootty]]
* Best Actress - [[Jyothika]]
;Other Awards, recognition & nominations
*It was featured at the [[54th International Film Festival of India|54th IFFI]] Indian panorama section.<ref name="pib:ip">{{Cite news|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1970040|title=Indian Panorama 2023 Announces Official Selection for 54th IFFI, 2023|date=23 October 2023|access-date=21 November 2023|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]]|via=press release|archive-date=21 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121185238/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1970040|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Officially selected at [[Film festival|Imagine India Film Festival]] in [[Madrid]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jeo-babys-kaathal-the-core-starring-mammootty-selected-at-imagine-india-film-festival-in-madrid/articleshow/108303793.cms|title=Jeo Baby's 'Kaathal: The Core', starring Mammootty selected at Imagine India Film Festival in Madrid|date=7 March 2024|work= The Times of India}}</ref>
*Nominated for [[Melbourne International Film Festival|Melbourne International Film Festival for  Best Actor]] for [[Mammootty]] & [[Melbourne International Film Festival|Best Actress]] for [[Jyothika]]<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/indian-film-festival-of-melbourne-2024-nominations-out-shah-rukh-khan-to-compete-with-kartik-aaryan-diljit-dosanjh-for-best-actor/articleshow/111634519.cms</ref>
*Won [[12th South Indian International Movie Awards|South Indian International Movie Awards for Best Actress - Critics]] - Jyothika
*Won [[3rd IIFA Utsavam|IIFA Utsavam for Best Actress - Critics]] - Jyothika
*Nominated for best actor & actress category at [[Awards|Koimoi Awards]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.koimoi.com/koimoi-audience-poll-2023/koimoi-audience-poll-2023-from-aishwarya-rai-bachchan-in-ponniyin-selvan-2-to-jyothika-in-kaathal-vote-for-your-best-actress-in-a-south-indian-film/ | title=Koimoi Audience Poll 2023: From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Ponniyin Selvan 2 to Jyothika in Kaathal, Vote for Your Best Actress in a South Indian Film | date=13 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.koimoi.com/koimoi-audience-poll-2023/koimoi-audience-poll-2023-rajinikanth-from-jailer-to-mammootty-from-kathal-the-core-vote-for-the-best-actor-south/ | title=Koimoi Audience Poll 2023: Rajinikanth from Jailer to Mammootty from Kathal: The Core - Vote for the Best Actor (South) | date=13 February 2024 }}</ref> and [[Critics' Choice Movie Awards|National Critics Choice Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/critics-choice-awards-2024-vikrant-massey-12th-fail-mammootty-kaathal-the-core-joram-get-nominated-full-nominations-list-1670019/amp | title=Critics' Choice Awards 2024: Vikrant Massey's 12th Fail Gets Nominated - See Full Nominations }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sunder |first=Gautam |date=29 November 2023 |title=Jyotika interview: Diya and Dev were my first audience for 'Kaathal - The Core' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jyotika-interview-diya-and-dev-were-my-first-audience-for-kaathal-the-core/article67585941.ece |access-date=6 May 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|tt22818604}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|kaathal_the_core}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kaathal - The Core}}
[[Category:2023 LGBTQ-related films]]
[[Category:Indian drama films]]
[[Category:Indian LGBTQ-related films]]
[[Category:Gay-related films]]
[[Category:2023 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kochi]]
[[Category:Films set in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films directed by Jeo Baby]]