Ozhimuri

Setting

'Ozhimuri' is based on the story of the book 'Uravidangal' by veteran bilingual writer Jeyamohan, which is, the matrilineal system that prevailed in the Nair community in the erstwhile southern Travancore. The advantage of the matrilineal system was that the property was enjoyed by successors of the women in the family. The women were educated and bold. They enjoyed freedom in all respects. The mother in the family was stronger than the father. But by the end of this system, in the 1940s, women lost all their powers and soon became 'slaves' in the hands of a feudal male-dominated society. The movie exposes the complexities of a period of transition from matrilineal to patrilineal.

"Ozhimuri" means 'divorce record' in both Tamil and Malayalam. In the matrilineal system, women were free to divorce their husbands if they were not having a sound relationship. The 'ozhimuris' or small palm-leaf pieces recording divorces of couples still stand testimony to the freedom, which women enjoyed those days. The movie lays open the ego clashes and complexities of a period through the eyes of its lead character Thanupillai (Lal), who witnesses the tale of three women, his mother, wife and son's wife.

Cast

Production

Earlier it was reported that Padmapriya was selected to play one of the three female lead. But later Mallika replaced her. Actor-turned-director Madhupal invited 65 fresh faces in the age group of 10–70 years for this film.

Critical reception

'Ozhimuri' released with positive response.

Metromatinee.com gave positive review with a verdict : "Impressive".

Nowrunning.com gave 3/5 stars and concluded saying that "Ozhimuri burns slowly, spurting off those sparks every now and then, and even when the smoke and fire appears to have died out, you sense that crimson embers lie glowing and buried deep inside."

IBN Live gave a mixed review by saying that the movie is "Satisfying".

Accolades