The Many Faces of Khalid Rahman’s Cinema

Khalid Rahman’s Films Don’t Play By the Rules—They Challenge, Surprise & Redefine Expectations

With Alappuzha Gymkhana , starring Naslen Gafoor, on the horizon, Neelima Menon takes a look at Khalid Rahman's filmography to understand what makes him tick.

OWING TO HIS GENRE-BENDING NARRATIVES , director Khalid Rahman has garnered a loyal following among the youth within a short span. His impressive range and mastery over diverse genres underscore his exceptional craftsmanship and also reveal a keen understanding of the audience's psyche. It's quite evident that Rahman prioritises artistic integrity over box-office trends, thereby solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker deeply committed to his craft.

There is a pivotal moment in Khalid Rahman’s Unda when CI Manikandan (Mammootty) is thrown off balance by an unexpected gunfire attack while he and his team are stationed somewhere in remote parts of northern India. When it happens, the part of your brain conditioned to expect Mammootty's signature daredevil stunts from his previous cop films goes blank, caught off guard by the unexpected departure from type. But here, our expectations are subverted as Manikandan freezes and breaks into a cold sweat as he struggles to process the attack and save his troupe. And in a remarkable show of vulnerability, the next day, he apologises to his juniors, candidly admitting that he's never pursued thieves in his career and is clueless about how to handle a firearm attack.

Stream the latest Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada releases, with OTTplay Premium's Simply South monthly pack, for only Rs 249.

A particularly revealing moment came when this writer's mother was visibly upset by this portrayal. "This is so unbecoming of him," she remarked, her sentiment echoing the disappointment of a longtime fan who had grown accustomed to the actor's iconic, hard-boiled cop roles since the 80s. Notably, it took over two decades for this subversive take on the cop genre to emerge, one that boldly challenges the very image Mammootty had cemented on screen. This moment also underscores the significance of Unda as a film that dares to defy expectations and offer a fresh perspective on the traditional cop genre.

Watch the 5 best Mammootty films available on OTTplay Premium.

Despite a slender storyline, it is Khalid Rahman's masterful direction that elevates it into a captivating watch. He skillfully infuses each scene with humour, satire, suspense, and sensitivity. Notably, despite featuring a superstar, Khalid resists the temptation of Mammootty overshadowing the narrative. Instead, he achieves a brilliant balance, allowing each character, including the excellently cast havildars and constables, to shine with distinct personalities, meaningful conversations, and ample screen time.

He already made a refreshing debut with the romantic comedy Anuraga Karikkin Vellam , which itself defied genre conventions and characterisations. Through his sophomore outing, he once again cements his reputation as a daring filmmaker who delights in unpredictability. Since then, across his four films, including the upcoming sports comedy, Alappuzha Gymkhana, he has continued pushing boundaries, inviting viewers into an uncharted territory – that's authentic, vibrant and thrillingly unpredictable.

Blending multiple genres and embracing a fusion of styles

Khalid Rahman's cinematic universe is distinguished by its inclusive storytelling, where every character on screen is granted space and meaningful conversations. In his debut film, Anuraga Karikkin Vellam , Rahman explores the complexities of marriage through two generational couples: ASI Raghu (Biju Menon) and Suma (Asha Sharath), who have settled into a comfortable yet unfulfilling routine after decades together, and Abhi (Asif Ali) and Eli (Rajisha Vijayan), a younger couple struggling to navigate their conflicts and ultimately deciding to separate. Rahman explores the universal themes of marital stagnation and revitalising romance by ingeniously weaving together two generational love stories that resonate deeply. By juxtaposing these narratives, he adds nuance and depth to the portrayal of love, relationships, and the complexities of the human heart.

Watch Anuraga Karikkin Vellam on OTTplay Premium.

In his third film, Love , crafted during the pandemic, you have a complex narrative that blends murder mystery, psychological comedy, and high-stakes marital drama. As the characters navigate a tangled web of relationships, the audience is kept on the edge, questioning the events unfolding on screen. Much like the unpredictable nature of love itself, the film's tone seamlessly shifts between intense, perplexing, and unhinged, leaving viewers guessing about the enigmatic plot long after the credits roll.

While his fourth film, Thallumaala , penned by Muhsin Parari, was designed as a graphic novel-styled cinematic adventure, with a world built around the backdrop of chaotic, wild and reckless fights. Rahman cleverly employs an absurd narrative thread to explore the fragility of the male ego. The rugged protagonists forge, strengthen and rekindle their camaraderie solely based on the merit of where the next impromptu brawl erupts. Through its non-linear narrative, spanning 155 minutes, Thallumaala showcases fights that erupt over trivial reasons, staged with incisive wit and absurdity. The film's setting – packed theaters, parking lots, weddings and mosques – serves as a backdrop for the frenetic violence. Furthermore, the film critiques the superficiality of social media culture, where brawls are commodified into viral Insta Reels, minting overnight sensations.

Loved Tovino Thomas in Thallumaala? Watch more of his stellar performances on OTTplay Premium.

Where characters are flawed and endearing

Suma, in AKV , is a relatable and endearing homemaker who has resigned herself to a life of emotional neglect by her spouse. Nearly invisible within her own home, she's grown accustomed to being taken for granted by her family. In stark contrast, Eli, her son Abi's ex-girlfriend, embodies a fierce determination, fighting tirelessly for affection and acceptance. Although heartbroken when Abi leaves her, Eli eventually emerges from her sorrow, moving forward with remarkable resilience and grace. In Unda, the sole female character is heard only through a phone call. Beepathu in Thallumaala is a social media sensation, fun-loving, with a mind of her own. The female characters in Love navigate a complex web of emotional turmoil, grappling with deception, self-doubt, and relationship conflicts. Their struggles are deeply intertwined with their partners, highlighting the intricate dynamics of love, trust and power in relationships.

Although Rahman's narratives are often centred around male protagonists, they avoid polarisation. Instead, his stories organically incorporate women, subtly subverting stereotypes and adding nuanced twists to familiar archetypes.

His male characters are multidimensionally flawed and relatable. Raghu, played by Biju Menon, is a compelling example. Despite years of marriage, he struggles to connect with his spouse and is grappling with anger issues and a lingering nostalgia for his childhood sweetheart. Meanwhile, his son (Asif Ali), having grown up amidst the strained dynamics between his parents, has developed into an entitled and spoiled individual. In Unda , Mani Sir is an unassuming, low-ranking cop, thereby defying conventional cinematic portrayals of law enforcement. Aged, slightly paunchy, and anxious about his family's well-being, he's relatably human. A poignant moment shows him exhausted and clammy, huddled on the floor, evoking concern for his heart condition. When condescended to by the ITBP Commandant, he humbly seeks clarification from his junior, requiring Hindi translation. This nuanced characterisation subverts the typical larger-than-life cop persona often associated with Mammootty's on-screen roles. Thallumaala ’s lead, Manavalan Wazim, embodies the cavalier attitude of social media-obsessed Gen Z youth. A major part of the narrative has him recklessly pursuing trivial altercations to prove his masculinity, a trait oddly reflected in other male characters.

Another interesting aspect is his commitment to inclusive storytelling, where even supporting characters are crafted with depth and purpose. A notable example is Elli's friend in AKV , who initially offers a sympathetic ear during Elli's breakup but eventually grows exasperated with her melodrama. Another instance is Elli's admirer, who evolves from a minor character to a pivotal one, ultimately marrying her. These nuanced portrayals attest to Rahman's skill in creating rich, interconnected narratives that value the contributions of all characters, no matter how seemingly peripheral.

The trailer of Alappuzha Gymkhana hints that he is once again venturing into fresh territory—sports comedy. It is locally rooted, ingenious and quirky, with a glimpse into a world that looks familiar. Will he be able to repeat the magic of Thallumaala, or will he surprise us with something entirely new?

Like what you read? Get more of what you like. Visit the OTTplay website , or download the app to stay up-to-date with news, recommendations and special offers on streaming content.

Plus: always get the latest reviews. Sign up for our newsletters. Already a subscriber? Forward this email to a friend, or use the share buttons below.

OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS

This weekly newsletter compiles a list of the latest (and most important) reviews from OTTplay so you can figure what to watch or ditch over the weekend ahead.

Each week, our editors pick one long-form, writerly piece that they think it worthy of your attention, and dice it into easily digestible bits for you to mull over.

In which we invite a scholar of cinema, devotee of the moving image, to write a prose poem dedicated to their poison of choice. Expect to spend an
hour on this.