Ottaal


Ottaal is a 2015 Indian Malayalam film directed by Jayaraj, an adaptation of the Anton Chekhov 1886 short story "Vanka". The film stars Ashanth K Sha and Kumarakom Vasudevan, as well as Shine Tom Chacko, Sabitha Jayaraj and Thomas G. Kannampuzha.
It became the first movie in India to be released online on the same day as its theatrical release. The film made history, becoming the first ever Malayalam movie to sweep all the top awards in the 20-year history of the International Film Festival of Kerala. It 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.

Plot

This film tells the story of a young boy and his relationship with his grandfather, 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. 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.

Cast

  • Master Ashanth K Sha as Kuttappai
  • Kumarakaom Vasudevan as Vallyappachayi
  • Shine Tom Chacko as Mesthri
  • Thomas J Kannampuzha as Betty
  • Sabitha Jayaraj as Moly
  • Master Hafis Muhammed as Tinku
  • Vavachan as Outha

Soundtrack

The film has one song, "Aa Manathilirrunnu", composed by Padma Bhushan Kavalam Narayana Panicker. The background score composed by Sreevalsan J. Menon was praised by the jury when the film won the Crystal Bear at the Berlinale 2016.

Release and reception

The film was released in theatres and online on 6 November 2025. The online platform was Reelmonk. It was the first Indian film to be released simultaneously in theaters and on the internet.

Accolades

Award / Film FestivalCategoryRecipientResult
National Film AwardsBest Screenplay Writer Joshy MangalathWon
National Film AwardsBest Film on Environment Conservation/PreservationOttaalWon
Kerala State Film AwardsBest FilmJayarajWon
Mumbai Film FestivalGolden Gateway of India AwardOttaalWon
Mumbai Film FestivalFilm for Social Impact AwardOttaalWon
International Film Festival of KeralaSuvarna Chakoram OttaalWon
International Film Festival of KeralaBest Film - International Federation of Film Critics juryOttaalWon
International Film Festival of KeralaBest Malayalam film - Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema juryOttaalWon
International Film Festival of KeralaRajatha Chakoram - Audience PrizeOttaalWon
Berlin Film FestivalCrystal BearOttaalWon