User reviews

Hostage dramas have hitherto been an unexplored sub-genre in Malayalam with the iconic "Moonnam Mura" (1998) the only film that made any mark in the mind of audiences. In "Pada", director Kamal KM relies on an unbelievable true story of bravery and standing up to the ruling elite to tell us a riveting tale that manages to make you think and shake you to your very core.

Based on the crisis perpetrated by the "Ayyankali Pada", a tribal rights association, in 1996 by taking the district collector of Palakkad hostage, "Pada" explores how even the downtrodden will rise up if the subjugation goes beyond a point and delivers its message without resorting to cheap cinematic thrills or gimmicks. Originally planned as a protest against tribals and Dalits being evicted forcibly from the Western Ghats in the name of mega-projects, the hostage drama had managed to shed much-needed light on the plight of the community and brought their troubles to the public conscience.

The casting deserves high praise with each of the four protagonists-played by Kunjacko Boban, Vinayakan, Dileesh Pothen and Joju George playing their part with aplomb. It was an absolute delight to see Vinayakan in characteristic blistering form after long, with his last memorable performance coming way back in 2019 with "Thottappan". Kunchacko Boban's second innings in Malayalam cinema keeps going from strength to strength with his script sense coming to the fore, be it the critically-acclaimed "Nayattu" (2021) to the deliciously entertaining "Bheemante Vazhi" (2021) and now "Pada".

That Joju George seldomn acts and rather lives on screen as the character is taken for granted these days while it is astonishing that Dileesh Pothen continues to grow as an actor while still making excellent content as one of Malayalam's foremost directors. "Pada" also makes optimum use of its supporting cast with Indrans, Arjun Radhakrishnan, T. G Ravi, Unnimaya Prasad and the expectedly immaculate Prakash Raj adding tension and drama to proceeding with their rousing performances.

The film weaves its magic slowly but surely as the leads set out to plan and execute their armed uprising and encounter several obstacles in their path. A disruptive but riveting quickening of the pace leads to a stunning interval sequence where you are left on a knife-edge. From there, the film takes a tonal shift from being action-oriented to an increased focus on the subject and message and provides thought-provoking commentary on the unconscionable way the government has treated the society's weaker sections.

Director Kamal KM injects immense realism and rootedness into the storytelling, with most of the stunt sequences shot in a rowdy, rough and tumble manner, with none of it appearing choreographed or coordinated, as it happens in real life. Despite the misguided way the protagonists raise their concerns, at no point do you feel anything but sympathy for the circumstances that forced their hand and their noble intentions behind taking matters into their own hands.

A chilling montage at the climax gives the audience more insights into the plight of the tribals that led them to take such extreme measures as well as the continued suffering being meted out to them at the hands of a broken system. The film's true success lies in the conversations it will trigger and the questions that it will raise, at least in the minds of a younger generation filled with hope and the willingness the make large-scale, systemic change.

Pada is the best kind of cinema-one that combines a strong message hinging on a real-life story which gets further elevated by a handful of excellent performances and a captivating narrative. One can only imagine the sheer bravery and gumption of the original protagonists who embarked on this daring protest to call out the apathy of the larger society out there towards the adivasis. No wonder the entire theatre I watched the film in gave the movie a standing ovation as the end credits rolled.

Sensational, impactful filmmaking. Highly, highly recommended!

Being someone from Palakkad, I suggest that this is a must watch for all malayalees. It shows the atrocities shown by communist Kerala government towards Adivasi community. It shows the actual facts as it is without twisting anything.

The shameful fact is that, government still continues to deny Adivasi any justice and they are still suffering.

I am proud of the actors, directors and the film crew for their courage and guts to openly portray governments inaction and injustice. Kudos to them.

This movie points our finger to the fact 'Right to live', no one in this world has the right to question 'the existence of any other living being'. Earth belongs to each and every self survivors.

Though the way they forced to protest for a group of human's freedom for land and equality with threat, this era deserves the act.

Live and let live with respect!!

This movie is well made and does not bore you; you will be glued to the seat to know what happens next, and made it look so realistic as possible, amazing direction by Kamal K. M. A film to support Adivasi is great and mostly this movie will not change the situation what Adivasi people are facing, but this is one good step by the movie industry to show the people all around the world wat is the situation of Adivasi people, even now the situation of Adivasi people is not good Thanks to the government and Politics for this.

Respect to the actor, actress, crew and director for their effort in making this amazing movie.

I did not know anything about this incident till I saw this movie 🎥 . Everything was explained in detail 👏. I really like this Movie 🎥. . ....................

One of the rare movies that gives 100% satisfaction. Must watch.

I cant find any fault to this movie. Never bored and directed very well.

Watch and support these kind of movies .

No gimmick,no flashy scenes. Just straight forward stroy telling and depicting a real life story while preserving its present day relevance to its wholeness. This is a gem of a movie; after a longtime which is gripping and thrilling at the same time. It should be watched and suggested to others so that others can also watch it.

The reason why I gave the title like that is because in the film all actors are heros because this is not a formulated story, The story is already been occured and it is visualised by a film .. The second part of film is this is not a mass entertainer.. There is a real-time issue that is been occured in our society and when you are clubbing all together in a theater maybe it won't worth for the sound effects but as a society which we are living needed to be aware of this social issue .. This is a good way to be known regarding the movement.

A well directed and written script based on true events backed up with some strong solid performances by all the actors.

The movie throws a strong question at the viewers which has not been answered yet even after 26 years post the real incident.

The movie is about a true incident. Everyone knows what happens with the story. But the brilliant screenplay engaged the audience till the end of the movie. All artists performed well. Again a low budget good movie from Malayalam cinema industry.

It was Always Very difficult to Portray Original Incident that happened with same emotions in a movie .. But In pada ,There is a Well written scrip,along with Good Direction...Casting, Acting,Cinematography,Bgm Side All are Good.. Totally A superb Movie. Thanks To Director to take Such a Bold Theme For Movie..

Pada is a politically charged, engaging recreation of a hostage incident that took place over two decades ago. It presents its core issue from the protesters' perspective, acting as a timely reminder of the struggles faced by the neglected section of the society - the Adivasis. Pada throws barbs at the ones in power who make lobbied decisions that disrupt the lives of many. The lead foursome is efficiently played by Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Vinayakan, and Dileesh Pothan. And it's not just them who perform well - the entire ensemble is kickass!

The screenplay shuttles between the hostage situation, the family members of the affected, and the crisis management experts, holding our attention all through. Writer-Director Kamal KM deserves appreciation for not resorting to preachy dialogues or spoon-feeding audiences with half-baked ideologies. His stance is solid (and sympathetic), and he conveys it intelligently through his cast and crew.

The main problem faced by a movie based on real incidents are, Fails to keep us interesting, Will be classified as a classic movie, Most of the time it demands a slow paced narrative.

But in case of Pada it was all upside down, each and every moments were thrilling and intriguing with a perfect duration and all in balance.

The movie begins with an interview of Chakochan, Were the camera moves and reaches an extreme close up shot of him. From that scene till the movie end the cinematography was just lit.

The bgm was also top notch I felt goosebumps in some parts. The bgm was perfectly provided as the scene demands.

The casting and the performance of all actors were also just fabulous.

THIS MOVIE IS A MUST WATCH MOVIE WHICH WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE JUST GO AND WATCH IT.

Pada is based on real life incident of collectorate coup happened in Palakkad during 1996. The group who calls themselves Ayankali pada made the government machinery stand still for 9 hours with the demand to with the demand to withdraw tribal bill passed in legislative assembly.

Director doesn't divert anywhere and show us what was really happened. There are no surprise elements except the one in the revealed at the end. So keep your expectations low. If you are a person who knows already or if you have read all these somewhere regarding what happened in 1996 better stay away there is nothing left for you in theatres.

The problem with the movie you will be expecting something big to happen but nothing happens at all but at the end of the movie a news reel with snippets tells us why this kind of movies should be made.

There is not much change for them in these 25 years, be it left or right.

I know nothing about the situation so I don't know how true or inaccurate this movie is but it is well done. Nice pace, pretty good acting by the main principals and most of the supporting actors, showed the different agendas local, state of national agencies have in times of crisis and a glimpse (hopefully accurate) of what it's like in this region of India. Hotel Mumbai comes to mind but this one it deeper and richer. Definitely worth see if you can handle the subtitles.

I cannot stop praising the rich talent powerhouse in Malayalam movies. I am in love with the Malayalam film industry. They are best in India. At the end of film i felt the pain of the oppressed section of the society. This is very painful. They are also human. How govt. Illegetimately take away everything from this people. I have one suggestion to the Malayalam filmmakers . Please dub your movies at least in Hindi. Because ordinary people are not used to watch movies with subtitles. It will be better if they dub their movies at least in hindi. I am a movie buff so i don't have any problem . I watch movies mainly in foreign languages but ordinary people don't watch movies without Hindi dubbing. They don't have the habit of watching movies with subtitles. More people can watch this and become aware of the richness of Malayalam industry.

Pada (2022) : Brief Review -

A terrific hostage drama that is brutally honest and fearless while exposing the failure of the Kerala government. Malayalam cinema strikes again with another gutsy and socially important film. The same cinema industry has produced fantastic exposive dramas in many fields in the last five years: law and justice, police department, politicians, government, and system. Pada adds another important chapter in the book, and this one is really devastating for some people. By some people, I mean, tribal people. Let's be clear. Pada exposes the two-faced behaviour and failure of the government and police department. The film is based on a true incident that occurred in 1996 when the then Palakkad collector was held hostage by four Adivasis. At the collector's insistence to reveal, they identify themselves as 'Ayyankali Pada', activists working for the welfare of tribals, and their current resolve is to keep the collector as a hostage and bargain with the current government to repeal the controversial Adivasi Land Amendment Bill. The whole thing is accurate as far as the conclusive part is concerned because it displays all the real footage to secure the authenticity. It isn't that dark and intense, though. You see the collector doing his regular activities in the office despite being held hostage. He cooperates with them, and they also co-operate with him and the others. There's no strain, but some different pressure of responsibility. You just have to understand the real situations better, rather than relying on cinematic situations. The casting unit, which includes Kunchacko Boban, Vinayakan, Joju George, Dileesh Pothan and Prakash Raj, is really good. There are a few glitches in the execution of Kamal K. M. The editor could have repaired them but missed. Nevertheless, a really nice movie, actually, it's more than just a movie. It's a social campaign.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

A standing ovation again to this flick that relates the atrocities done to the downtrodden Adivasis and will trigger ur mind at right chords.... A perfect balanced script that's stands tall and technically solid and crispy....so without any doubt rush to ur home theatre coz this flick speaks to us a lot instead of me review it.

The movie is good and nicely portrayed the real event. However, felt the movie lacks the much required cinematic-thriller elements here and there. Also, there are some questions unanswered at the end of the movie ( though the viewer can interpret it their own way, would have been nice if some clarity was given on those). Overall, a decent movie about a real incident.

A movie certainly worth watching. The creator has done justice to the events depicted in the movie. Such movies are a necessity of these turbulent times.

Good casting, scripting and direction.

I would highly recommend watching this movie, not just because of good craft but also because of the events portayed in this movie.

Movie based on a real event about the plight of 'Adivasis' but this one's based out of Kerala. This movie is kinda like a mix (fair to say that?) of...Newton + Unda + Jai Bheem but without the scenes that make you look away and without the deliberate sentiment-based writing. This one felt more realistic, but I guess it must, since it's based on a true story.

Stellar star-cast, almost an edge-of-the-seat screenplay. While it was intense and gripping, I felt that the way the roles were written for the epic star-cast didn't give them enough score to do what we know they can/have in the past. Shine Tom Chacko - bruh yall couldn't give him more screentime and a larger role? It felt like they wanted to use big names to sell what would have been a good movie regardless. For the intensity that the movie had, for me, the ending fell kinda flat - but how'd you have written the ending anyway?

It's a good movie anyway, would recommend.

Very well directed and the politics which the movie potrayed connected so deeply for me. Terrific perfomance by all the actors. Pada reminds us about that 1% of people who doesn't have voice,it reminds us to be their voice. Must watch.

Brilliantly made movie. So relevant topic even after 25 years of the incident. So powerful that people started discussing and realize about the political system and suppressions done to the minorities. Hats off to Kamal KM and the entire Pada team for making a well crafted movie without any bias, doing proper research and for the courage.

Amazing work by the entire team. Stellar cast and a wonderfully paced drama.

Kunchacko Boban and Joju George combo once again delivers an exceptional experience.

I am very sorry that the Indian politicians have not yet come up with a solution. It is unfortunate that Indians do not fight for the aborigines, for their own people. I really appreciate your making this film and supporting them.