Mammootty’s ‘Kaathal’ & Prithviraj’s ‘Mumbai Police’: Diverse Views on LGBTQ Challenges

A resurgence in Malayalam cinema nearly a decade ago saw a newfound exploration of overlooked issues, notably the LGBTQ community’s struggles. In the spotlight, ‘Mumbai Police’ tackled this theme, revealing the gripping narrative of a gay police officer (Prithviraj) grappling with societal prejudice, resorting to a tragic act.

Written by Bobby-Sanjay and directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the film delves into the guilt and shame surrounding one’s sexual orientation. A decade later, Jeo Baby’s ‘Kaathal – The Core,’ starring Mammootty, continued this discourse. The stark contrast between the films reflects Kerala’s evolving, yet still divided, stance on LGBTQ acceptance.

In ‘Mumbai Police,’ the narrative revolves around concealing one’s sexual identity at any cost, driven by the fear of societal judgment. ‘Kaathal,’ on the other hand, embraces the issue with grace, portraying Mammootty’s character, Mathew, navigating the challenges of coming out without succumbing to shame.

The films also shed light on societal reservations, particularly within family audiences. Hate comments on Mammootty’s social media after ‘Kaathal’ indicate persistent resistance, revealing a clash between cultural values and LGBTQ representation.

Back in 2013, ‘Mumbai Police’ faced mixed reactions due to limited awareness about sexual orientation. Prithviraj’s character, ACP Antony Moses, lived a concealed life, projecting toughness to hide his true self. In ‘Kaathal,’ Mathew’s story takes a different turn, with acceptance prevailing over societal norms.

Both films, however, share protagonists haunted by fear. Mammootty’s poignant scene confessing his fears in ‘Kaathal’ contrasts with Prithviraj’s frantic response to potential exposure in ‘Mumbai Police.’ The privilege disparity between Mathew and Thangan in ‘Kaathal’ further underscores the impact of societal non-acceptance.

While societal discomfort with homosexuality persists globally, both movies emphasize that being homosexual is not a crime. They highlight the deep impact societal non-acceptance can have on individuals, navigating a complex landscape where opinions matter.