Geethu Mohandas's 'Toxic': A Satirical Take on Machismo in Cinema
Exploring 'Toxic' and Its Themes
Is Geethu Mohandas using her upcoming film Toxic to satirize the hyper-masculine genre, particularly those featuring Yash? The teaser hints at this, showcasing Yash's character, Raya, who, after an intense encounter with a woman, unleashes enough energy to cause an explosion that obliterates his foes.
This ambitious third film from Mohandas, co-written with Yash, is a multilingual project set to premiere on March 19. The subtitle, A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups, resonates with themes from her previous work, Moothon (2019).
Moothon unfolds across two contrasting locations by the Arabian Sea: the stunning Lakshadweep and the gritty Mumbai. The narrative connects these diverse islands through trade, fishing, and the enduring myths of the sea, featuring dialogue in the Jeseri dialect of Malayalam from Lakshadweep and Hindi.
The story follows Mulla (Sanjana Dipu), a schoolgirl facing bullying and scorn from the fisherman Moosa (Dileesh Pothan). Mulla's quest is to find her elder brother Akbar, who left Lakshadweep for Mumbai after his relationship with Ameer (Roshan Mathew) was exposed. Her journey to Mumbai is fraught with danger and enchantment.
Moosa cautions Mulla that the mainland changes everyone. The screenplay possesses a mythical essence, resembling a cautionary tale shared by fishermen as they cast their nets into the rich yet enigmatic waters. Mulla dreams of a mermaid ensnared in a net, foreshadowing the challenges she will encounter in Mumbai, particularly with the ruthless trafficker Bhai (Nivin Pauly), who is lost in his own vices.
Moothon is currently available on ZEE5. The film starkly contrasts the chaotic energy of Mumbai, where Mulla evades Bhai's henchmen, especially Salim (Shashank Arora), with the serene Lakshadweep, where Akbar and Ameer explore their love. Mulla's harrowing experiences juxtapose Akbar's tender moments with Ameer, whose romance is expressed through intense glances, sign language, and intimate gestures.
While Mathew shines as Ameer, Nivin Pauly delivers a powerful performance as a character adrift, grappling with heartbreak and substance abuse. Although the film's balance of beauty and brutality may not always succeed, Pauly's portrayal of a groundbreaking anti-hero who challenges traditional masculinity is notably praiseworthy.