Watch Chola

Chola is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language thriller film directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan. The film stars Nimisha Sajayan in the lead role, alongside Joju George and Jolly Chirayath in supporting roles. The story revolves around Janaki (Nimisha Sajayan), a teenage girl who lives in a small village in Kerala with her mother and younger sister. Janaki is in love with a boy named Ameer (Akbar), but her mother disapproves of their relationship. One day, Janaki decides to run away from home with Ameer, but he abandons her in the middle of the night.

Lost and alone, Janaki meets the enigmatic and rough-around-the-edges, Manuel (Joju George) who offers to take her on a journey across Kerala. As they criss-cross across the state, the two form an unlikely bond. Manuel initially seems to protect Janaki, but as their journey takes them deep into the heartland of Kerala, it's revealed that he has his own hidden motives for being with her.

The journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet a woman named Ayesha (Jolly Chirayath), who becomes a part of their journey. As they travel through the countryside, the trio encounter a series of violent and disturbing situations which force them to confront the unsavoury realities of life.

The movie explores themes of power dynamics, gender roles, and class struggle. The three characters are from completely different backgrounds, and their interactions give insight into the social hierarchy and caste-based discrimination that still exists within Indian society.

One of the highlights of the movie is the strong portrayal of Janaki by Nimisha Sajayan. Her character is a young girl who is both vulnerable and strong-willed, and her performance is both powerful and nuanced. Joju George is equally impressive in his role as Manuel, bringing out the complexity of his character with ease.

The cinematography by Ajith Aacharya is stunning, capturing the lush landscapes of Kerala in all their glory. The movie is shot mostly in real locations, giving it a gritty and realistic feel.

Chola premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2019 and was later screened at several other film festivals, including the International Film Festival of Rotterdam and New York Indian Film Festival. It received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and cinematography.

In conclusion, Chola is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores themes of power, gender, and class in a raw and realistic way. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema, and especially those who enjoy thrillers with an underlying social commentary.

Chola is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.