Kaathal - The Core 2023

Mathew Devassy, a dedicated retired bank manager, lives peacefully with his family in a quiet village. His family includes his wife, Omana, his daughter, Femy, and his father, Devassy. They enjoy a respectable and harmonious life, largely thanks to his father’s support for the CR Party, which helps Mathew secure a candidacy in the upcoming Local Village Body elections.

However, their peaceful existence suddenly encounters turmoil when Omana unexpectedly files for divorce against Mathew, accusing him of being homosexual. This revelation shocks the family and threatens his chances in the election. When confronted, Omana reveals that she filed the petition two months earlier, but the timing of her decision raises questions. The couple rushes to the Family Court to seek a swift resolution. Omana’s legal team brings forth her allegations that Mathew has not fulfilled his marital obligations, yet she admits that their marriage was not characterized by intimacy, mentioning that they had only four instances of intercourse over their twenty-year marriage.

Throughout the trial, the court’s lawyer questions the necessity of the divorce, suggesting that Mathew might have been accused of a crime under the IPC 377 law if the petition had been filed earlier. Mathew firmly denies any accusations of homosexuality or having a relationship with his friend Thankan, who owns a driving school and expresses his own anguish about his sexual identity. Thankan mentions that his school is predominantly attended by women, highlighting the societal pressures he faces. Meanwhile, Kuttayi, Mathew’s nephew, breaks down due to harassment and bullying at school, illustrating the broader societal challenges faced by their family.

As the court proceedings unfold, Devassy, Mathew’s father, is called as a witness. During his testimony, he admits that Mathew has been a homosexual since childhood and confesses that he himself pressured his son into marriage due to societal expectations. That evening, overwhelmed with emotion, Devassy tears up and admits responsibility for the difficulties in his son’s life. Mathew, remorseful and seeking understanding, apologizes to Omana, sharing that he was afraid to be open about his true self. Omana expresses her desire to divorce, hoping to free both of them from the burdens of their meaningless family life; as they sign the divorce papers, Mathew finally openly comes out as gay and proceeds with his election campaign.

Following his victory in the elections, Mathew’s life takes another unexpected turn. He begins searching for a suitable groom for Omana, with the support of his partner, Thankan, who now stands by his side. This resolution signifies a new chapter of acceptance and honesty, both for Mathew and his family, as they navigate the complexities of identity, societal norms, and love.

“Sometimes, the truth is the only way to find real happiness.”