Ullozhukku

Behind the Scenes of Ullozhukku: How Christo Tomy’s Flood Drama Became a National Award Winner

Ullozhukku (2024), the Malayalam drama directed by Christo Tomy, has become one of the most talked-about films of the year—not just for its gripping narrative but for the real-life challenges and triumphs behind its making. Starring Urvashi and Parvathy Thiruvothu, the film explores a family’s emotional unraveling during a flood, forcing them to confront buried secrets. But the story off-screen is just as compelling, from Urvashi’s award-winning performance to the logistical hurdles of shooting in a simulated disaster zone.

A Flood of Emotions—and Real-Life Challenges

The film’s premise—a family stranded by floodwaters while trying to bury a loved one—mirrors the chaos of Kerala’s devastating 2018 floods, though the story itself is fictional. Director Christo Tomy revealed in an interview that shooting in a "makeshift flood" was no easy feat. The production team recreated the waterlogged setting, immersing actors in knee-deep water for extended periods. While Tomy didn’t detail the exact methods, the effort paid off: Ullozhukku earned Urvashi her second National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, a recognition the director called "deserved".

The film’s atmospheric tension isn’t just visual. The script, penned by Tomy himself, looks at the fraught relationship between a mother-in-law (Urvashi) and daughter-in-law (Parvathy), subverting typical "saas-bahu" tropes. Critics praised the film for its layered storytelling, with The South First calling it a "masterpiece" elevated by performances and music.

Urvashi and Parvathy: A Dynamic Duo

Urvashi’s portrayal of Leelamma, the matriarch, has been the standout performance of the film. Her win at the 69th National Film Awards (announced in 2025) marked a career milestone, with Tomy emphasizing that her role went beyond conventional supporting parts. Parvathy Thiruvothu, meanwhile, delivered a powerhouse performance as the daughter-in-law, Anamika, with their on-screen chemistry driving the film’s emotional core.

Interestingly, Tomy admitted that even after casting the two actresses, he initially described them as co-leads—a rare move in Indian cinema, where mother-in-law roles are often sidelined. The director later clarified that Urvashi’s character was the true anchor, a decision that paid off with her award.

Breaking the "Saas-Bahu" Mold

Ullozhukku has been hailed for its fresh take on family dynamics, particularly the relationship between Leelamma and Anamika. Unlike the melodramatic conflicts often seen in Indian cinema, the film’s tension stems from unspoken resentments and societal pressures. The Federal noted that the two women "rise above the flood of clichés," with the film’s rich atmosphere and nuanced writing making it one of 2024’s most affecting releases.

The supporting cast—including Arjun Radhakrishnan, Alencier Ley Lopez, and Jaya Kurup—also drew praise for their performances, though the spotlight remained firmly on Urvashi and Parvathy. The film’s success has sparked conversations about the lack of substantial roles for older actresses in Indian cinema, with Urvashi’s win seen as a step toward change.

**What’s Next for Ullozhukku?**

While the film has already earned critical acclaim and awards, its long-term impact remains to be seen. Christo Tomy, previously known for the Netflix true-crime docu-series Curry & Cyanide, has established himself as a director unafraid of challenging narratives. Ullozhukku’s success could pave the way for more Malayalam films exploring complex family dynamics, especially those centered on women.

For now, fans are left with a haunting, beautifully crafted drama—one that proves even the most turbulent waters can’t drown out the truth.