Gatta Kusthi 2 review: Men talk feminism in Vishnu Vishal film, but women pay for it
In a span of two months, we saw Samantha, Preity Mukundhan and Abhirami ace action like no one in Maa Inti Bangaaram and Blast. But
In a span of two months, we saw Samantha, Preity Mukundhan and Abhirami ace action like no one in Maa Inti Bangaaram and Blast. But Aishwarya Lekshmi did it back in 2022 when she wrestled her way into the hearts of audiences with her role in Gatta Kusthi. Four years later, the team reunites for a sequel that promises to delve deep into the lives of Veera, Keerthi and their daughter, Mathi Malar. Read Full Story The film begins with a promise that Veera (Vishnu Vishal) makes to Keerthi (Aishwarya Lekshmi) – that he will stand by her wrestling career when she had become pregnant. Years later, Veera is a house husband, while Keerthi manages her work and wrestling career. However, when she discovers that their daughter Mathi Malar is not into sports and is failing in subjects, chaos ensues. Veera and Keerthi want to bring up their child in different ways. One disagreement after another ends up costing Keerthi her wrestling career and causing a crack in their relationship. What happened to them? Why are they heading for a divorce? What does Mathi Malar want? All these questions are answered over two hours and 34 minutes. Director Chella Ayyavu's Gatta Kusthi was a fun film that received laurels for Aishwarya Lekshmi's role. Though the film veered into patriarchal territory post interval, it did attempt something new in the commercial realm by challenging gender roles.
In 2026, when the conversation about changing gender roles and politics is far more diversified, making a Gatta Kusthi 2 is like walking a tightrope. And, much to the disappointment of many, Gatta Kusthi 2 undoes whatever little progress the first part made and takes us back to the 80s and 90s – where the men crack wife jokes and talk about putting women in their place. What's worse is how the screenplay masquerades this lopsided view on gender politics as an attempt to promote family values. Veera is a house husband – he does his daily chores, socialises with the neighbourhood women, and is a friendly father to Mathi. But when it comes to accountability, he hides behind the phrase: I did it by mistake. Typical, isn't it? And Keerthi is almost punished for all her choices. The film views Veera as the ideal man who supports his wife, while Keerthi is the one who suffers for it. Yes, Veera cooks and takes care of Keerthi, but what about emotional co-dependence? The film doesn't do justice to their relationship as a husband and wife. Their bond is so weakly written that all it takes is one conversation with her coach to pit them against each other. And when it costs Keerthi her career – the one thing that means the most to her – Veera simply steps back and says he made a mistake.
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