Kummatty ('Bogeyman') is a 1979 Malayalam-language film, written and directed by G Aravindan. It describes a young boy's encounters with the titular bogeyman, and draws heavily from the folklore of the Malabar (northern Kerala) region.
This film contains examples of:
- Animorphism: The Kummatty gives children masks that turn them into animals, and dances with them.
- Expecting Someone Taller: In the stories the children hear, the Kummatty is as tall as the sky, his feet can cross chasms, his teeth are long and sharp, and he takes away trouble-making children. The real Kummatty is an old man who is not impressive at all until he starts his magic.
- Historical Hero Upgrade: The Kummatty of folk tales is a traditional bogeyman who harms or steals mischievous children. In the film, he is still powerful and dangerous, but he also plays with the children and cares about them.
- No Antagonist: The conflict in this film is caused by an accident.
- Scary Black Man: The Kummatty is wrinkled, shabby and looks scary.
- Trickster God / Fairy Trickster: The Kummatty is a mythical being who is not physically strong, but can turn humans into animals. He appears and fades away as he pleases, and does not follow social rules or conventions. His approach creates a carnival spirit in the village, particularly among the children.
- Wouldn't Hurt a Child: Despite being a bogeyman, the Kummatty is never shown harming a child.
