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| {{for|the 1964 film|Pazhassi Raja (1964 film)}} | |||
| {{Use Indian English|date=October 2013}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}} | |||
| {{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| | name = Pazhassi Raja | | name = Pazhassi Raja | ||
| Line 7: | Line 10: | ||
| | writer = ] | | writer = ] | ||
| | narrator = ] (])<br />] (]) | | narrator = ] (])<br />] (]) | ||
| | starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] | | starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />] | ||
| | music = ] | | music = ] | ||
| | cinematography = Ramanath Shetty | | cinematography = Ramanath Shetty | ||
| Line 14: | Line 17: | ||
| | distributor = ] | | distributor = ] | ||
| | released = {{Film date|df=y|2009|10|16}} | | released = {{Film date|df=y|2009|10|16}} | ||
| | runtime = 200 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?id=14915401&ctid=5&cid=2428|title=Pazhassi Raja |
| runtime = 200 minutes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?id=14915401&ctid=5&cid=2428|title=Pazhassi Raja – Sify report|publisher=]|accessdate=}}</ref> | ||
| | country = India | | country = India | ||
| | language = Malayalam | | language = Malayalam | ||
| | budget = {{INRConvert|27|c}}<ref>{{cite |
| budget = {{INRConvert|27|c}}<br /><small>(Both Malayalam & Tamil Versions)<small/><ref name="Tamil release">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/entertainment/Tamil-Pazhassiraja-to-hit-screens-this-Friday/articleshow/5240432.cms|title=Tamil Pazhassiraja to hit screens this Friday|author=Nandini Sivakumar, P.K.Krishnakumar|publisher=]|accessdate=17 November 2009|date=17 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-31/news-interviews/29949007_1_pazhassi-raja-epic-mammootty |title=Pazhassi Raja: Costliest Malayalam film |publisher=''The Times of India'' |date=2009-10-15|accessdate=10 March 2012 | ||
| |work=]}}</ref> | |||
| | gross = {{INRConvert|50|c}}<ref name=Randamoozham>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-31/news-interviews/29949007_1_pazhassi-raja-epic-mammootty | work=The Times Of India | title=Hariharan- MT Vasudevan prepare for Randamoozham | date=31 August 2011}}</ref> | |||
| | gross = <!--Please note, as there is a dispute in the film's total gross, this parameter is left blank. See Box office section. --> | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''''Pazhassi Raja''''' |
'''''Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja''''' is a 2009 ] ] based on the life of ], a ] king who fought against the British in the 18th century. The film was directed by ], written by ] and produced by ]. It stars an ] consisting of ] in the title lead role, and ], ], ], ], ], Peter Handley Evans, Harry Key, ] and ] in supporting roles. The music score and soundtrack were created by ], while its sound design is by ]. The political situation of the time is portrayed from an ]n viewpoint in the film, and the locals are treated sympathetically. | ||
| The film was featured in international film festivals of ] and Mumbai besides many festivals across the world including the prestigious Fukuoka International Film Festival. The film won ] for ], ] and ] (for Padmapriya). It received numerous other accolades including eight ] and seven ]. | The film was featured in international film festivals of ] and Mumbai besides many festivals across the world including the prestigious Fukuoka International Film Festival. The film won ] for ], ] and ] (for Padmapriya). It received numerous other accolades including eight ] and seven ]. | ||
| ''Pazhassi Raja'' was produced at a cost of {{INRConvert|27|c}} and is considered the costliest film ever made in Malayalam. Originally filmed in ], ''Pazhassi Raja'' was dubbed in ]. The film released on 16 October 2009 across Kerala with 150 prints.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/movies/article35054.ece | location=Chennai, India | deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=May 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot |
''Pazhassi Raja'' was produced at a cost of {{INRConvert|27|c}} and is considered the costliest film ever made in Malayalam.<ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes"/> Originally filmed in ], ''Pazhassi Raja'' was dubbed in ] as well as ]. The film released on 16 October 2009 across Kerala with 150 prints.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/movies/article35054.ece | location=Chennai, India | deadurl=yes}} {{Dead link|date=May 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> | ||
| == Plot == | == Plot == | ||
| The film starts in 1796, four years after the occupation of Malabar by the ] and towards the end of the First Pazhassi Revolt ( |
The film starts in 1796, four years after the occupation of Malabar by the ] and towards the end of the First Pazhassi Revolt (1793–1797). The revolt is lead by ] (]), the Raja of Pazassi Palace, of ]. The exploitation of the native Indian resources by the Company had culminated in popular revolts against its authority across the district. With the help of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja's uncle Kurumbranadu ruler Veeravarma (]), who is jealous of Pazhassi Raja for his success and influence, and Raja's old companion ] (]), the Company act against Pazhassi Raja. This forces Pazhassi Raja to escape to the forests of Wayanad. The tribal force led by Neeli captures Assistant Collector Thomas Hervey Baber (Harry Key) and his fiancée Dora (Linda Arsenio) in the jungle, in spite of his commander's objection. The Raja treats Thomas Baber and Dora as his guest and releases them. | ||
| From there he begins a guerrilla battles against the Company. He is supported by his army chief ] (]) and his brother-in-law ] (]). In the guerrilla battle-front, Pazhassi Raja uses the expertise of Thalakkal Chandu (]), a Kurichya soldier, and Chandu's fiancée Neeli (]). | From there he begins a guerrilla battles against the Company. He is supported by his army chief ] (]) and his brother-in-law ] (]). In the guerrilla battle-front, Pazhassi Raja uses the expertise of Thalakkal Chandu (]), a Kurichya soldier, and Chandu's fiancée Neeli (]). | ||
| Line 39: | Line 43: | ||
| == Cast == | == Cast == | ||
| {{div col}} | |||
| * ] as ], belonging to the Kottayam Royal Family in ] | |||
| * ] as ], Pazhassi Raja |
* ] as ] | ||
| * ] as ] |
* ] as ] | ||
| * ] as ] | |||
| * ] as ] |
* ] as ] | ||
| * ] as Neeli |
* ] as Neeli | ||
| * ] as ] |
* ] as ] | ||
| * Harry Key as Thomas Hervey Baber, the Assistant Collector (North Malabar) under Principle Collector Thomas Warden. | |||
| * Harry Key as Thomas Hervey Baber | |||
| * ] as Dora Baber, ] of Assistant Collector Thomas Baber | |||
| * ] as Dora Baber | |||
| * Peter Handley Evans as Major James Gordon, the Company officer who lead the raid on the Raja's palace at Pazhassi in April, 1796 | |||
| * Peter Handley Evans as Major James Gordon | |||
| * ] as Pazhayamveedan Chandhu | * ] as Pazhayamveedan Chandhu | ||
| * ] as Kurumbranaadu Raja Veeravarma | * ] as Kurumbranaadu Raja Veeravarma | ||
| * ] as Kanara Menon | * ] as Kanara Menon | ||
| * ] as Moopan | * ] as Moopan | ||
| * ] as Kannavathu Nambiar | * ] as Kannavathu Nambiar | ||
| * ] as Emman Nair | * ] as Emman Nair | ||
| * ] as Unni Mootha | * ] as Unni Mootha | ||
| Line 58: | Line 63: | ||
| * ] as Athan Gurukkal | * ] as Athan Gurukkal | ||
| * ] as Chirakkal Raja | * ] as Chirakkal Raja | ||
| * ] as Subeidhar Cheran |
* ] as Subeidhar Cheran | ||
| * ] as Sekaran Warrier | * ] as Sekaran Warrier | ||
| * ] as Chirakkal Thamburatty | * ] as Chirakkal Thamburatty | ||
| * ] as Kaitheri Thamburatty | * ] as Kaitheri Thamburatty | ||
| * ] as Unniamma | * ] as Unniamma | ||
| * Ross Elliot as Colonel Robert Bowles |
* Ross Elliot as Colonel Robert Bowles | ||
| * ] as Governor Jonathan Duncan |
* ] as Governor Jonathan Duncan | ||
| * ] |
* ] as Lieutenant Maxwell | ||
| *Simon Hewitt as Captain Dickinson | |||
| * Gary Richardson as Major Clapham, instrumental in the final assault on the Raja. The wife of the Raja was put into Clapham's litter. | |||
| * Gary Richardson as Major Clapham | |||
| * ] as Major Murray | * ] as Major Murray | ||
| * ] as Major Stephen | * ] as Major Stephen | ||
| {{div col end}} | |||
| == Crew == | |||
| {{colbegin}} | |||
| * Writer - ] | |||
| * Director - ] | |||
| * Producer - ] | |||
| * Music - ] | |||
| * Cinematography - Ramanath Shetty and Venu | |||
| * Editing - ] | |||
| * Production Design - Sunil Babu | |||
| * Art Direction - Muthuraj | |||
| * Costume Design - Natarajan | |||
| * Make-up artist - Pattanam Rashid and NG Roshan | |||
| * Associate Production Executive - S. Moorthy | |||
| * Assistant Directors/Second Unit Directors - Shajar A, Anand Kishore, Praveen Chandran Moodadi, Babu Namboodhiri and Baby Panikker | |||
| * Assistant Art Director - Vibhu Kashyap | |||
| * Set Designer - Krishnamani | |||
| * ADR Recordist/Post-Production Sound - Shalini Agarwal | |||
| * Associate Re-recording Mixer - Subir Kumar Das | |||
| * Sound Designer - Amrit Pritam Dutta | |||
| * Sound Editors - Arunav Dutta and Vijay Kumar | |||
| * Sound Recordist - ] | |||
| * Matchmove Artist: EFX - Chandran Anoop | |||
| * Senior Compositor (Visual Effects) - Ramesh Karthikeyan | |||
| * Digital Compositor (Visual Effects) - P. Mohan | |||
| * Visual Effects Supervisor - Prabhakaran | |||
| * Matchmove Artist: The Moving Picture Company - Sajeev Sadanandan | |||
| * Costume Supervisor - V. Sai | |||
| * Associate Editor - Bavan Sreekumar | |||
| * Additional Surround music Mixer/Surround Music Mixing - Subir Kumar Das | |||
| * Publicity Designer - Jayaram Ramachandran | |||
| {{colend}} | |||
| ==Production== | ==Production== | ||
| Line 84: | Line 123: | ||
| ==Release== | ==Release== | ||
| The film was released on October 16 as a ] release with 130 prints in the original ] version and later on November 17 with 150 prints in ].<ref name="Tamil release">{{cite |
The film was released on October 16 as a ] release with 130 prints in the original ] version and later on November 17 with 150 prints in ].<ref name="Tamil release" /> Later, on September 27 2013, Goldmines Telefilms launched the trailer of the ] dubbed version of the film, at their ] channel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pazhassi Raja Hindi Dubbed Official Theatrical Trailer|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d-ck1TgI34|accessdate=10 April 2014}}</ref> The full Hindi version of the film was digitally released on YouTube on October 11 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pazhassi Raja (Hindi) Full Movie|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llXXNpKiagA|accessdate=10 April 2014}}</ref> | ||
| ===Home video=== | ===Home video=== | ||
| Line 92: | Line 131: | ||
| === Critical response === | === Critical response === | ||
| Nowrunning comments that the film is an "exotic chronicle that stuns us with its fascinating tale", and that "this is the stuff that ''tours de force'' are made of".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/4056/malayalam/pazhassi-raja/review.htm |title=A breathtaking film that demands repeated screenings!|date=2009-10-16 |publisher=|accessdate=2009-10-17}}</ref> ] gave the film four stars, praising the script and the technical brilliance of the film.<ref name=Rediffreview>{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/16/south-malayalam-movie-review-pazhassi-raja.htm|title=Pazhassi Raja is brilliant|date=2009-10-16|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-10-17}}</ref> ] rated the film five in a scale of five and termed it as a film "that will be treasured for years to come".<ref name=Sifyreview>. ]. Retrieved 2010-10-17.</ref> | |||
| However, Rediff also |
However, Rediff also stated that "sentimentalism bogs down the pace " at several occasions of the story.<ref name=Rediffreview/> Ilayaraja's music also received criticism and the critics further accused the film of taking some cinematic liberties on history.<ref name=Sifyreview/> '']'' said, "the host of people who play English Lords and East India Company chiefs appears theatrical. Even Linda Arsenio, the English Lady Dora Baber, isn't spontaneous" and "while on editing, certain parts seem to have been trimmed in haste and hence hang without relevance. Strangely, despite an action-oriented story and mind-boggling stunts, the film sags at points."<ref name="hindu">{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/11/27/stories/2009112750020200.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Majestic multitude – Pazhassi Raja | date=27 November 2009}}</ref> Other critics pointed the sloppy fight scenes and the English accent of ] who has dubbed for herself in the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Aiyappan |first=Arya |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/reviews/2009/pazhassi-raja-review-171009.html |title=Pazhassi Raja – Review | – Oneindia Entertainment |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=2009-10-17 |accessdate=2012-08-17}}</ref> | ||
| === |
===Box office=== | ||
| ''Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja'' had a record opening, collecting {{INRConvert|2.72|c}} in its first weekend, which was the highest ever opening recorded for a film in Kerala, at the time it was released.<ref name=Opening>{{cite news| url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14916133 | publisher=Sify | title=Kerala Box Office - Sep 28 to Oct 20 | date=21 October 2009}}</ref> The film was declared a blockbuster at the end of its sixth week, collecting {{INRConvert|13|c}} in Kerala.<ref name=Blockbuster>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14922085&cid=14625530 |title=Kerala Box Office (Oct 21-Nov 30, 2009) |date=2011-08-31|publisher=]|accessdate=6 February 2014}}</ref> According to the film's producer, it grossed {{INRConvert|20|c}} in its total run.<ref name=BO>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/pazhassi-raja-to-be-shown-at-tokyo-film-festival-52284|title=Pazhassi Raja to be shown at Tokyo Film Festival|publisher=]|date=September 15, 2010|accessdate=2014-03-31}}</ref> However, there are also reports that the film grossed a sum close to {{INRConvert|49|c}}.<ref name=BoxOffice>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-31/news-interviews/29949007_1_pazhassi-raja-epic-mammootty |title=Hariharan- MT Vasudevan prepare for Randamoozham |last=Vipin|first=Vipin|date=2011-08-31|publisher=]|accessdate=6 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The film collected {{INRConvert|1.53|c}} in the first day and got a gross of {{INRConvert|3.85|c}} in 7 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://picasaweb.google.com/114147942626960267796/MalayalamBoxOfficeOpeningKingMammootty#5529049338963676338 |title=Picasa Web Albums - BoxOfficeKing - Malayalam Box |publisher=Picasaweb.google.com |date=2010-10-17 |accessdate=2012-08-17}}</ref> Within 21 days of release, it grossed {{INRConvert|6.5|c}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://img6.imageshack.us/i/2ykynhh.jpg/|title=img6.imageshack.us/i/2ykynhh.jpg}}</ref> The overall gross of the film is {{INRConvert|50|c}} which makes it the highest grossing Malayalam film of all time.<ref name=Randamoozham/> The Malayalam satellite rights were acquired by ] Communications, for a sum of {{INRConvert|2.7|c}}.<ref></ref> The home video rights was bought by ] for a record sum of {{INRConvert|62|l}}. The Tamil version was also a phenomenal success.<ref>{{cite news|title=Eros buys Tamil film distributor|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=290977}}</ref> | |||
| ===Accolades=== | ===Accolades=== | ||
| Line 290: | Line 329: | ||
| |] | |] | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| ==Historical inaccuracies== | |||
| Several inaccuracies in the film relate to the clothes worn and items used by people at the time. | |||
| * Pazhassi Raja and other lead characters are shown with a ''pin-kuduma'' (hair tied to the back), which was worn predominantly in Tamil Nadu. Hindus from Kerala traditionally wore a mun-kuduma (hair on the top of the scalp, to the left or right), with closely shaven hair around it. The characters of the film are shown with long hair. (''Though it is common in North Malabar for men to wear long hair and sport pin kudumas'') | |||
| * Pazhassi Raja and his commanders did not wear Roman-style laced sandals, as shown in the film, nor did they wear elaborate shirt-like upper body coverings, but instead would have had a simple ''upavasthram'' (upper cloth) that would have been draped from the shoulder (in some scenes Pazhassi Raja does wear this). | |||
| * The sword used by Pazhassi Raja was not the ]-shaped curved sword, as seen in the film, but instead was the Kalaripayattu-style sword used in Kerala at the time. | |||
| * The film depicts Thalakkal Chandu's fiancée leading her own fierce band of Amazon archers into battle. Events surrounding the Raja's rebellion are extremely well documented by the EIC, and anything as unusual in the eyes of the soldiers or officials fighting the Raja as a band of female warriors, would surely have appeared somewhere in the records. But, historians had never come across a single suggestion of any women taking an active part in these fights. | |||
| * Assistant Collector Thomas Baber's wife appears in the film, however she is incorrectly called "Dora". Her real name was in fact Helen Baber. Her maiden name was Helen Somerville Fearon, and she came from ]. She had married in 1795 aged just 15 to Captain Donald Cameron, of the Bombay Army at ]. The East India Company depot on the Isle of Wight was nearby, this many have been a last minute affair prior to Cameron boarding an East Indiamen before setting out on the long journey east. Helen will have arrived in India in 1796, and must have presumably travelled with the Major to Tellicherry shortly afterwards. On March 17, 1797, the Major was leading a force down the Periah Pass when he was killed. Aged 17, she was already a widow. Thomas Baber had married her at Tellicherry the following year. | |||
| ==Controversies== | |||
| The Kerala High Court ordered the producers of the film to avail the benefit of entertainment tax concession for viewers of ''Pazhassi Raja''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asianetindia.com/news/pazhassi-raja-tax-concession-benefit-viewers_94231.html|title=Pazhassi Raja: Viewers to get tax benefit|accessdate=2009-10-27}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> This was after a complaint was filed stating that the earlier entertainment tax exemption given by the Government of Kerala was not used to lower the prices of the tickets and hence indirectly benefited the producer. | |||
| ==Music== | ==Music== | ||
| The original score and songs were composed by ], who, like in several films earlier, had used the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/10/02/stories/2009100250740100.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Royal rebellion | date=2 October 2009}}</ref> Ilaiyaraaja used live orchestration for the score.<ref name="'I think music, not awards'">P Sangeetha. . ''TNN''. Times of India Retrieved 17 September 2010</ref> It took three months for Ilaiyaraaja to complete the background score |
The original score and songs were composed by ], who, like in several films earlier, had used the ] in ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/10/02/stories/2009100250740100.htm | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Royal rebellion | date=2 October 2009}}</ref> Ilaiyaraaja used live orchestration for the score.<ref name="'I think music, not awards'">P Sangeetha. . ''TNN''. Times of India Retrieved 17 September 2010</ref> It took three months for Ilaiyaraaja to complete the background score.<ref>. ]. Retrieved 4 September 2010.</ref> The soundtrack album was released by Think Music on 25 September.<ref>. ''TNN''. Times of India. Retrieved 25 September 2009.</ref> The soundtrack received mixed to negative critical reviews and "did not go the way that it was expected".<ref name="soundtrack">{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/ilayaraja-onv-issue-231109.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+oneindia-entertainment-all+(Oneindia+-+Entertainment)|title=Ilayaraja unhappy with ONV's lyrics|accessdate=2009-10-23}}</ref> Following the setback of the soundtrack album, Ilaiyaraaja stated that he was not satisfied with the lyrics of poet ], who penned two songs for the film. These comments lead to many controversies{{vague|date=February 2013}}.<ref name="soundtrack" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/72251/Ilayaraja-belittles-ONV.html|title=Ilayaraja belittles ONV|accessdate=2009-10-24}}</ref> Ilaiyaraaja won the ] <ref name="'I think music, not awards'"/> | ||
| ===Track listing=== | ===Track listing=== | ||
| Line 356: | Line 379: | ||
| | extra3 = Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala | | extra3 = Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala | ||
| | length3 = 5:16 | | length3 = 5:16 | ||
| }} | |||
| }} | }} | ||
Revision as of 08:06, 23 April 2014
For the 1964 film, see Pazhassi Raja (1964 film).2009 Indian film
| Pazhassi Raja | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Hariharan |
| Written by | M. T. Vasudevan Nair |
| Produced by | Gokulam Gopalan |
| Starring | Mammootty Manoj K Jayan Kanika Subramaniam Sarath Kumar Padmapriya Thilakan Jagathi Sreekumar Suresh Krishna Suman Linda Arsenio |
| Narrated by | Mohanlal (Malayalam) Kamal Haasan (Tamil) |
| Cinematography | Ramanath Shetty |
| Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Production company | Sree Gokulam Films |
| Distributed by | Sree Gokulam Release |
| Release date |
|
| Running time | 200 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Budget | ₹27 crore (US$3.1 million) (Both Malayalam & Tamil Versions) |
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja is a 2009 Malayalam historical drama film based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a Hindu king who fought against the British in the 18th century. The film was directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and produced by Gokulam Gopalan. It stars an ensemble cast consisting of Mammootty in the title lead role, and Manoj K. Jayan, Kanika Subramaniam, Sarath Kumar, Padmapriya, Thilakan, Peter Handley Evans, Harry Key, Linda Arsenio and Jagathi Sreekumar in supporting roles. The music score and soundtrack were created by Ilaiyaraaja, while its sound design is by Resul Pookutty. The political situation of the time is portrayed from an Indian viewpoint in the film, and the locals are treated sympathetically.
The film was featured in international film festivals of Kerala and Mumbai besides many festivals across the world including the prestigious Fukuoka International Film Festival. The film won National Film Award for Best Background Score, Best Audiography and Special Jury Award (for Padmapriya). It received numerous other accolades including eight Kerala State Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards South.
Pazhassi Raja was produced at a cost of ₹27 crore (US$3.1 million) and is considered the costliest film ever made in Malayalam. Originally filmed in Malayalam, Pazhassi Raja was dubbed in Tamil as well as Hindi. The film released on 16 October 2009 across Kerala with 150 prints.
Plot
The film starts in 1796, four years after the occupation of Malabar by the English East India Company and towards the end of the First Pazhassi Revolt (1793–1797). The revolt is lead by Kerala Varma (Mammootty), the Raja of Pazassi Palace, of Kottayam house. The exploitation of the native Indian resources by the Company had culminated in popular revolts against its authority across the district. With the help of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja's uncle Kurumbranadu ruler Veeravarma (Thilakan), who is jealous of Pazhassi Raja for his success and influence, and Raja's old companion Pazhayamveedan Chandhu (Suman), the Company act against Pazhassi Raja. This forces Pazhassi Raja to escape to the forests of Wayanad. The tribal force led by Neeli captures Assistant Collector Thomas Hervey Baber (Harry Key) and his fiancée Dora (Linda Arsenio) in the jungle, in spite of his commander's objection. The Raja treats Thomas Baber and Dora as his guest and releases them.
From there he begins a guerrilla battles against the Company. He is supported by his army chief Edachena Kunkan (Sarathkumar) and his brother-in-law Kaitheri Ambu (Suresh Krishna). In the guerrilla battle-front, Pazhassi Raja uses the expertise of Thalakkal Chandu (Manoj K. Jayan), a Kurichya soldier, and Chandu's fiancée Neeli (Padmapriya).
During the initial phases of the battle, the Company lose lots of men and money. This compels them to make a peace treaty with Pazhassi Raja. Raja agrees, hoping that this move will bring peace to the area and his people. However, the conditions of the treaty are never observed by the Company. This prompts Raja to start the battle again. Similarly, Dora leaves Thomas Baber for England, having learned the betrayal done by the Company to the Raja and despite her objection to the hanging of a father and son, who refused to reveal the location of the Raja to the Company. He forms useful alliances with many rulers and powerful families in the nearby places like Unni Mootha (Captain Raju) and his men.
Pazhassi Raja and his army successfully start the battle again. But the Company use heavily armed forces against him and succeed in luring many tribal leaders. This leads to the capture and subsequent hanging of Thalakkal Chandu as he was cheated by a tribal head (Nedumudi Venu).
The Company start hunting for Pazhassi and his army chief Edachena Kunkan. In a bloody fight, Edachena Kunkan kills Pazhayamveedan Chandhu. But he is surrounded by the Company. Instead of surrendering before them, he commits suicide. This makes Raja's army weaker. But Pazhassi Raja, even though knowing that he is going to die, goes for a last fight against the Company. After a glorious fight Pazhassi Raja is killed by the Company. The film ends with the assistant collector Thomas Baber placing the body of the Raja in a litter and his famous words: "He was our enemy. But he was a great warrior, a great man and we honour him." The Company officers respond by saluting the corpse of the Raja and acting as Pall-bearers.
Cast
- Mammootty as Pazhassi Raja
- Manoj K. Jayan as Thalakkal Chandu
- Sarathkumar as Edachena Kunkan
- Suresh Krishna as Kaitheri Ambu
- Padmapriya as Neeli
- Kanika Subramaniam as Kaitheri Makkam
- Harry Key as Thomas Hervey Baber
- Linda Arsenio as Dora Baber
- Peter Handley Evans as Major James Gordon
- Suman as Pazhayamveedan Chandhu
- Thilakan as Kurumbranaadu Raja Veeravarma
- Jagathy Sreekumar as Kanara Menon
- Nedumudi Venu as Moopan
- Devan as Kannavathu Nambiar
- Lalu Alex as Emman Nair
- Captain Raju as Unni Mootha
- Jagadeesh as Bhandari
- Mamukkoya as Athan Gurukkal
- Murali Mohan as Chirakkal Raja
- Ajay Rathnam as Subeidhar Cheran
- Susheel Kumar as Sekaran Warrier
- Urmila Unni as Chirakkal Thamburatty
- Valsala Menon as Kaitheri Thamburatty
- Yamini as Unniamma
- Ross Elliot as Colonel Robert Bowles
- Tommy Donelly as Governor Jonathan Duncan
- Robin Pratt as Lieutenant Maxwell
- Simon Hewitt as Captain Dickinson
- Gary Richardson as Major Clapham
- Glen David Short as Major Murray
- J. Brandon Hill as Major Stephen
Crew
- Writer - MT Vasudevan Nair
- Director - T Hariharan
- Producer - Gokulam Gopalan
- Music - Ilaiyaraaja
- Cinematography - Ramanath Shetty and Venu
- Editing - A Sreekar Prasad
- Production Design - Sunil Babu
- Art Direction - Muthuraj
- Costume Design - Natarajan
- Make-up artist - Pattanam Rashid and NG Roshan
- Associate Production Executive - S. Moorthy
- Assistant Directors/Second Unit Directors - Shajar A, Anand Kishore, Praveen Chandran Moodadi, Babu Namboodhiri and Baby Panikker
- Assistant Art Director - Vibhu Kashyap
- Set Designer - Krishnamani
- ADR Recordist/Post-Production Sound - Shalini Agarwal
- Associate Re-recording Mixer - Subir Kumar Das
- Sound Designer - Amrit Pritam Dutta
- Sound Editors - Arunav Dutta and Vijay Kumar
- Sound Recordist - Resul Pookutty
- Matchmove Artist: EFX - Chandran Anoop
- Senior Compositor (Visual Effects) - Ramesh Karthikeyan
- Digital Compositor (Visual Effects) - P. Mohan
- Visual Effects Supervisor - Prabhakaran
- Matchmove Artist: The Moving Picture Company - Sajeev Sadanandan
- Costume Supervisor - V. Sai
- Associate Editor - Bavan Sreekumar
- Additional Surround music Mixer/Surround Music Mixing - Subir Kumar Das
- Publicity Designer - Jayaram Ramachandran
Production
Development
M. T. Vasudevan Nair, Hariharan and Mammootty are working together after two decades; their previous association was Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, which turned out into a landmark film in Malayalam. It was about Chanthu, a legendary warrior in the Northern Ballads. Through Pazhassi Raja, they made another biopic, on the life of Pazhassi Raja. Gokulam Gopalan was the film's producer. The total budget of the film is about ₹27 crores, which makes it the most expensive Malayalam film ever made. The sounds in the battle scenes of the film were recreated under Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty as he joined in the project only after its completion.
Casting
Mammootty plays the title role of Pazhassi Raja. There are three heroines: Padmapriya appearing as a tribal girl, Kanika as Pazhassi's wife and Linda Arsenio as Dora Baber, fiancée of Assistant Collector Thomas Baber. Linda is a theatre artist in New York who also acted in the film Kabul Express.
Through this film, Sarath Kumar makes his debut in Malayalam cinema. He portrays Edachena Kunkan, the chief lieutenant to Pazhashi Raja. Suresh Gopi was originally cast for the role, however he refused to accept. Later, he clarified that he couldn't act in the film due to personal reasons and it would always be a loss for him. Suman plays Pazhayamveedan Chandu. Biju Menon was originally cast for the role but he opted out after a few days of shooting, citing physical difficulties in shooting fight scenes.
Filming
The filming began on February 2007 from Palakkad. The filming lasted for two and a half years and was completed in August 2009. Sound mixer Resul Pookutty recreated all location scenes to ensure perfection. About the delay in making, Hariharan said: "The film's shoot took two years to complete, when it should have been completed in eight months. The delay was not because of me. Neither was it because my producer, Gokulam Gopalan, was short of money; I must really thank my producer, without whom a film like Pazhassi Raja would never have been made. The delay was because some of the stars were not willing to allot the extra time that was required for the film. They probably didn't realise this film would become a milestone in their careers. Making Pazhassi Raja was a great challenge for me. Directing Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha was a cakewalk, compared to this."
Release
The film was released on October 16 as a Diwali release with 130 prints in the original Malayalam version and later on November 17 with 150 prints in Tamil. Later, on September 27 2013, Goldmines Telefilms launched the trailer of the Hindi dubbed version of the film, at their YouTube channel. The full Hindi version of the film was digitally released on YouTube on October 11 2013.
Home video
Moser Baer Home Entertainment released the film on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, SuperDVD and VCD in India. The home video rights was bought by Moser Baer for a record sum of ₹62 lakh (US$72,000). Pazhassi Raja was the first regional language film to be released in the Blu-ray format. The DVD version of the film was released on 1 May 2010 as a two-DVD set. It is available in 16:9 Anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, progressive 24 FPS, widescreen and NTSC format. Within two days of its release, Pazhassi Raja broke all existing records in Malayalam home video sales by selling over two lakh units.
Reception
Critical response
Nowrunning comments that the film is an "exotic chronicle that stuns us with its fascinating tale", and that "this is the stuff that tours de force are made of". Rediff gave the film four stars, praising the script and the technical brilliance of the film. Sify rated the film five in a scale of five and termed it as a film "that will be treasured for years to come".
However, Rediff also stated that "sentimentalism bogs down the pace " at several occasions of the story. Ilayaraja's music also received criticism and the critics further accused the film of taking some cinematic liberties on history. The Hindu said, "the host of people who play English Lords and East India Company chiefs appears theatrical. Even Linda Arsenio, the English Lady Dora Baber, isn't spontaneous" and "while on editing, certain parts seem to have been trimmed in haste and hence hang without relevance. Strangely, despite an action-oriented story and mind-boggling stunts, the film sags at points." Other critics pointed the sloppy fight scenes and the English accent of Padmapriya who has dubbed for herself in the film.
Box office
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja had a record opening, collecting ₹2.72 crore (US$310,000) in its first weekend, which was the highest ever opening recorded for a film in Kerala, at the time it was released. The film was declared a blockbuster at the end of its sixth week, collecting ₹13 crore (US$1.5 million) in Kerala. According to the film's producer, it grossed ₹20 crore (US$2.3 million) in its total run. However, there are also reports that the film grossed a sum close to ₹49 crore (US$5.7 million).
Accolades
The film has received many major accolades upon release. The list includes:
| Awards | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Award | Category | Name | |
| Best Feature Film in Malayalam | Gokulam Gopalan | |||
| Special Jury Award | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Background Score | Ilaiyaraaja | |||
| Best Audiography | Resul Pookutty | |||
| Best Director | Hariharan | |||
| Best Screenplay | M. T. Vasudevan Nair | |||
| Second Best Actor | Manoj K. Jayan | |||
| Second Best Actress | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Film Editor | A. Sreekar Prasad | |||
| Best Art Director | Muthuraj | |||
| Best Costume Designer | Natarajan | |||
| Best Dubbing Artist | Shoby Thilakan | |||
| Best Film | ||||
| Best Director | Hariharan | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Manoj K. Jayan | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Lyricist | O. N. V. Kurup | |||
| Best Male Playback | K. J. Yesudas for "Aadiushassandhya Poothathivide" | |||
| Best Female Playback | K. S. Chithra for "Kunnathe Konnaykum" | |||
| Best Movie | ||||
| Best Director | Hariharan | |||
| Best Script Writer | M. T. Vasudevan Nair | |||
| Best Actress | Kanika | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Manoj K. Jayan | |||
| Best Special Performance | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Music Director | Ilaiyaraaja | |||
| Best Singer (Female) | K. S. Chithra | |||
| Best Sound Effects & Engineering | Resul Pookutty and Amrit Pritam | |||
| Best Film | ||||
| Millenium Actor | Mammootty | |||
| Best Singer (Female) | K. S. Chithra | |||
Amrita TV |
Best Film | |||
| Best Actor | Mammootty | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Manoj K. Jayan | |||
| Best Supporting Actress | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Sound Effects & Engineering | Resul Pookutty | |||
| Best Lyricist | O. N. V. Kurup | |||
| Best Script Writer | M. T. Vasudevan Nair | |||
| Best Actor | Mammootty | |||
| Best Actress | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Art Director | Muthuraj | |||
| Best Make-up man | George | |||
| Best Costume designer | Natarajan | |||
| Best Male Dubbing Artiste | Shoby Thilakan | |||
| Best Script Writer | M. T. Vasudevan Nair | |||
| Best Actor | Mammootty | |||
| Best Actress | Padmapriya | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Sarath Kumar | |||
| Best Male Singer | K. J. Yesudas | |||
| Best Female Singer | K. S. Chithra | |||
| Best Film | ||||
| Best Actor | Mammootty | |||
| Second Best Actor | Manoj K. Jayan | |||
| Best Music Director | Ilaiyaraaja | |||
Music
The original score and songs were composed by Ilaiyaraaja, who, like in several films earlier, had used the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra in Budapest. Ilaiyaraaja used live orchestration for the score. It took three months for Ilaiyaraaja to complete the background score. The soundtrack album was released by Think Music on 25 September. The soundtrack received mixed to negative critical reviews and "did not go the way that it was expected". Following the setback of the soundtrack album, Ilaiyaraaja stated that he was not satisfied with the lyrics of poet O. N. V. Kurup, who penned two songs for the film. These comments lead to many controversies. Ilaiyaraaja won the National Film Award for Best Background Score
Track listing
- Original version
All lyrics are written by O. N. V. Kurup, Gireesh Puthenchery and Kanesh Punoor; all music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja
| No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Mathangananamabjavasa" (Lyrics: Traditional Sanskrit Sloka) | K. J. Yesudas | 1:16 |
| 2. | "Kunnathe Konnaykum" (Lyrics: O. N. V. Kurup) | K. S. Chithra | 5:12 |
| 3. | "Aadiushassandhya Poothathivide" (Lyrics: O. N. V. Kurup) | K. J. Yesudas, M. G. Sreekumar, Chandra Sekharan, Vidhu Prathap | 5:29 |
| 4. | "Ambum Kombum Komban Kattum" (Lyrics: Gireesh Puthenchery) | Ilaiyaraaja, Manjari, Kuttappan | 4:59 |
| 5. | "Odathandil Thalam Kottum Kattil" (Lyrics: Gireesh Puthenchery) | Chandra Sekharan, Sangeetha | 5:07 |
| 6. | "Aalamadankala Mythavanalle" (Lyrics: Kanesh Punoor) | M. G. Sreekumar, Vidhu Prathap, Ashraf Thayineri, Edavanna Gafoor, Faisal Elettil, Krishnanunni | 4:47 |
- Hindi version
All lyrics are written by Manoj Santoshi and Manisha Korde; all music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja
| No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Pritam Dil" | Shreya Ghoshal | 5:01 |
| 2. | "Yaar Hai Badle" | Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala | 4:42 |
| 3. | "Yeh Dharti Bhi" | Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala | 5:16 |
References
- "Pazhassi Raja – Sify report". Sify.
- ^ Nandini Sivakumar, P.K.Krishnakumar (17 November 2009). "Tamil Pazhassiraja to hit screens this Friday". The Economic Times. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
- ^ "Pazhassi Raja: Costliest Malayalam film". Business Standard. The Times of India. 15 October 2009. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - . Chennai, India http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/movies/article35054.ece.
{{cite news}}: Missing or empty|title=(help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - Iyer, Radhika (15 October 2009). "Pazhassi Raja: Costliest Malayalam film". NDTV. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- "Three heroines for Pazhassi Raj". Indiaglitz. Retrieved 2 May 2007.
{{cite web}}: External link in|work= - "American actress in Malayalam movie". Apun Ka Choice. Retrieved 2 May 2007.
{{cite web}}: External link in|work= - "Sarath Kumar speaks Malayalam". IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 17 February 2008.
{{cite web}}: External link in|work= - "'Pazhassi Raja' would always be a loss for me: Suresh Gopi". Nowrunning. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- "Suman in Malayalam". Sify Malayalam. Retrieved 24 January 2008.
{{cite web}}: External link in|work= - P. K. Ajith Kumar. Tribute to Pazhassi Raja. The Hindu. 19 January 2009
- ^ History in the making: Pazhassi Raja film. Press Trust of India. Times of India. 4 September 2009
- P. K. Ajith Kumar. ‘Pazhassi Raja' reigns supreme. The Hindu. 9 April 2010.
- "Pazhassi Raja Hindi Dubbed Official Theatrical Trailer". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- "Pazhassi Raja (Hindi) Full Movie". Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- "പഴശ്ശിരാജ ബ്ലൂറേ ഫോര്മാറ്റ് ഡിസ്ക് വിപണിയില്". (in Malayalam). Janayugam. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
- Buy Hindi Movies Online | Buy Hindi Movies VCD, DVD Online | Online Store for Hindi Movies
- 'Pazhassi Raja' rules over DVD sales as well!
- "A breathtaking film that demands repeated screenings!". 16 October 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- ^ "Pazhassi Raja is brilliant". Rediff. 16 October 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2009.
- ^ Sify review. Sify. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
- "Majestic multitude – Pazhassi Raja". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 November 2009.
- Aiyappan, Arya (17 October 2009). "Pazhassi Raja – Review | – Oneindia Entertainment". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- "Kerala Box Office - Sep 28 to Oct 20". Sify. 21 October 2009.
- "Kerala Box Office (Oct 21-Nov 30, 2009)". Sify. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
- "Pazhassi Raja to be shown at Tokyo Film Festival". NDTV. 15 September 2010. Retrieved 31 March 2014.
- Vipin, Vipin (31 August 2011). "Hariharan- MT Vasudevan prepare for Randamoozham". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
- "Best Feature Film Award: Kutty Srank". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
- 'Pazhassi Raja' reigns supreme. The Hindu. Retrieved 8 April 2010.
- "Filmfare Awards Winners". Times of India. 9 August 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
- "Amma Awards 2009".
- "Kerala: Ujala-Asianet film awards announced". Express Buzz. 4 January 2010. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
- "Award Ceremony". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
- Surya TV film awards announced. The Hindu. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
- Vanitha film awards 2009 announced. Keral TV. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- കലാകേരള അവാര്ഡുകള്; മികച്ച ചിത്രം പഴശ്ശിരാജ. Veekshanam. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- "Royal rebellion". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 2 October 2009.
- ^ P Sangeetha. 'I think music, not awards'. TNN. Times of India Retrieved 17 September 2010
- Mammootty starrer 'Pazhassi Raja' ready for release. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
- 'Pazhassiraja' had a big audio launch. TNN. Times of India. Retrieved 25 September 2009.
- ^ "Ilayaraja unhappy with ONV's lyrics". Retrieved 23 October 2009.
- "Ilayaraja belittles ONV". Retrieved 24 October 2009.
External links
- Reviews