Balyakalasakhi | |
---|---|
Directed by | Pramod Payyannur |
Screenplay by | Pramod Payyannur |
Based on | Balyakalasakhi by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer |
Produced by | MB Muhsin Sajeeb Hashim |
Starring | Mammootty Isha Talwar Meena Seema Biswas KPAC Lalitha Mamukkoya |
Cinematography | Hari Nair |
Edited by | Manoj Kannoth |
Music by | Songs: K. Raghavan Shahabaz Aman Score: Bijibal |
Production companies | Red Cinema Livinart Film Factory |
Release date |
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Country | India |
Language | Malayalam |
Balyakalasakhi (transl. Childhood Companion) is a 2014 Malayalam language film adaptation of the famous novel of the same name by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. [1] The romantic musical drama film was written and directed by debutante Pramod Payyannur and stars Mammootty, Isha Talwar, Meena, Seema Biswas, KPAC Lalitha and Mamukkoya in lead roles.
The story revolves around childhood sweethearts Majeed (Mammootty) and Suhra (Isha Talwar). Born to rich parents, Majeed falls in love with his not-so-affluent neighbour Suhra. After her father's death, when Suhra struggles to make both ends meet, Majeed pleads with his father to sponsor her education. Refused, he wanders off to distant lands. [2] [3] Some of the other characters created by Basheer such as Ettukali Mammoonju and Ottakannan Pokker also appear in the film. [4]
The film has lyrics and music created by several leading masters including P. Bhaskaran, K. Raghavan, K. T. Muhammed, O. N. V. Kurup, Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Sreekumaran Thampi, and Basheer himself. The launch of the film edition of the novel Balyakalasakhi was done by Leela Menon who handed over the book to Fabi Basheer, wife of Vaikom Muhammed Basheer. [5]
Pramod Payyannur, a familiar name in Malayalam theatre and television, made his debut on the big screen with the film. [6] Mammootty was chosen to play the lead in film by Pramod Payyannur. He said in an interview with Malayala Manorama , "Vaikom is the home of the writer Basheer, the character Majeed and also the actor Mammootty. Only a person who knew that place closely could imbibe that character in both looks and expressions. That search ended in Mammootty." [4]
On being quizzed about the inspiration to choose Kolkata as the location of the film, when Vaikom Muhammed Basheer has not referred to any specific city in the novel, Pramod says that Kolkata is perhaps the only Indian metro that still retains its old world charm and that it perfectly matched the setting of the film's backdrop. Besides, Basheer is believed to have written Balyakalasakhi during his brief stay at a house in Lower Chitpur Road in Kolkata, he explains. [6]
Two seasons were shot in Kerala and Kolkata, West Bengal. The team began shooting in August, 2013 at Perumbalam near Vaikom. Mammootty began filming for Balyakalasakhi at Kolkata in October, 2013. The 18-day schedule included various places such as Victoria Memorial, Chhote Lal Ghat, in front of Town Hall. [2]
Metromatinee.com said "even if it has some limits, it is a timeless and exciting classic, Mammootty as lovelorn Majeed is impressive but a lack of good chemistry with Isha Talwar is a letdown". [7] Deccan Chronicle said that Mammootty excelled in the double role as Majeed and as Majeed's father. [8]
The film has lyrics and music composed by several leading masters in the field while the background score was composed by Bijibal. [1] The first line of the song "Thaamara Poonkaavanathil Thaamasikkunnoley" has been mentioned in the novel by Basheer himself. [9] An oral traditional song of the Muslims in Kerala, the song's lines were supplemented with lyrics penned by K. T. Muhammed. It has been sung by legendary singer K. J. Yesudas. [9] "Kaalam Parakkanu", the second song composed by Raghavan Master, which has Pramod's lyrics, has been sung by Raghavan Master's disciple V. T. Murali. [9] P. Bhaskaran's poem "Ente Thoolika" has been adapted for a song composed on the lines of Rabindra Sangeet. It is the title song and has a mix of Urdu lyrics and Baul music too. It has been sung by Shahabaz Aman. The entire song signifies a journey. The Urdu portion has been sung by Ustad Faiyaz Khan. [9] Sreekumaran Thampi's lyrics for the film has been sung by K. S. Chithra and Vijay Yesudas as a duet while O. N. V. Kurup's poem "Vaaghdatta Bhoomi" has been translated into Bengali and sung by Bengali singer Raghav Chatterjee. [9] Kavalam Narayana Panikkar has composed a song in the folk music tradition that makes use of Basheer's idioms and words. It has been sung by Shahabaz. [9]
Mammootty officially launched the music on 6 January 2014 by handing over the CD to late music director Raghavan Master's family. [5] The soundtrack consists of six songs and four karaoke versions.
No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Singer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Aa nammalu kandillenna" | Kavalam Narayana Panicker | Shahabaz Aman | Shahabaz Aman Pushpavathy Poypadathu | |
2. | "Kaalam parakkana" | Pramod Payyannur | K. Raghavan | V. T. Murali | |
3. | "Kothai Sesha Bhoomi" | O. N. V. Kurup Venu Kolkatha | Shahabaz Aman | Raghab Chatterjee | |
4. | "Povukayanu Njan" | P. Bhaskaran | Shahabaz Aman | Shahabaz Aman Ustad Faiyaz Khan | |
5. | "Thamarappoonkavanathil" | K. T. Muhammed | K. Raghavan | K. J. Yesudas | |
6. | "Veendum thalir podinjuvo" | Sreekumaran Thampi | Shahabaz Aman | Vijay Yesudas K. S. Chithra |
VaikomMuhammad Basheer, popularly referred to as the Beypore Sultan, was an Indian writer of Malayalam literature, a humanist and an Indian independence activist. He was a novelist and short story writer noted for his path-breaking, down-to-earth style of writing that made him equally popular among literary critics as well as the common man. His notable works include Balyakalasakhi, Shabdangal, Pathummayude Aadu, Ntuppuppakkoranendarnnu, Mathilukal, Janmadinam,Anargha Nimisham and the translations of his works into other languages have earned him worldwide acclaim. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honor of the Padma Shri in 1982. He was also a recipient of the Sahitya Academy Fellowship, Kerala Sahitya Academy Fellowship, and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Story. He was a recipient of the Vallathol Award in 1993.
Balyakalasakhi is a Malayalam romantic tragedy novel written by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. Published in 1944, it is considered by many as Basheer's best work. The story revolves around Majeed and Suhra, who are in love with each other from childhood. By Basheer's own admission, the story is largely autobiographical.
Prajapathi is a 2006 Malayalam-language action drama film written and directed by Ranjith. It stars Mammootty, Siddique, Sreenivasan, Nedumudi Venu, and Thilakan. The music was by Tej Manoj. The film marks Aditi Rao Hydari's feature film debut. The film was shot close to Gopichettipalayam in Tamil Nadu.
Vatsalyam is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Cochin Haneefa and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Mammootty, Siddique, Geetha, Janardhanan, Sunitha, Ilavarasi, Aboobacker, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. The film contrasts traditional and modern values following two brothers Meledathu Raghavan Nair (Mammootty) and Vijayakumaran Nair (Siddique).
Yugapurushan is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language film about the life and times of Sree Narayana Guru. The movie is directed by R. Sukumaran. It has an ensemble cast led by Mammootty, Thalaivasal Vijay and Siddique.
Kuppivala is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language film, written by Moidu Padiyath directed by S. S. Rajan and produced by N. Krishnan. The film stars Prem Nazir, Sukumari, Ambika and Bahadoor. It was released on 7 May 1965.
Balyakalasakhi is a 1967 Malayalam film, directed by J. Sasikumar. It is an adaptation of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's famous novel of the same name. Basheer himself wrote the screenplay and dialogues. Balyakalasakhi and Bhargavi Nilayam (1964) are the only films for which Basheer has written the screenplay. The film's story revolves around Majeed and Suhra, who have been in love with each other from childhood.
Thattathin Marayathu is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, starring Nivin Pauly and Isha Talwar. The supporting cast includes Aju Varghese, Manoj K. Jayan, Sunny Wayne, Sreeram Ramachandran, Bhagath Manuel, Manikuttan, Sreenivasan, and Niveda Thomas. The film was produced by actors Mukesh and Sreenivasan. The film is about a Hindu boy, Vinod, and a Muslim girl, Aisha, and the conflict arising out of this inter-faith relationship.
Mathilukal (transl. Walls) is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language film written, directed, and produced by Adoor Gopalakrishnan based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. The film focuses on the prison life of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and the love between him and Narayani, a female inmate of the prison, who remains unseen throughout the film. Mammootty plays the role of Vaikom Muhammad Basheer while K. P. A. C. Lalitha gives voice to Narayani. The film was screened at the Venice Film Festival.
Bhoomiyude Avakashikal is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language film written and directed by T. V. Chandran based on the novel of the same name by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. The film stars Kailash in the lead role along with Sreenivasan and Mythili who play pivotal supporting roles. The film was produced by Anand Kumar under the banner of Yes Cinema and it was mainly shot in Nelliyampathi, Ottappalam and Shoranur in Kerala.
Isha Talwar is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Malayalam and Hindi films. Talwar started her career as a model, and made her film debut with the Malayalam film Thattathin Marayathu (2012), winning SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Malayalam. She is known for her role in Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde (2013), Bangalore Days (2014), Maine Pyar Kiya (2014) and Article 15 (2019). Talwar is also known for her portrayal in the series Mirzapur (2020-present), Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo (2023) and Indian Police Force (2024).
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Angadi (transl. Market) is a 1980 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by I. V. Sasi, written by T. Damodaran and produced by P. V, Gangadharan under the banner of Grihalakshmi Productions. The film stars Jayan as Babu in the lead role along with Sukumaran, Seema, Jose and Sankaradi, in supporting roles. The film revolves around the rivalry between a laborer, Babu and Beeran, an evil businessman. The music was composed by Shyam, with the cinematography done jointly by Chandramohan and C. E. Babu. Angadi was one of the major successes of the year 1980, running for 125 days in theatres. The film broke the box office record of Jayan's Sarapancharam (1979) and emerged the highest grossing Malayalam film of the year. The film was a milestone in the Malayalam film industry, achieving cult status in Kerala. The film was instrumental in establishing Jayan's macho hero image.
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Balyakalasakhi may refer to:
Maamaankam is a 1979 Indian Malayalam-language historical drama film directed and produced by Navodaya Appachan, made under Navodaya Studio. It is based on the medieval Mamankam festival held every 12 years at the banks of river Bharathappuzha in Tirunavaya, Southern India. Written by N. Govindankutty, the film stars Prem Nazir, Jayan, Jose Prakash and Alummoodan in the lead roles. The film has musical score by K. Raghavan.
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Dr.Pramod Payyannur is an Indian Theatre and Film director and writer who works in Malayalam theater and Film industry. Dr.Pramod Payyanur is a leading figure in contemporary Malayalam Theatre. He made an indelible mark in experimental drama by presenting M.T. Vasudevan Nair's 'Iruttinte Aathmavu' in a sandwich stage during his college days at the school of Drama. He did his bachelor's degree in Malayalam literature from Payyanur College. He completed his bachelor's degree in Direction with first rank from School of Drama and Master's in Performing Arts from Pondicherry Central University. He also pursued PhD in the topic 'Tagore Triology in Global Theatre' in Santiniketan, Calcutta. He has proven his genius in both investigative and professional theatre. The innovative adaptation of famous literary works on the stage in what makes this theatre director unique. He has staged the works of M.T. Vasudevan Nair, Vaikkom Mohammed Basheer, O.V.Vijayan, Padmarajan, Dr. Sivarama Karanth, J.M. Synge, Albert Camus, Anton Chekhov and William Shakespeare. Pramod Payyanur's film directorial debut 'Balyakaalasakhi', an excellent adaptation of Basheer's work of the same name, won him wide acclaim. Mammootty was the protagonist of the movie and it was screened in various film festivals and won several accolades. He has also staged Basheer's 'Mathilukal' in which KPAC Lalitha and M.R. Gopakumar played the lead roles. He has Directed the play 'Mrithyunjayan' which was a dream project of Bharat Murali. He has also adapted Edassery's 'Koottukrishi' onto the stage for Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy's first repertory theatre venture. When M.T's 'Randamoozham' was staged as a multimedia production with Pramod Payyanur as its Director, Mammootty played the role of Bheeman. Many alumni of the School of Drama and Kalamandalam also enacted in the play. A multimedia presentation 'Nanmayude Apaara Theeram' based on the themes of love and empathy as exemplified in Basheerian works, a visual treat which marked the major historical events from Kerala Renaissance to the modern age, 'Pravasa Malayalam' which visualized Malayali's early migration to new age migration, 'Mathrukam' which presented and honoured the achievements of Malayali women were various multimedia visual presentations supervised and realized by Pramod Payyanur for the various departments of the Government of Kerala. His new project aims to adapt Shakespearian drama 'Hamlet' into 'Chavittunatakam' with the help of 100 artists. He serves as the Member Secretary, Bharat Bhavan,The official Cultural Exchange Center of Government of Kerala since 2016. “Theatrum Farme”-a programme which combines culture, art and agriculture for the upliftment of differently abled students, jail inmates and tribal communities got a special mention by the Kerala Agricultural University. He got into the Guinness world records for the dialogue and screenplay of the movie 'Viswaguru' which was taken as a part of the 'Script to screen', a project based on the ideologies of Sree Narayana Guru. He has also won many accolades for his contributions to Malayalam theatre which include the staging of the plays written by K.T. Mohemmed, Dr. Vayala vasudevan Pillai and Safdar Hashmi. Pramod Payyanur is well aware of the fact that the art and cultural activities of the new age should be carried out with the participation of the masses. Gandhibhavan International Trust Dr APJ World Prize in 2021,'Nehru Yuva Kendra' and Prem Nazir Suhruth Samithi is really proud to dedicate the first Socio-Cultural Youth Icon award, a recognition for the young talent who actively engages in and enlightens the democratic and cultural sphere of Kerala, to Mr. Pramod Payyanur. He has directed the film Balayakala Sakhi based on Vaikom Mohammad Basheer's novel Balyakalasakhi, which acted by Mammootty, Isha Talwar,Seema Biswas, Meena, KPAC Lalitha and Mamukkoya. Pramod was the writer of Vishwaguru, the film was recorded in Guinness World Records as the fastest film produced. The film was scripted, created, and released in 51 hours and two minutes. He is currently working as the Member Secretary of Bharat Bhavan Kerala, an official cultural exchange centre for Kerala Government, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.