Chotta Mumbai

Last updated

Chotta Mumbai
Chotta Mumbai.jpg
Poster
Directed by Anwar Rasheed
Written by Benny P. Nayarambalam
Produced by Maniyanpilla Raju
Ajayachandran Nair
Raghuchandran Nair
Starring Mohanlal
Cinematography Alagappan N.
Edited by Don Max
Music by Rahul Raj
Production
company
Sree Bhadra Pictures
Distributed byVaishakha Release
Release date
  • 7 April 2007 (2007-04-07)
Running time
137 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Chotta Mumbai is a 2007 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Anwar Rasheed, written by Benny P. Nayarambalam, and co-produced by Maniyanpilla Raju. The film stars Mohanlal in the lead role with Siddique, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Indrajith Sukumaran, Manikuttan, Bijukuttan, Sai Kumar and Bhavana in supporting roles. Rahul Raj composed the score and songs of the film. The plot follows Vasco da Gama (Thala) and his gang of friends, all unemployed and leading a happy-go-lucky life until they encounter a corrupt police officer and gangster, Nadeshan.

Contents

The film released on 7 April 2007 opened to positive reviews and was a great success in box office.

Plot

The film starts in a street in Fort Kochi where Vasco da Gama, the son of a wrestler named Michael, lives. Vasco and his gang of five – "Mullan" Chandrappan, Susheelan, Sainu, "Padakkam" Basheer and cousin Tomichan are small-time goons, involved in petty offences and as the movie progresses, these characters turn out to be more endearing than bad.

Vasco goes by the nickname Thala (head) since he is the gang leader. Though Michael rebukes his son time and again for his lifestyle choices, he loves him and has big dreams for him. The plot progresses when a marriage broker contracts a wedding between Vasco and auto-rickshaw driver Latha, the only daughter of Pambu Chakochan who is a heavy drinker and a longtime friend of Michael.

Vasco likes Latha, but she pleads with him to tell her father that he does not like her, because she plans to elope with her boyfriend. Overjoyed at having discovered a fellow drinker in Vasco, Chakochan does not even let him voice his opinion. Vasco decides to help Latha out, but her plan to elope fails when she discovers that her boyfriend Suni is involved in human trafficking. She returns to Vasco.

Later when Vasco, Michael, Chandrappan and Latha travel in her auto-rickshaw, they clash with a gang that has been on the run after stabbing a honest police officer called Mohandas. Vasco and his father were witnesses to the murder which was committed by Satheesan, the younger brother of a corrupt circle inspector called Nadesan. This leads to complications.

Cast

Production

Jayasurya was cast in a role, but he had to opt out from the film due to scheduling conflicts with Kangaroo (2007 film). [1]

Music

Chotta Mumbai
Soundtrack album by
ReleasedMarch 2007 [2]
Studio
Genre Film soundtrack
Length25:20
Label Satyam Audios
Rahul Raj chronology
Chotta Mumbai
(2007)
Time
(2007)

Composer Rahul Raj made his feature film debut through this film. The songs Thalaa and Vasco da Gama became chartbusters.

TrackSong TitleSinger(s)LyricistOther notes
1"Vasco da Gama" Afsal, Rimi Tomy, Vipin Xavier Sarath Vayalar Carnival song in the climax
2"Poonila"Sangeeth, Sangeetha PrabhuSanthosh Varma Raga: Kalyani, Sindhu Bhairavi [3]
Not picturised
3"Thala" Shankar Mahadevan, Arjun Sasi, Sangeeth, Rahul RajSarath VayalarHighlighting the lead character Thala
4"Chettikulangara" M. G. Sreekumar, Sayanora Philip Sreekumaran Thampi, Sarath Vayalar Mohanlal's intro song
Cover version of yesteryear song composed by M. K. Arjunan
5"Chotta Mumbai" Rahul Raj, Sreerag, SreelakshmiSarath VayalarTitle song. Showing the life of Chotta Mumbai gang.
6"Chettikulangara (Tell Me Now)"M. G. Sreekumar, Sayanora PhilipSreekumaran Thampi, Sarath VayalarNot picturised

Release

The film was released on 7 April 2007 in 60 screens in Kerala, the biggest release for a Malayalam film. [4]

Critical reception

The film was well received by critics. Unni R. Nair, in his review for Nowrunning.com said, "An out and out entertainer, it's a film that you would like to just sit back and enjoy, pushing all logical thinking to the background. Chotta Mumbai is a film that cashes in on Mohanlal's superstar image and its aim is merely to entertain and enthrall." (Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg) [5] Paresh C Palicha of Rediff.com gave the film a Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg rating and positively reviewed the film's script, Mohanlal's lead performance, Anwar Rasheed's direction as well as the performances of the supporting cast. [6] Sify.com also published an extremely positive review and said: "What makes the film tick is Mohanlal's at the heart of this mad, mad, mad world with his impeccable sense of comic timing. Clearly, he is at home playing this type of character- for him, it is the equivalent of an old pair of Hawai slippers. If laughter is the best medicine then Anwar Rasheed has earned his stripes yet again." [7]

Box office

The film was a blockbuster at the box office and became one of the top five highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year. It ran for over 101 days in theatres. [8] [9]

Related Research Articles

<i>Kireedam</i> (1989 film) 1989 film by Sibi Malayil

Kireedam (transl. Crown) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A. K. Lohithadas. The film stars Mohanlal, Thilakan, and Parvathy Jayaram, along with Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Mohan Raj, Murali, Sreenath, Kundara Johny, Cochin Haneefa, Jagathy Sreekumar, Philomina, Usha, Jagadish, Maniyanpilla Raju, Mamukkoya, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, and Kanakalatha in supporting roles. The music for the film was composed by Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indrajith Sukumaran</span> Indian actor and playback singer

Indrajith Sukumaran is an Indian actor and singer. He predominantly works in Malayalam cinema. Indrajith was born to the actors Sukumaran and Mallika Sukumaran and is the elder brother of Prithviraj Sukumaran.

<i>Flash</i> (2007 film) 2007 film by Sibi Malayil

Flash is a 2007 Indian Malayalam-language psychological crime thriller film, directed by Sibi Malayil and written by S. Bhasurachandran. It was produced and distributed by Tomichan Mulakuppadam. The film stars Mohanlal, Indrajith Sukumaran and Parvathy Thiruvothu. The plot revolves around Dhwani, who has to go through some harrowing experiences, and her big, joint family. Flash was released on 25 December 2007.

<i>Akkare Akkare Akkare</i> 1990 Indian film

Akkareyakkareyakkare, also known Akkare Akkare Akkare is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language buddy cop comedy film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Sreenivasan. It stars Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, M. G. Soman, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Parvathy and Nedumudi Venu in major roles. It is a sequel to 1987's Nadodikkattu and 1988s Pattanapravesham; Mohanlal and Sreenivasan reprises their roles. However, Thilakan and Innocent, who have appeared in the previous films, do not appear in this film. Also, a new cast of Nedumudi Venu, Mukesh and Maniyanpilla Raju appears. M. G. Soman plays a character role, having appeared as himself in Nadodikkattu. The story follows C.I.Ds Dasan and Vijayan on an investigation for a gold crown stolen to the United States.

<i>Abhimanyu</i> (1991 film) 1991 Indian film

Abhimanyu is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language crime drama film directed by Priyadarshan and written by T. Damodaran. It stars Mohanlal, Geetha, and Shankar. The plot revolves around the Bombay underworld and the transformation of an innocent guy into a crime boss in the city. The tagline of the movie is Crime Never Pays.

<i>Kadathanadan Ambadi</i> 1990 Indian film

Kadathanadan Ambadi is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language sword and sorcery film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Cochin Haneefa. It is a sequel to the 1964 film Thacholi Othenan and the 1970 film Othenente Makan. The film star Mohanlal in the title role, along with Prem Nazir, Swapna, and Raadhu. A few shots from Thacholi Othenan was shown in this film. Kadathanadan Ambadi was released after the death of Prem Nazir.

Sudheer Kumar, better known by his stage name Maniyanpilla Raju, is an Indian actor and producer who works in Malayalam film industry. His debut film was Mohiniyaattam in 1976. He has played a variety of roles as a character actor, appearing in over 400 films. His stage name was derived from the character he played in the film Maniyanpilla Adhava Maniyanpilla (1981), his break-through role.

Anwar Rasheed is an Indian film director and producer who works in Malayalam films. He made his debut in 2005 with Rajamanikyam.He continued to do successful action-comedy films, such as Chotta Mumbai (2007) and Annan Thambi (2008). His directorial drama Ustad Hotel (2012) won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He has produced commercially successful films like Bangalore Days and Premam under the banner Anwar Rasheed Entertainments.

<i>Anwar</i> (2010 film) 2010 Indian film

Anwar is a 2010 Indian action thriller film written and directed by Amal Neerad, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the titular role with Prakash Raj, Mamta Mohandas and Lal in supporting roles. The film was shot simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil, and the film is also dubbed into Hindi as Diler Hindustani. The film's plot elements were inspired by the 2008 American film Traitor.

<i>Annan Thampi</i> 2008 Indian Malayalam-language film by Anwar Rasheed

Annan Thampi is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Anwar Rasheed, starring Mammootty, Lakshmi Rai and Gopika. Mammootty plays twins Achu and Appu in the film. The film was a Blockbuster success at the box office.

<i>Urumi</i> (film) 2011 film by Santosh Sivan

Urumi, is a 2011 Indian Malayalam-language epic historical drama film written by Shankar Ramakrishnan and directed as well as co-produced by Santosh Sivan. It features Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead role with an ensemble supporting cast.

<i>Onnaman</i> 2002 Indian film

Onnaman (transl. Topper) is a 2002 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film written and directed by Thampi Kannanthanam and starring Mohanlal, N. F. Varghese, Biju Menon and Ramya Krishnan. The film features original soundtrack composed by S. P. Venkatesh. Mohanlal's son Pranav makes a guest appearance in the film.

<i>Aryan</i> (1988 film) 1988 Malayalam film by Priyadarshan

Aryan is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language action crime film directed by Priyadarshan and written by T. Damodaran. The film stars Mohanlal, Ramya Krishnan, Sharat Saxena, Shobana, Sreenivasan, Gavin Packard, M. G. Soman and Goga Kapoor. It was produced by Mohanlal and Century Kochumon through the company Cheers Films. Aryan tells the tale of an underworld battle and family bonds through Devanarayanan who arrives in Bombay with nothing and rises to become a gangster in a powerful crime gang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vysakh</span> Indian filmmaker

Ebbey Abraham, better known by his stage name Vysakh, is an Indian film director who works in Malayalam films. He began his career as a television anchor and later as an associate director to Joshiy and Johny Antony. He debuted as an independent director in 2010 with Pokkiri Raja starring Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran. In 2016, his directorial Pulimurugan starring Mohanlal and Jagapathi Babu became one of the first Malayalam film to gross around ₹150 crore at the box office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biju Kuttan</span>

Biju Kuttan is an Indian actor and comedian who appears in Malayalam films. As of June 2021, he has acted in more than 70 Malayalam films.

<i>Paavada</i> 2016 film by G. Marthandan

Paavada (transl. Skirt) is a 2016 Indian comedy drama film directed by G. Marthandan and written by Bipin Chandran, based on the story he co-wrote with Shibin Francis. The film is about the life of two alcoholics It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Anoop Menon in lead roles along with Miya, Asha Sarath, Nedumudi Venu and Maniyanpilla Raju in supporting roles. The film was produced by Maniyanpilla Raju. The music was composed by Aby Tom Cyriac and released under the label Muzik 247.

<i>Mohanlal</i> (film) 2018 film by Sajid Yahiya

Mohanlal is a 2018 Indian comedy drama film directed by Sajid Yahiya and written by Suneesh Varanad from a story by Yahiya.It stars Indrajith Sukumaran and Manju Warrier. Principal photography took place between May and December 2017 at locations in Ernakulam, and Palakkad and Thrissur districts. Mohanlal was released in India on 14 April 2018.

<i>My Great Grandfather</i> 2019 Indian film

My Great Grandfather is a 2019 Malayalam-language family-drama film starring Jayaram, Surabhi Santosh, Divya Pillai and directed by Aneesh Anwar. The cinematography was handled by Sameer Haq and the film was bankrolled by Achicha Cinemas, which previously produced Kunchacko Boban-starrer Kuttanadan Marpappa.

<i>Barroz</i> Upcoming fantasy film directed by Mohanlal

Barroz: Guardian of Treasures – 3D is an upcoming Indian Malayalam-language fantasy film directed by Mohanlal in his directorial debut. The screenplay was written by Jijo Punnoose based on his novel Barroz: Guardian of D'Gama's Treasure. The film was produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas. It stars Mohanlal in the title role, with Maya, Sara Vega, Tuhin Menon, Guru Somasundaram, and Cesar Lorente Raton in other important roles.

References

  1. George, Vijay (4 January 2008). "Interview : A positive impact". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 8 January 2008. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
  2. "Audio CD Cover". Facebook . 14 September 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  3. "Chotta Mumbai - MSIDb". malayasangeetham.info. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  4. "Is Rajni bigger than the Mega M's ? - Sify.com". web.archive.org. 16 June 2007. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  5. "Review by Nowrunning.com"
  6. "Chotta Mumbai is fun"
  7. "Movie Review: Chotta Mumbai"
  8. "Malayalam top ten 2007".
  9. "Chotta Mumbai 75days".