City of God (2011 film)

Last updated

City of God
COG2011.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery
Written by Babu Janardhanan
Produced byAnitha Anil Mathew
Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran
Indrajith Sukumaran
Rohini Raghuvaran
Parvathy Thiruvothu
Rajeev Pillai
Rima Kallingal
Swetha Menon
Narrated byPrithviraj Sukumaran
Cinematography Sujith Vasudev
Edited by Manoj
Music by Prashant Pillai
Production
company
Mary Matha Creations
Distributed byAP International
Release date
  • 23 April 2011 (2011-04-23)(India)
Running time
145 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

City of God is a 2011 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and written by Babu Janardhanan. It tells the story of Tamil migrant workers and a team of land mafia gangsters in the city of Cochin, Kerala. It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Rohini, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rima Kallingal and Swetha Menon.

Contents

The film uses the hyperlink cinema format as its narrative structure, a technique first used by Satyajit Ray in his film Kanchenjungha (1962). City of God is not a remake and shares no resemblance to the 2002 Brazilian film of the same name, although both use non-linear narrative structure. The film was subsequently dubbed and released in Hindi under the same name by Wide Angle Media in 2014.

City of God was one of the first among the "Malayalam New Wave" films, although the trend was just becoming recognised during 2011. Despite getting critical acclaim, the film was an average venture at the box office. [1]

Plot

City of God begins with a road accident and the story traces the life of the four families who are associated with the accident. Each family has a different perspective on the city of Cochin.

The first story revolves around the life of Tamil migrants. One of them named Swarnavel has a special affection towards another migrant named Marathakam. Marathakam was already married, but she had run away from her old husband in Pollachi due to his unbearable torture. Marathakam and Swarnavel know that they love each other, but they don't show it. Because of some personal benefits, Lakshmi breaks their relationship and forces Marathakam to marry another migrant. On the night of the marriage, Marathakam learns that her new husband is a thief and returns to Swarnavel. They realize that their love is mutual and start living together. The second husband gets stricken with envy, where he takes revenge by bringing the first husband from Pollachi. The following day, Swarnavel rescues Marathakam from her old husband and tries to escape on a moped; they have an accident, but survives. Swarnavel and Marathakam escape from the scene and settle together in a scenic village with Marathakam's son, thereby living happily ever after.

The second story deals with the life of real estate dealer Sony and his forehand Jyothi Lal. As per the instructions of Sony, Jyothi Lal and his gang kill a plot owner, who is the husband of Viji Punnose. Viji Punnosse identifies her husband's murderer as Jyothi Lal and associates with another businessman Shamir to plot revenge and destroy Sony and Jyothi Lal. Viji promises to marry Shamir if he can kill Jyothi Lal and Sony by arranging it with another gang. Sony has an eye on the growing actress Surya Prabha. Surya is leading an unpleasant married life with Mehaboob, who is a friend and later business partner of Sony. With the intention of collecting Surya Prabha, Sony cheats Mehaboob in the construction business; the police remand Mehaboob for the inadequate and unsafe construction practices which had caused the death of the Tamil migrant Lakshmi.

Sony forces Surya to have an illicit relation to get the papers that prove her husband's innocence. Jyothi Lal rescues Surya from this predicament and from a suicide attempt. Jyothi Lal takes Surya to Sony's guest house to collect the papers and they pick up Sony on the way. However, their vehicle is in the same accident which Swarnavel and Marathakam had, and Sony dies at the scene of the accident. The gang arranged by Shamir and Viji Punnoose arrives at the accident and tries to kill Jyothi Lal, but Jyothi Lal escapes with Surya and they began to realise the importance of each other in their future life, while Viji marries Shamir and goes to Dubai for further business.

Cast

Soundtrack

Prashant Pillai scored the musical score and soundtrack. Three songs are in Tamil, two in Malayalam and one in Hindi. The musical score is known for its experimental approach and its dark theme, where it received wide attention from critics and moviegoers.

Release

The film had a delayed release on 23 April 2011. [3] [4]

Reception

Critical response

City of God received positive reviews from critics.

Veeyen of Nowrunning gave 3/5 stars and wrote "City of God is no City of Dreams. It's a raw and bleeding city that wails all night and day. A city where en eternal eclipse has cast a shadow over the rights and wrongs. A city where God has apparently deserted his illusory throne and vanished without a trace." [5] Indiaglitz gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "City of God is a movie with feelings and appeal for the proponents of differently made experimental cinema. Director Lijo, Anil Mathew and their crew needs to be applauded for the efforts in keeping away cliches and commercial thrusts on the narrative structure, though they may find it a little difficult to cruise in the box-office." [6] Rediff gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Overall, City of God is a good watch when compared to the senseless stuff we have endured in this holiday season." [7]

Related Research Articles

<i>Odayil Ninnu</i> (film) 1965 Indian Malayalam-language film

Odayil Ninnu is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and written by P. Kesavadev based on his novel of the same name. The film deals with the life and struggles of a proud and hardworking rickshaw puller, Pappu. It stars Sathyan, Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Master Dasarath plays the young Pappu. Suresh Gopi made his acting debut with the film, who was then six years old. He appeared as the feudal lord's timid son, who also becomes the root cause for Pappu running away from home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. F. Varghese</span> Indian actor (1950–2002)

Nadakkaparambil Francis Varghese was an Indian actor who worked in Malayalam film industry. He began his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain roles. Akashadoothu was his major break through in career. He acted in more than 100 films. He died at the age of 53 when he suffered a heart attack and fell unconscious while driving his car. He lived along with his wife, three daughters and a son.

<i>Pokkiri Raja</i> (2010 film) 2010 film by Vysakh

Pokkiri Raja is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language masala film written by Udaykrishna–Sibi K. Thomas and directed by Vysakh. The film stars Mammootty in the titular role, alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shriya Saran, Siddique, Nedumudi Venu, Vijayaraghavan, Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Riyaz Khan. The film marks the debut of Shriya Saran in Malayalam cinema and Vysakh's directorial debut.

<i>Meesa Madhavan</i> Malayalam movie

Meesha Madhavan is a 2002 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Lal Jose and written by Ranjan Pramod. The film stars Dileep in the title role, while Kavya Madhavan, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jagathy Sreekumar, Harisree Asokan and Cochin Haneefa play supporting roles. It was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year and also subsequently became an industry hit after Thenkasipattanan. Meesha Madhavan raised Dileep's superstardom to a whole new level and developed a cult following in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Telugu as Dongodu (2003) starring Ravi Teja, in Kannada as Hori (2011) starring Vinod Prabhakar and in Tamil as Kollaikaran (2012) starring Vidharth.

Prashant Pillai is a music producer and composer from India.

<i>Positive</i> (2008 film) 2008 Indian film

Positive is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language suspense thriller film directed by V. K. Prakash starring Jayasurya, Skanda Ashok, Vani Kishore, Saikumar, and Ananya. The film was a hit and was dubbed into Telugu as Suspense in 2016.

<i>Best of Luck</i> (2010 film) 2010 Indian film

Best of Luck is a 2010 Malayalam-language black comedy film written and directed by M.A. Nishad. It stars Kailash, Asif Ali, Prabhu, Urvashi, Archana Kavi and Rima Kallingal.

<i>Phantom</i> (2002 film) 2002 Indian film

Phantom is a 2002 Malayalam action drama film directed by Biju Varkey. It stars Mammootty in the title role, and Manivannan, Manoj K. Jayan, Innocent, Nishanth Sagar, Nedumudi Venu and Lalu Alex in other pivotal roles.

<i>Doubles</i> (2011 film) 2011 film by Sohan Seenulal

Doubles is a 2011 Malayalam-language action comedy drama film directed by debutant Sohan Seenulal and written by the Sachi-Sethu duo. It stars Mammootty, Nadhiya Moidu and Taapsee Pannu, with Saiju Kurup, Anoop Chandran, Bijukuttan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Anandaraj, Suresh and Avinash in other roles. It also features Roma and Rima Kallingal in cameo roles, and music by James Vasanthan. The film marks the comeback of Nadhiya and the debuts of Taapsee Pannu and Avinash in Malayalam cinema. The film released coinciding with the festival of Vishu on 14 April 2011. Doubles is a story of two siblings who rescue victims of road accidents.

<i>Snehadeepam</i> 1962 Indian film

Snehadeepam is a 1962 Malayalam language film, directed and produced by P. Subramaniam. Written by novelist Muttathu Varkey, it stars Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, S. P. Pillai, Miss Kumari, Ambika, Santhi, Baby Vinodini, Adoor Pankajam, T. K. Balachandran and Aranmula Ponnamma.

<i>Avan Chandiyude Makan</i> 2007 Indian film

Avan Chandiyude Makan is a 2007 Indian Malayalam-language film produced by Nirmal Roy G M, written by Babu Janardhanan and directed by Thulasidas. The film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran Vijayaraghavan, Sridevika and Baburaj with a musical score by Sanjeev Lal. This film was released along with the Tamil film Pokkiri.

<i>Ayalum Njanum Thammil</i> 2012 Indian film

Ayalum Njanum Thammil is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language medical drama film directed by Lal Jose. The film produced by Prem Prakash was written by his sons Bobby and Sanjay. It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Pratap Pothen, Narain, Samvrutha Sunil, Rima Kallingal and Remya Nambeesan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lijo Jose Pellissery</span> Indian filmmaker, actor (born 1978)

Lijo Jose Pellissery is an Indian filmmaker and actor who works in Malayalam cinema. His best works include Amen (2013), Angamaly Diaries (2017), Ee.Ma.Yau. (2018), Jallikattu (2019), Churuli (2021), and Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023).

New generation films is a Malayalam film movement developed in the early 2010s, characterized by fresh and unusual themes and new narrative techniques. Films of the new wave differ from conventional themes of the past two decades and introduced several new trends and techniques to the Malayalam film industry. While the new generation formats and styles are deeply influenced by global trends, their thematics are firmly rooted in Malayalee life and mindscapes.

<i>Aana Valarthiya Vanampadi</i> 1959 film

Aana Valarthiya Vanampadi is a 1959 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by P. Subramaniam. The film stars Thikkurissi, S.P. Pillai, Bahadoor, M.N.Nambiar, Miss Kumari etc. The film had music by Br. Lakshmanan.

Durga Prabha, known by her stage name, Hema Chaudhary is an Indian actress who has predominantly acted in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil films. Starting her career as a lead actress in the Telugu film Pelli Kani Pelli in 1976, she switched over to supporting roles in the 1980s.

<i>Thinkal Muthal Velli Vare</i> 2015 Indian film

Thinkal Muthal Velli Vare is a 2015 Indian Malayalam-language comedy film, produced by Anto Joseph and directed by Kannan Thamarakkulam. The film stars Jayaram in lead role with, Anoop Menon, Singer Rimi Tomy, Rachana Narayanankutty, Sasi Kalinga, Maniyanpilla Raju, Rachana Narayanankutty, Edavela Babu, K. P. A. C. Lalitha, and K. B. Ganesh Kumar in supporting roles.

Santhwanam (transl. Consolation) is an Indian Malayalam-language soap opera directed by Aadithyan. The first season aired from 21 September 2020 to 27 January 2024 on Asianet and airs on-demand through Disney+ Hotstar. It is an official remake of Tamil soap opera Pandian Stores. It stars Rajeev Parameshwar, Chippy Renjith, Girish Nambiar, Raksha Raj, Sajin TP, Gopika Anil, Achu Sugandh and Manjusha Martin. The second season of the show, Santhwanam 2 which is a remake of Pandian Stores 2 will premiere on 17 June 2024. It will serves as a spirtual spin-off of Santhwanam.

<i>Chithi</i> (TV series) Indian Tamil-language soap opera

Chithi is an Indian Tamil prime time soap opera that aired on Sun TV. The show premiered on 20 December 1999 and ended on 1 November 2001. It aired Monday through Friday at 9:30pm. The serial stars Radhika Sarathkumar in dual roles, with Sivakumar, Yuvarani, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Hemalatha / Neena and Deepa Venkat. Anju, Latha Sabapathi, Poovilangu Mohan, Ajay Rathnam, Riyaz Khan, Vijay Adhiraj and Tharika play supporting roles.

References

  1. ↑ "Malayalam movies: Non-linear narratives are making the box-office ring louder". The Economic Times. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  2. ↑ Keerthy Ramachandran (18 April 2011). "Hot doc makes it to Mollywood". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 21 April 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  3. ↑ "City of God Release Date confirmed" Archived 24 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine . Keralaboxoffice.com. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  4. ↑ "City of God postponed". Sify.com. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  5. ↑ Veeyen (24 April 2011). "City of God Review". nowrunning.com – "don't miss the show!". INFOCON LLC. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  6. ↑ IndiaGlitz (23 April 2011). "City of God – This "City of God" belongs to a different genre". IndiaGlitz – Its Showtime, Anytime. Archived from the original on 7 December 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  7. ↑ Paresh C. Palicha (25 April 2011). "Review: City of God is a good watch". Rediff Movies. Rediff.com. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.