Higuita (film)

Last updated

Higuita
Directed byHemanth G Nair
Written byHemanth G Nair
Produced byBobby Tharian & Sajith Amma
Starring Suraj Venjaramoodu
Dhyan Sreenivasan
CinematographyFazil Nazer
Edited byPraseedh Narayanan
Music by Rahul Raj (Songs)
Dawn Vincent (score)
Production
company
2nd Half Productions
Distributed byDream Big Films
Release date
  • 31 March 2023 (2023-03-31) [1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Higuita is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language political drama film directed by Hemanth G Nair and produced by Bobby Tharian & Sajith Amma. It stars Suraj Venjaramoodu in the title role with an ensemble cast including Dhyan Sreenivasan, Manoj K. Jayan, Indrans, Abu Salim, Vineeth Kumar. [2]

Contents

The film title was contested by N. S. Madhavan, who claimed that the film title had denied him a right to a film title based on his short story of the same name. [3] It was released on 31 March 2023. [1]

Plot

Left-wing firebrand leader Pannyannoor Mukundhan forged in the crucible of left-wing politics of Malabar, always facing threats of violence and even murder.

Ayyapa Das recently joined in the police and is assigned as his gunman. Das's father was a civil police officer, who died while still in service. Impending financial disaster for the family forces Das to take up this responsibility and go for a police job.

Higuita is a tale of contradicting individuals working close to each other and the inherent conflict of the situation.

The film opens with the murder of KJP activist Vinod by the opposite left wing RPI party workers because the former dared to stop the vehicle of their leader Sakhavu Panniyannur Mukundan as part of a protest. Ayyappadas, who is a lazy and timid person by nature, influences the local RPI party members through his friends’ circle and gets a posting in training camp even though its more than 2 years since his father died while in service. Soon enough, he gets posted as the personal gunman of Mukundan at Kannur and is asked to report immediately for the same. Knowing the nature of Kannur political landscape and the dangerous nature of his job, he tries to request the party to cancel the posting but must join since they did not relent, and he must go as part of returning the favor of getting the job. Once he joins, Ayyappadas is intimidated by Mukundan and the people surrounding him, but nevertheless carries on with his routine.

Mukundan is one of the accused in the Vinod Murder case and must attend a court hearing. Just as Ayyappadas was about to leave after escorting Mukundan to the court premises, a jeep of masked assailants threw a bomb in the court compound and stab Mukundan amidst the ensuing chaos. Mukundan is hospitalized in a critical state and Ayyappadas comes under flak for not doing his duty of protecting Mukundan properly. However, Mukundan survives and confirms to police that Ayyappadas has done his job properly, leading to no action being taken against him. After the murder attempt, Ayyappadas gets close to Mukundan and accompanies him around the locality for his routine visits as part of his duty. However, he gets the feeling that someone is following him and starts getting anonymous calls on his phone.

During the party meeting, Ayyappadas is shocked to see the person who stabbed Ayyappadas amongst the party workers and see him discussing something with another party bigwig Gopinathan. Ayyappadas takes his photo secretly and learns that he is a trade union leader Raghu who was the right hand of Mukundan before. Ayyappadas suspects that Gopinathan is trying to conspire with Raghu to finish off Mukundan due to the internal party politics and Mukundan's growing dominance within the factions. Gopinathan even advises Ayyappadas at the police headquarters to leave the place if he wants to so that he can be replaced with more experienced guys. Mukundan brushes off Ayyappadas's suspicions when he shares the same with him.

One day Ayyappadas is confronted by Vishnu, the same goon who had committed Vinod's murder in the beginning of the movie and is taken by force to KJP's office. Their leader asks Ayyappadas to help them carry out their plan of murdering Mukundan. One the day of planned murder, Ayyappadas does not help them and sticks to Mukundan for protecting him. Again, he is summoned to the KJP leader who reveals that Vinod was killed by KJP party people themselves with the help of Vishnu, since he was having an affair with some one else's wife. The leader also tells Das that most of the personal vendettas in Kannur are sorted out this way and given a political angle for their own mileage. He is given an ultimatum to bring Mukundan to a preplanned location on the theyyam day to carry out the murder.

On the night, Ayyappadas brings Mukundan to the place as instructed, but fights back at Vishnu and other KJP goons when they try to finish off Mukundan. Police arrive in the nick of time and arrest the KJP leaders and members who conspired. Mukundan, who is impressed by Ayyappadas leaves a note to him that he can stay back or leave the place once he is back from the party meeting. Next day Ayyappadas gets the news that Mukundan has been promoted to the party secretary post and his personal secretary is none other than Raghu who tried to kill him. Perplexed, Ayyappadas recalls his earlier conversation with Mukundan about the Columbian goalkeeper Rene Higuita who used to score goals for his team occasionally even when being a goalie and saving goals for them. He realizes that the entire stabbing incident was planned by Mukundan to strengthen his position in the party and leveraged it to his advantage. In the end it's shown he moves back to his hometown, but as a tougher person than before.

Cast

Music

Rahul Raj was signed in 2020 to compose the film score and songs. However, as the film got pushed to 2022, Rahul Raj composed the songs and opted out of composing the film's background score due to scheduling conflicts. Dawn Vincent was then brought in to compose the background score.

Reception

S.R.Praveen critic of The Hindu wrote that "Political drama wallowing in stereotypes and half-truths" [4] Princy critic of Onmanorama stated that "The dialogues are thought-provoking, impactful and takes a dig at political opportunism." [5] Anjana George of Times of india gave 3 out of 5 stars "The film have several moments that give goosebumps to 'communist' buffs. But it also tries hard to create icons that are being celebrated around as 'man with two hearts'. It is a movie 'for the communist'.". [6] Cris critic of The News Minute wrote that "Regardless of the stand the film wants to take, the making leaves a lot to be desired. Scenes cut into each other poorly, and characters seem written half-heartedly." and gave 2 stars out of 5. [7]

Related Research Articles

<i>Rajamanikyam</i> 2005 Indian film

Rajamanikyam is a 2005 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Anwar Rasheed and written by T. A. Shahid. It stars Mammootty as the titular businessman, along with Rahman, Manoj K Jayan, Ranjith, Salim Kumar, Sai Kumar, Bheeman Raghu, Sindhu Menon, Padmapriya and Cochin Haneefa in supporting roles. The music is composed by Alex Paul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manoj K. Jayan</span> Indian actor

Manoj Kadampoothramadam Jayan, also known as Manoj K. Jayan is an Indian actor who acts in Malayalam films in addition to a few Tamil films. Manoj has won three Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for his portrayals of Hariharan's "Kuttan Thampuran" in Sargam (1992), "Thalakkal Chandu" in Pazhassi Raja (2009) and "Kunjiraman" in Farook Abdul Rahiman's Kaliyachan. He has played "Kuttan Thampuran" (Sargam), "Thirumangalath Neelakandan Namboothiri" (Perumthachan), "Kunjunni Namboothiri" (Parinayam), "Unnikrishnan" (Venkalam), "Ananthakrishna Warrier" (Sopanam), "Digambaran" (Anandabhadram) and "Thalakkal Chandu".

<i>Arabikkatha</i> 2007 Indian film

Arabikkatha is a 2007 Indian Malayalam-language satirical-drama film directed by Lal Jose and written by Ikbal Kuttipuram. The film was a critical and commercial success in India and the United Arab Emirates. It deals with differences within the Communist movement, and was produced against a background of real-life splits in the ruling Communist Party in Kerala state, India. In the film, Mukundan, a hardcore communist, exposes the atrocities of Karunan, a cunning and corrupt politician.

<i>Oru Naal Varum</i> 2010 Indian film

Oru Naal Varum is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language satirical film directed by T. K. Rajeev Kumar, written by Sreenivasan, and produced by Maniyanpilla Raju. It stars Mohanlal and Sameera Reddy in her Malayalam debut, with Sreenivasan, Devayani, Nazriya Nazim, and Esther Anil in supporting roles. The film's soundtrack was composed by M. G. Sreekumar. Oru Naal Varum was released on 9 July 2010. The plot deals with corruption in India.

<i>Bombay Mittayi</i> 2011 Indian film

Bombay Mittayi is a 2011 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Umar Karikkad starring Vinu Mohan, Neelambari, Amar Singh and Sreenivasan in the lead roles. This film marks the acting debut of leading politician Amar Singh. This film also marks the entry of Bollywood actress Dimple Kapadia into Malayalam cinema. Sri Lankan actress Neelambari Perumal enters Indian Cinema through this film.

<i>Thattathin Marayathu</i> 2012 Indian film

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.

<i>Manthrikan</i> 2012 Indian film

Manthrikan is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language comedy horror film directed by Anil, produced by Anand Kumar, and written by Rajan Kiriyath. The film stars Jayaram, Poonam Bajwa, and Muktha George in the lead roles. The music was composed by S. Balakrishnan. The film released on 5 October 2012, and it was panned by critics and audiences alike. The movie was dubbed in Hindi as Chandramukhi Ki Pratigya and in Tamil with the same name.

<i>Left Right Left</i> (film) 2013 Indian film

Left Right Left is a 2013 Indian Malayalam-language political drama film, directed by Arun Kumar Aravind and written by Murali Gopy. Left Right Left revolves around the lives of Jayan, Roy, Sahadevan, Anitha and Jennifer. Released on 14 June 2013, the film was set in three periods – the 60s/70s, the 80s/90s and the present day. It got mostly positive reviews upon release but drew occasional criticism for some of its characters and scenes resembling real-life political leaders and incidents. However, it has gathered a cult status over the years as one of the finest political thrillers ever made in Malayalam. Murali Gopy's performance won him the 61st Filmfare Awards South for The Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Lena Kumar won Kerala State Film Award for the Second Best Actress.Filmicompanion in 2019 included Hareesh Peradi's performance in the Top 100 performances of the decade.

Shaji John, professionally credited by his stage name Kalabhavan Shajohn is an Indian actor, director and comedian who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. He started his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, Kochi. Making his debut in 1999 with My Dear Karadi and having made more than 90 appearances, he received a major breakthrough in his career with Drishyam (2013), in which he played a negative role. He made his directorial debut with Brother's Day starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. As of June 2021, he has starred in more than 130 Malayalam films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dhyan Sreenivasan</span> Indian actor

Dhyan Sreenivasan is an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, and producer who works in Malayalam films. He made his acting debut with Thira (2013), directed by his elder brother Vineeth Sreenivasan. He made his directorial debut with Love Action Drama (2019).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vineeth Kumar</span> Indian Malayalam actor, director

Vineeth Kumar is an Indian actor, director and screenwriter known for his work in the Malayalam film industry. He has had a career spanning decades, transitioning from a child artist to an accomplished director.

Sakhi Elsa is an Indian costume designer and fashion designer working predominantly for the Malayalam film industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Niranjana Anoop</span> Indian actress

Niranjana Anoop is an Indian actress who appears in Malayalam films. Niranjana is also a trained Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer.

Rony David Raj is an Indian actor and former physician who works in Malayalam films.

<i>Kuttymama</i> 2019 Indian film

Kuttymama is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by V. M. Vinu and starring Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Durga Krishna, Meera Vasudev and Manju Pathrose in the leading roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dijo Jose Antony</span> Indian film director

Dijo Jose Antony is a Musician, Indian film director and ad film maker, who works predominantly in Malayalam cinema. Dijo is popularly known for his second directorial, Jana Gana Mana, an investigative crime thriller that was lauded by Indian movie lovers across the globe for its engaging courtroom drama. He debuted as a film director with the film Queen (2018) featuring newcomers. His next directorial titled Malayalee From India is set to release in 2024. Dijo is also famous for conceptualizing many ad films including the Kairali TMT's viral advertisement starring Mohanlal.

<i>Jana Gana Mana</i> (2022 film) 2022 film directed by Dijo Jose Antony

Jana Gana Mana is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language legal thriller film directed by Dijo Jose Antony and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Pasupathi Raj, G. M. Sundar, Mamta Mohandas, Sri Divya. The music was composed by Jakes Bejoy with cinematography by Sudeep Elamon and editing by Sreejith Sarang. The film released on 28 April 2022 to positive reviews for its narrative style, cast performances, and technical aspects.

<i>Mukundan Unni Associates</i> 2022 Indian film

Mukundan Unni Associates is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language dark comedy crime film directed by Abhinav Sunder Nayak featuring Vineeth Sreenivasan, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Aarsha Chandini Baiju in lead roles. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success at box office.

<i>Jailer</i> (2023 Malayalam film) 2023 Malayalam film by Sakkir Madathil

Jailer is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language period drama film written and directed by Sakkir Madathil. The film stars Dhyan Sreenivasan in lead role, alongside Manoj K. Jayan, Divya Pillai and Sreejith Ravi in the supporting cast. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of a prison officer who stays in a bungalow with five prisoners who were charged with different crimes and his experiments to reform them.

Manuel Cruz Darwin is an Indian Film producer and businessman, who works in the Malayalam film industry.

References

  1. 1 2 "Suraj Venjaramoodu's Higuita gets release date". The Indian Express. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  2. ↑ "Hemanth Nair's 'Higuita', which courted controversy over its title, to release on March 31". OnManorama. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  3. ↑ Bhaskar, Arushi (18 December 2022). "How Colombian footballer René Higuita's name ignited a cultural debate in Kerala". The Indian Express. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  4. ↑ Praveen, S. R. (31 March 2023). "'Higuita' movie review: A political drama wallowing in stereotypes and half-truths". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  5. ↑ "Higuita movie review: Dhyan Sreenivasan, Suraj Venjaramoodu's film is bold dig at political opportunism". OnManorama. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  6. ↑ "Higuita Movie Review : A communist PR exercise?". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  7. ↑ "Higuita review: This Suraj-Dhyan film is a poorly made cliché about Kannur politics". The News Minute. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
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.