Ithihasa

Last updated

Ithihasa
Ithihasa-film-poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Binu Sadanandan
Written by
  • Aneesh Lee Ashok
  • Anil Narayanan
Produced by
  • Rajesh Augustine
Starring
CinematographySinoj P. Ayyappan
Edited byJovin John
Music by Deepak Dev
Production
company
ARK Media
Distributed byARK Release
Release date
  • 10 October 2014 (2014-10-10)(India)
Running time
150 minutes
Country India
Language Malayalam

Ithihasa is a 2014 Indian Malayalam-language fantasy comedy film directed by Binu Sadanandan and written by Aneesh Lee Ashok and Anil Narayanan. The film tells the story of body swapping between a conservative young software professional Janaki (Anusree) and an easy going young pickpocketer, Alvy (Shine Tom Chacko). The music was composed by Deepak Dev.

Contents

The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences. [1] It turned out to be a sleeper hit and was especially praised for the humour, music and screenplay. [2] It is inspired from the 2002 Hollywood film The Hot Chick. A spiritual successor to the film titled Mask starring Shine Tom Chacko and Chemban Vinod Jose was released in 2019.

Plot

The story, set in Kochi is about the body swapping of a shrewd pickpocketer Alvy and a conservative software professional Janaki. Alvy, a thief and his friend Vikki come in possession of a pair of stolen magic rings. One of the rings is lost and makes its way to Janaki, who wins it in a game from a shopping centre. At night both try their respective rings. The next day they realize that they are in different bodies - Alvy wakes up in Janaki's body and vice versa. Janaki's friends try to find a cure for this but fails. Alvy and Vikki enjoy their days and Janaki and her friends enjoys their day when both of them comes face to face. The next day Janaki's mother & grandmother arrive at her home to see her & they bring Alvy to impersonate as Janaki. Gradually they fall in love with each other. One day they get a call saying that they can get help from a historian.

They reveal their situation and he asks them to think about anything that happened to them in last 15 days. They reveal that they got a ring as a gift. Janaki(in Alvy's body) shows a picture of the ring, and the historian reveals that the ring swaps the bodies of the wearers, and they have to change back within 15 days (today before the sunset being the last day) or they will be like this forever. Both of them find the rings, but before putting it on, Janaki (in Alvy's body) gets kidnapped by some Hindi speaking smugglers, who need that ring. Alvy (in Janaki's body) comes to beat them up, but the bad guys overpower her. Vikki pickpockets the ring from the leader and gives it to the pair. They put on the rings and switch back their original bodies . Alvy fights the villains while Vikki calls the police, who arrive and arrest them. In the post credits scene, the 2 robbers who stole the rings from the museum steal them again, but this time they try them on and swap bodies with each other.

Cast

Production

The film marked the directorial debut of Binu S. Kalady, a wedding photographer who also has a couple of ad films to his credit. [3] Most of the crew members also did not have any experience in cinema. Binu says, "All we had was optimism. We were a bunch of photographers whose only association with cinema was as an audience. But, I had unbridled passion for movies and that’s how I decided to do a movie. I spent almost a year on another project, but couldn’t get a producer. Then my friends suggested I come up with a more cost-effective project so that we could pump in the money ourselves. That’s when I zeroed in on Ithihasa." [4]

The film centers on body swapping, a theme that has been explored earlier in many films. The director says: "This thread has been explored earlier in Hollywood, as in It’s a Boy Girl Thing . Another film featuring a story on body swapping was Freaky Friday . We used this thread to develop into a story suited for the Indian audience." [3] According to some reviewers, the film is loosely based on the 2002 Hollywood film The Hot Chick .

Binu said in an interview that actors and actresses whom he initially approached rejected the script saying the story was too unbelievable. [2] Later he signed Shine Tom Chacko and Anusree as the lead pair. Binu had interacted with Shine Tom Chacko earlier and was confident he could do the lead character. But even the crew themselves were apprehensive about his choice of actress, Anusree. [5] However, Binu was convinced "though she herself wasn't". [2] For Shine Tom Chacko, who has worked in 15 films, Ithihasa was the first in a lead role. [3] He says: "The director had approached me for a short film, but the project did not take off due to some reason. He had narrated the thread of Ithihasa then. There is a Hollywood film, The Hot Chick, with a similar storyline; Binu was confident about the subject and so I agreed to do it." [6] Recalling the efforts that went into be the character, Shine said in an interview that playing a woman was quite challenging but being a keen observer of women from childhood helped him to become the character effortlessly. [7] The film was made with a minimal budget of ₹2.5 crore (US$300,000). [4]

Music

All lyrics written by B. K. Harinarayanan, all music composed by Deepak Dev. Music released on East Coast. The soundtrack received positive reviews. The Times of India wrote: "Blending melody and peppiness with smooth lyrics, composer Deepak Dev and lyricist Harinarayanan dish out a standard album and it makes for a pleasant listen. Itihasa has three songs, which are catchy and hummable." [8]

SongSinger(s)
"Kannimalare Kanninazhake" Najim Arshad, Gayathri Suresh
"Ambada Njaane Chellada Mone"Deepak Dev, Lonely Doggy, Sannidanandan
"Jeevitham Maayapambaram"Ronny Philip, Lonely Doggy

Reception

Critical response

Ithihasa received highly positive reviews and well critical acclaim from critics and audiences. [1] The Hindu wrote: "this small film entertain in parts and is a better watch than the ones coming branded as ‘comedy’." [9] The Times of India rated the film 4/5 and said, "the director has done a decent job and the film, with all its absurdity, makes for a cute, light-hearted entertainer." [10] Rediff.com gave 3.5/5 rating and said, "The storyline sounds simple and thin but the way it is presented makes Ithihasa worth watching." [11] Sify.com gave the verdict as "watchable" and said, "Ithihasa is far from perfect but this one is a genuine attempt from a bunch of newcomers." [12] Nowrunning.com rated the film 3/5 and wrote: "'Ithihasa' is simple but best humorous tale with the infusion of a bit of fantasy." [13]

Box office

The film turned out to be a sleeper hit, and was lauded as one of the best comedy films in the recent times. [2] The DVD of the film was released on the first week of December. It collected ₹4.35 crore (US$520,000) in 52 days of its release, turning out to be one of the highest-grossing films in Malayalam in 2014.

See also

Related Research Articles

Itihaas or Itihas may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anusree</span> Indian actress (born 1990)

Anusree is an Indian actress who appears in Malayalam films. She made her acting debut in the 2012 film Diamond Necklace and has acted in a number of Malayalam films in female lead roles.

<i>Bhaskar the Rascal</i> 2015 film by Siddique

Bhaskar The Rascal is a 2015 Malayalam action comedy film written and directed by Siddique. It stars Mammootty and Nayanthara with a supporting cast of J. D. Chakravarthy, Sanoop Santhosh, Anikha Surendran, Janardhanan, Kalabhavan Shajon, Harisree Ashokan, and Saju Navodaya. The music was composed by Deepak Dev with cinematography by Vijay Ulaganath and editing by K. R. Gowri Shanker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prayaga Martin</span> Indian actress

Prayaga Rose Martin is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema.

<i>Chirakodinja Kinavukal</i> 2015 Indian film

Chirakodinja Kinavukal is a 2015 Malayalam spoof film. Directed by debutant Santhosh Viswanath, the film has been produced by Listin Stephen under the banner of Magic Frames. It has the notable achievement of being the first ever Malayalam parody film. The film features Kunchacko Boban in triple role, two lead roles and one cameo appearance alongside Sreenivasan and Rima Kallingal in the lead roles. Chirakodinja Kinavukal released on 1 May to generally mixed to positive reviews.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Balu Varghese</span> Indian film actor and singer (born 1991)

Balu Varghese is an Indian actor and singer who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry. He began his acting career as a child actor in Chanthupottu (2005).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shine Tom Chacko</span> Indian actor

Shine Tom Chacko is an Indian actor and former assistant director who works in Malayalam cinema After working as an assistant to director Kamal for about 9 years, he forayed into acting through the film, Gaddama. He played supporting roles in several films including Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Chapters, Annayum Rasoolum ,Masala Republic, Jigarthanda DoubleX and played his first lead role in Binu S Kalady's fantasy-comedy film Ithihasa (2014) which dealt with body-swapping. With Telugu, Tamil and Hindi films acted.

<i>Style</i> (2016 film) 2016 film by Binu Sadanandan

Style is a 2016 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Binu Sadanandan starring Unni Mukundan, Tovino Thomas, Priyanka Kandwal, Master Ilhan, Shine Tom Chacko and Balu Varghese in the leading roles. Mumbai-based model Priyanka Kandwal debuted as a heroine in the film. The film, edited by National Award winner Vivek Harshan, was released on 2 January 2016. the film was a commercial success.

<i>Avarude Raavukal</i> 2017 Indian film

Avarude Ravukal is a 2017 Indian Malayalam-language film written and directed by Shanil Muhammed. It features Asif Ali, Unni Mukundan, Vinay Forrt, Honey Rose, Milana Nagaraj, and Nedumudi Venu. It was produced by Ajay Krishnan under the banner of Ajay entertainments. The film was released on 23 June 2017 to mixed reviews.

<i>Ramaleela</i> 2017 Indian political thriller film

Ramaleela is a 2017 Indian Malayalam-language political thriller film written by Sachy and directed by debutant Arun Gopy. It stars Dileep, Radhika, Prayaga Martin, Mukesh, Kalabhavan Shajon, Vijayaraghavan and Siddique. The film is produced and distributed by Tomichan Mulakuppadam under Mulakuppadam Films. Ramaleela was released in India on 28 September 2017.

Binu Sadanandan is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in Malayalam films.

<i>Kayamkulam Kochunni</i> (2018 film) 2018 film directed by Rosshan Andrrews

Kayamkulam Kochunni is a 2018 Indian Malayalam-language period action film directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by Bobby & Sanjay. It is based on the life of Kayamkulam Kochunni, a famed highwayman who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor during the British Raj in the early 19th century Central Travancore. The film stars Mohanlal in an extended cameo as Ithikkara pakki along with Nivin Pauly in the title role as Kayamkulam Kochunni. It also features Priya Anand, Sunny Wayne and Babu Antony in supporting roles.

<i>Who</i> (film) 2018 Indian film

Who is a 2018 Indian English and Malayalam-language science fiction Mystery Thriller film, written and directed by Ajay Devaloka as his directorial debut. The film features Shine Tom Chacko, Shruthy Menon, Pearle Maaney, Rajeev Pillai and Prashanth Nair (IAS). The film was produced by Vishakha Bokil and co-produced by MF Anto under the banner of Corridor 6 Films. The teaser was released on YouTube in September.Who is the first time travel movie from Kerala. The movie had its official world premiere at the 71st Cannes film festival's market section on 15 May 2018. Who had a nationwide release in India in Malayalam language with English subtitles obtaining rave reviews from the critics. 'WHO' is now streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide.

<i>Mask</i> (2019 film) 2019 Indian Malayalam-language comedy film

MASK is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language comedy film co-written and directed by Sunif Hanif. The film, produced by A. S. Gireesh Lal for Gowri Meenakshi Movies, stars Shine Tom Chacko, Chemban Vinod Jose, Vijayaraghavan and Priyanka Nair in the lead roles. Gopi Sundar composed the soundtrack and score, while Prakash Velayudhan handled the cinematography. The film, which tells the story of a police inspector who sets out to track down a thief, released on 5 June 2019. The film was a spiritual successor of the 2014 film Ithihasa starring Shine Tom Chacko and Anusree.

<i>Shylock</i> (2020 film) 2020 film by Ajay Vasudev

Shylock is a 2020 Indian Malayalam-language mass film directed by Ajay Vasudev, written by Aneesh Hameed-Bibin Mohan and produced by Joby George under Goodwill Entertainments. The film stars Mammootty in titular role, alongside and Rajkiran, Meena, Siddique, Kalabhavan Shajon, Baiju Santhosh, Bibin George and Hareesh Kanaran in supporting roles. The film's title is a slang term for a loan shark. The music was composed by Gopi Sundar, while cinematography and editing were handled by Renadive and Riyas K. Badhar.

<i>Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha</i> 2019 Indian film

Kettyolaanu Ente Malakha is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film directed by Nissam Basheer, written by Aji Peter Thankam, and produced by Magic Frames. It stars Asif Ali and Veena Nandakumar, Jaffar Idukki, Basil Joseph and Shine Tom Chacko in the supporting roles. William Francis composed the film's music. The plot follows newly wed Sleevachan and Rincy as they begin their married life.

<i>My Santa</i> (film) 2019 film directed by Sugeeth

My Santa is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama christmas film, directed by Sugeeth and written by Jemin Cyriac, starring Dileep, Manasvi Kottachi, Anaswara Rajan, Sunny Wayne, Anusree, Deva Nandha, and Kalabhavan Shajohn.with Shine Tom Chacko and Aju Varghese in Cameo appearance. The film is produced by Nishad Koya, Ajeesh OK, Sajith Krishna, and Saritha Sugeeth for the banner of Wall Poster Entertainment. The music is composed by Vidyasagar.

<i>Love</i> (2020 film) 2021 Indian- Malayalam language film

Love is a 2020 & 2021 Indian Malayalam-language slasher psychological thriller film written and directed by Khalid Rahman and produced by Ashiq Usman under the banner of Ashiq Usman Productions. The film stars Shine Tom Chacko and Rajisha Vijayan in the lead roles.

<i>Operation Java</i> 2021 Indian film by Tharun Moorthy

Operation Java is a 2021 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film produced by V Cinemas International, written and directed by Tharun Moorthy. It stars an ensemble cast including Balu Varghese, Lukman Avaran, Binu Pappu, Irshad, Shine Tom Chacko, Mamitha Baiju and Vinayakan. The story details an investigation undertaken by a cyber cell police station in Kochi. The film released on 12 February 2021 and received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Adithattu</i> 2022 Indian film

Adithattu is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Jijo Antony and starring Sunny Wayne, Alexander Prasanth and Shine Tom Chacko.

References

  1. 1 2 Nicy V. P. (10 October 2014). "'Ithihasa' Review Roundup: Critics and Audiences Give Thumbs Up". International Business Times . Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Prakash, Asha (20 November 2014). "I want to be known as the common man's director, says Binu S". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Ramachandran, Mythily (27 November 2014). "'Ithihasa', a Malayalam film, deals with body swapping". Gulf News . Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  4. 1 2 Suresh, Meera (6 November 2014). "Making 'Ithihasa'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 3 December 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  5. ↑ Soman, Deepa (9 December 2014). "My team was not sure whether Anusree will act well as a boy: Binu S". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  6. ↑ Karthikeyan, Shruti (17 October 2014). "Anusree has enacted me well in Ithihasa: Shine Tom Chacko". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  7. ↑ Soman, Deepa (24 October 2014). "Playing Janaki was a challenge: Shine Tom Chacko". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "Ithihasa music review". The Times of India. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  9. ↑ Praveen, S. R. (12 October 2014). "A watchable body swap". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  10. ↑ Prakash, Asha (12 October 2014). "Ithihasa". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  11. ↑ Paresh C Palicha (13 October 2014). "Review: Ithihasa is enjoyable". Rediff.com. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  12. ↑ "Movie Review : Ithihasa". Sify . Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  13. ↑ "Ithihasa Review | Ithihasa Malayalam Movie Review by Weekender". Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
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.