Kollam in popular culture

This article aims to compile various depictions of Kollam in popular culture.

Books

• Odayil Ninnu - Written by P. Kesavadev in 1942, this novel is a landmark of socialist realism in Kerala. It follows the life of Pappu, a rickshaw puller who maintains his fierce pride and dignity despite living in extreme poverty. The Novel was based on the Riskhaw Pullers around Kollam Clock Tower

Films

• Ponman(2025): A black comedy thriller starring Basil Joseph, primarily set and filmed in locations like Munroe Island, Chinnakada, and Kundara. This has Kollam Pattu ^[1]
• Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (2022): This blockbuster satire starring Darshana Rajendran and Basil Joseph is set in a typical middle-class Kollam household
• Mariyam Mukku (2015): Starring Fahadh Faasil, this film is set in a coastal village in Kollam, featuring the unique culture and dialect of the local Latin Catholic community. ^[2]
• Mundrothuruth (2016): An award-winning film that explores the psychological landscape of its characters against the backdrop of the sinking Munroe Island. ^[3]
• Odayil Ninnu (1965): While based on P. Kesavadev's novel, the film captures the essence of the working class in early post-independence Kerala, often associated with the labor history of Kollam. ^[4]
• Perariyathavar - The story revolves around a widowed father and son working as scavengers in Kollam Municipal Corporation and the harsh life they face. ^[5]
• The Teacher (2022 film) - Amala Paul plays a Kollam native
• Meen (1980 film) The movie is deeply rooted in the coastal life of Kollam (Quilon). The protagonist, Kuriakose (played by Madhu), is a fisherman from the Kollam waterfront who eventually builds a fishing empire there.

References

1. Think Music India (2025-02-03). Kollam Pattu| Ponman|Basil Joseph,Sajin Gopu|Jothish Shankar|Justin Varghese|Resmi Sateesh|Anwar Ali . Retrieved 2026-01-28– via YouTube.
2. Sudhish, Navamy (2015-01-20). "Love in Thangassery". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
3. Harikrishnan, Charmy (2015-10-31). "Blood and water thicken in Malayalam movie 'Munroe Island'". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
4. "ODAYIL NINNU 1965". The Hindu. 2012-04-22. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2026-01-28.
5. "Tale of the streets". The Hindu. 2013-09-25. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2026-01-28.