Rajamanikyam

Last updated

Rajamanikyam
Rajamanikyamm.jpg
Promotional poster
Directed by Anwar Rasheed
Written by T. A. Shahid
Produced byValiyaveettil Siraj
Starring Mammootty
CinematographySanjeev Shankar
Edited by Ranjan Abraham
Music by Alex Paul
Production
company
Valiyaveettil Movie International
Distributed byValiyaveettil Release & PJ Entertainments
Release date
  • 1 November 2005 (2005-11-01) [1]
(Kerala)
Running time
126 minutes
CountryIndia
Budget₹2.30 crore [2]

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, [3] Manoj K Jayan, Cochin Haneefa, Ranjith, Salim Kumar, Sai Kumar, Bheeman Raghu, Sindhu Menon, and Padmapriya in supporting roles. The music is composed by Alex Paul.

Contents

It tells the story of Rajamanikyam aka Bellary Raja (Mammootty), a Karnataka based illiterate businessman who tries to unite his warring siblings. [4] [5] The film was remade in Kannada as Bellary Naga (2009) with Vishnuvardhan in lead. Rajamanikyam was the highest grossing Malayalam movie until 2008. [6] The film was released on 1 November during Deepawali. The film was dubbed and released in Tamil with same name in 2007.

Plot

In a village in Southern Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu lives a wealthy and respectful businessman named Raja Rathnam Pillai. Following the demise of his first wife, he marries Muthu Lakshmi so that Selvam, the child from his first marriage will not grow up without the love and care of a mother. Unknown to him, Muthu Lakshmi already has a son, whom she calls Muthu.

On the night of the wedding, Muthu knocks at the door of Raja Rathnam, demanding that he be shown his mother. Once Raja Rathnam realises the truth, he takes Muthu into his care, giving him love, affection and a new name, "Rajamanikyam". Muthu returns the favour duly, as when Selvam ends up killing one of the children of their village, he takes up the blame and leaves the village, after getting a bit on his left eye.

Several years later, Raja Rathnam's two grown-up children, Selvam and Rani, quarrel for their father's wealth. Selvam, aided by his childhood buddy Simon Nadar also notches up a plot to frame his own father in a murder case. Raja Rathnam is implicated in a sensitive political murder. As a result, Raja Rathnam is arrested and remanded. While taking Rathnam to the prison from the premises of the court, a wide scale altercation erupts - between Rathnam's supporters and the sycophants of the slain politician. Amidst the chaos, a huge stone is pelted at Raja Rathnam - severely injuring him. (The stone is pelted by the actual assailant). Witnessing the riots, Raja Rathnam dies of a heart attack - sitting inside the police van - while being taken to the prison. After his death, the two siblings are summoned by the family lawyer to read out the provisions of Raja Rathnam's will. But to their surprise, they find that control of all the assets of their father have been transferred to a Bellary based cattle dealer and businessman named Bellary Raja. They fail to recognize that Bellary Raja is none other than Rajamanikyam.

Selvam and Rani tries to thwart Manikyam in order to regain control of their father's wealth. But Manikyam never falls for any of their attempts and he uses his adopted brother and manager Raju to stabilize the assets of his stepfather and prevents it from getting into the hands of his siblings, thereby preserving it. Manikyam effectively uses the help of his thug friends to restore order in the establishment. Manikyam's identity is revealed by himself at a crucial juncture and revelation stuns the entire family. Simon and Selvam sends a goon to kill Bellary from his blind side. However, Bellary thwarts the attempt, lightly wounding him.

Differences emerge between Selvam and Simon regarding a financial liability. Simon betrays Selvam him and he is held captive by a boorish Tamil moneylender Perumal - who demands the repayment for the release of Selvam. Rani - unaware of the latter developments - blames Manikyam in order to deny them their claim over their father's wealth. Manikyam comes to the rescue and pays the required amount of money to release Selvam. He emotionally narrates his hardships and love for his siblings - stirring the emotions of his mother and siblings. Feeling deeply disappointed - on being unable to fulfill his father's wish to unite their family, Manikyam prepares to leave for Bellary.

At that night Selvam, being absolutely drunk and weeping comes to Manikyam's house and apologizes for all his past deeds and embraces him - burying all differences. He asks Manikyam not to leave them. Manikyam is deeply moved and laments that, Raja Rathnam was unfortunate as he 'left early' (An untimely death) and he could not witness the conciliation. Varghese, a close confidant and trusted ally of Raja Rathnam, reveals that he was rather 'packed off' (A murder) - resulting in the narration of the deceit and Manikyam and acolytes go in search for the actual assailant. When the real culprit is caught, he reveals the main conspirator was Simon. Selvam and Simon gets into an argument-turned-fight. Selvam gets beaten badly by Simon and his goons was about to be killed. However, Manikyam, Raju and their henchman Varkey came to rescue Selvam and fight off Simon and his henchmen.

Manikyam releases a bull towards Simon and kills him for killing Raja Rathnam and trying to destroy his family. He reunites with Selvam and takes him home. The movie ends when Rajamanikyam, who is half-blind, says, "Now I have both eyes", signifying Raju (whom he considers a brother) and Selvam.

Cast

Narayanankutty and Pradeep Kottayam appear as board members of Rajarathnam group. Biju Sopanam appears in an uncredited role as an aide to the assassin, played by Santosh Jogi.

Production

Actor Suraj Venjaramoodu was roped in to help Mammootty get the hang of the slang spoken in the border areas of Trivandrum. Mammootty was highly praised for rendering the slang efficiently and that contributed greatly to it becoming a mega mass film. Rajamanikyam was completed in Pollachi in a record time of 55 days.

Reception

Sreenath Nair of the Deccan Herald wrote, "Mammooty does justice to his superstar tag and his portrayal of Bellary Raja eclipses the rest of the cast - Cochin Haneefa, Sai Kumar, Manoj K Jayan, etc. Anwar Rasheed's debut is not bad but more care on delineation, music and cinematography would have helped the Bellary Raja." [7]

Box office

The film was released to high expectations, with Valiyaveethil Films collecting ₹2 crore from theatre advances for the film. [8] It was released on 4 November 2005 in 45 theatres in Kerala, on the occasion of Ramzan, along with Ananthabhadram and Boyy Friennd. [9] The film was a major commercial success and became the highest grossing Malayalam film until 2006. [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] The film ran for more than 140 days in the theaters. [22] [23] It was the highest grossing malayalam movie of the year. It is the first Malayalam film to have ₹1 crore center gross from Ernakulam. The film completed its 100 days at Kavitha, Ernakulam, from where it got a record distributors' share of Rs. 42 lakhs. [24] [25] The film also ran for 150 days in Thiruvananthapuram Kripa theatre. [26]

Legacy

The character of Bellary Raja attained cult status in Kerala. The dialogues of the film were referred to in many other films most noteworthy being in Malayalam film Premam (during the second intro of Nivin Pauly). Moreover, the costumes of Mammootty in the film went onto become a trend setter in Kerala. [27] Mammotty's dialogue in the film, "Yevan Puliyanuketta…." has become an iconic Malayalam catchphrase. [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammootty</span> Indian actor and film producer

Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, known mononymously by the hypocorism Mammootty, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Malayalam-language films. He has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English-language productions. In a career spanning five decades, he has appeared in more than 420 films, predominantly in lead roles. He is the recipient of several accolades, including three National Film Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards, eleven Kerala Film Critics Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South. He was honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award by the Government of India in 1998, for his contributions to cinema. He was also honored with the Kerala Prabha Award by the Government of Kerala in 2022.

<i>Kaazhcha</i> 2004 Indian film

Kaazhcha is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language family-drama film written and directed by Blessy, in his directorial debut. The story revolves around the boy Pavan who reaches Kerala after he loses everything in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Film projectionist Madhavan (Mammootty) happens to meet the boy and takes him with him. The film won three Filmfare Awards South, including the debut of actress Padmapriya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranjith (director)</span> Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, actor

Ranjith Balakrishnan is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor who works in Malayalam cinema. Ranjith made his directorial debut in 2001 with Ravanaprabhu, the sequel to Devaasuram. His films Thirakkatha and Indian Rupee won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam in 2008 and 2011 respectively. He is also the current chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

<i>Anandabhadram</i> 2005 Indian film

Anandabhadram is a 2005 Indian Malayalam-language romantic dark fantasy horror film based on the novel of the same name by Sunil Parameshwaran. The story concerns ghosts, spirits, and black magic. The film stars an ensemble cast including Manoj K. Jayan as the lead antagonist, with Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kavya Madhavan in the titular roles while Kalabhavan Mani, Riya Sen, Revathy, Nedumudi Venu, Cochin Haneefa, Kalasala Babu, Neethu S. Nair and Biju Menon are in pivotal roles.

<i>Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja</i> (film) 2009 film directed by Hariharan

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language epic period drama film based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a king who fought against the East India Company in the 18th century. The film was directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and produced by Gokulam Gopalan. It stars Mammootty in lead role with an ensemble supporting cast. The music score and soundtrack were created by Ilaiyaraaja, while its sound design is by Resul Pookutty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammootty filmography</span> List of performances by Indian actor Mammootty

Mammootty, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Malayalam films. He has acted in more than 400 films in Malayalam and other languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, English and Kannada films. He has starred in both art house and blockbuster films.

<i>No.20 Madras Mail</i> 1990 Indian film

No.20 Madras Mail is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language comedy thriller film directed by Joshiy and written by Dennis Joseph from a story by Harikumar. The film stars Mohanlal in lead role and Jagadish, Maniyanpilla Raju, M. G. Soman, Ashokan, and Suchitra Murali in supporting roles, while Mammootty appears in an extended cameo as himself. The background score was composed by S. P. Venkatesh while the song was composed by Ouseppachan. The plot follows three youngsters who are embroiled in the murder mystery of a young woman in a train journey from Thiruvananthapuram to Madras. No.20 Madras Mail was released on 16 February 1990 and received positive reviews. Almost half of the film was shot inside a train. Four years later, the film was remade in Hindi as Teesra Kaun by Partho Ghosh.

<i>Oru CBI Diary Kurippu</i> 1988 film by K. Madhu

Oru CBI Diary Kurippu is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language mystery thriller film directed by K. Madhu, written by S. N. Swamy, and starring Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Jagathy Sreekumar, Mukesh, and Sukumaran. The lead character, CBI officer Sethurama Iyer is inspired by a police officer named Radha Vinod Raju, Jammu and Kashmir cadre IPS Officer, who in 2009 was appointed as the first chief of India's National Investigation Agency. It was the highest grossing Malayalam film at that time. Considered one of the best crime thrillers in Malayalam, it eventually developed a cult following. This is the first installment in the CBI film series featuring Mammootty as Sethurama Iyer.

<i>Mayavi</i> (2007 film) 2007 Malayalam-language film directed by Shafi

Mayavi is a 2007 Indian Malayalam-language superhero action comedy film directed by Shafi and written by the Rafi Mecartin duo, starring Mammootty in the title role with Sai Kumar, Manoj K. Jayan, Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Gopika, Vijayaraghavan and Santhosh Jogi in supporting roles. It was a commercial success and was remade in Tamil as Vallakottai in 2010. The film was a major commercial success and was the highest grossing malayalam movie of the year.

<i>Happy Husbands</i> (2010 film) 2010 Indian film

Happy Husbands is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language comedy film directed by Saji Surendran and written by Krishna Poojappura. It is the remake of 2002 Tamil film Charlie Chaplin. The film stars Jayaram, Jayasurya and Indrajith Sukumaran in title roles with Bhavana,Samvrutha Sunil,Rima Kallingal, Vandana Menon, and Suraj Venjaramoodu in supporting roles. The film completed a 150-day theatrical run.

<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>Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha</i> (film) 2009 Indian film

Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language mystery film written and directed by Ranjith, starring Mammootty, Shwetha Menon and Mythili. It is based on the novel of the same name by T. P. Rajeevan, which said the true story of the first recorded murder case in Kerala. Mammooty plays three characters in the film. The film was Mythili's debut in cinema. Ranjith also introduced about thirty Malayalam stage artists through this film. The film tells the story of a private detective, who returns to his birthplace, a village called Paleri, to solve a murder mystery that occurred on the same night he was born. Upon the release of the movie, it got an 'A' certificate due to its violent and adult content.

<i>Chattambinadu</i> 2009 Indian film

Chattambinaadu is a Malayalam-language action comedy film released in 2009. The film was directed by Shafi and written by Benny P. Nayarambalam. The film was made under Mammootty's production company Play House which distributed it as well. The film stars Mammootty, Siddique, Manoj K. Jayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinu Mohan and Raai Laxmi. The film's music was done by Alex Paul.

<i>Poovinu Puthiya Poonthennal</i> 1986 Indian film

Poovinnu Puthiya Poonthennal is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film written and directed by Fazil. The film stars Mammootty and Suresh Gopi. It features Sujitha, Nadiya Moidu, Babu Antony, Thilakan, Lalu Alex, Maniyanpilla Raju, Sukumari and Siddique in supporting roles. The film was produced by Swargachitra Appachan under the banner of Swargachitra. It revolves around a drunkard widower who helps a deaf and mute boy find his parents' killers. The film features original songs composed by Kannur Rajan, cinematography was done by Anandakuttan.

<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 dual roles in the film. The film was a Blockbuster success at the box office.

<i>Valliettan</i> 2000 Indian film

Valyettan is a 2000 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Shaji Kailas and scripted by Ranjith. It stars Mammootty, Shobana, Sai Kumar, N. F. Varghese, Siddique and Manoj K Jayan. It was remade in Kannada as Jyeshta by director Suresh Krissna with Vishnuvardhan in the lead role. The film was released in Kerala on 10 September 2000. The film was a commercial success and was the highest grossing Malayalam film of the year 2000.

<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>Adikkurippu</i> 1989 Indian film

Adikkurippu is a 1989 Malayalam-language legal thriller film, written by S. N. Swamy and directed by K. Madhu. It stars Mammootty in the lead role, who plays the role of an advocate. The movie was praised for introducing a new theme in Malayalam by depicting the life of a castaway portrayed by Jagathy, who lands in legal problems that were rare in Malayalam movies during that time. The film is loosely based on the missing ship owned by Kerala Shipping Corporation, MV Kairali. S. N. Swamy has recognized the film as his favorite.

<i>Pranchiyettan & the Saint</i> 2010 Indian film

Pranchiyettan & the Saint is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language satirical comedy film written, directed, and produced by Ranjith. The film centres on the fictitious conversation between the Thrissur based businessman C. E. Francis a.k.a. Pranchiyettan (Mammootty) and St. Francis of Assisi. Priyamani, Innocent, Siddique, Khushbu Sundar, Jagathy Sreekumar, Ganapathy, Sasi Kalinga, Tini Tom and Biju Menon play the other important roles. The film is considered one of the best comedy films in Malayalam cinema and has attained cult status in the years following its release. Some critics consider the film as one of the defining movies of the Malayalam New Wave.

<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.

References

  1. ↑ "11 Years of Mammoottty's Rajamanikyam: 5 Important Contributions of the Film!". 3 November 2016.
  2. ↑ "'Rajamanickam'-A sequel". Sify . 7 December 2005. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016.
  3. ↑ Soman, Deepa. "Mammootty advised Rahman to take Rajamanikyam". Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2015.
  4. ↑ "Rajamanikyam Review". Now Running. Retrieved 3 August 2005.
  5. ↑ "Rajamanickam". Sify . Moviebuzz. Archived from the original on 2 November 2015.
  6. ↑ "Mammootty - Forbes India Magazine". Forbes India. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  7. ↑ "Raajamanikyam - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition". 4 September 2006. Archived from the original on 4 September 2006. Retrieved 23 March 2023.
  8. ↑ "'Rajamanickam' –Red hot!". Sify . 11 December 2005. Archived from the original on 11 December 2005. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  9. ↑ "Ramzan films open big!". Sify . 7 November 2005. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017.
  10. ↑ "Boom year for mollywood". The Hindu . 30 December 2005. Archived from the original on 6 December 2016.
  11. ↑ "2005- An analysis". Sify . 22 December 2005. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016.
  12. ↑ "Mammootty's son in Anwar Rasheed's film". Rediff.com . 29 November 2011.
  13. ↑ "Malayalam box-office". Sify . 22 December 2005. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
  14. ↑ "Vishnuvardhan takes on Mammootty". Rediff.com . 6 October 2009.
  15. ↑ "Mammootty - Forbes India Magazine". Forbes . Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  16. ↑ "Fabulous Fifteen". The New Indian Express . 18 January 2010.
  17. ↑ "Chotta Mumbai is a fun film". Rediff.com . 28 March 2007.
  18. ↑ "Top Malayalam films, 2005". Rediff.com . 28 December 2005.
  19. ↑ John, Nevin (6 February 2013). "Picture isn't perfect in Mollywood". Business Standard .
  20. ↑ "A Mammootty double treat!". Rediff.com . 2 April 2004.
  21. ↑ "Malayalam cinema ready for Vishu". Rediff.com . 2 April 2006.
  22. ↑ "'Classmates' break 'Rajamanickam' record!". Sify . 11 October 2006. Archived from the original on 6 November 2016.
  23. ↑ John, Nevin (15 March 2006). "Picture isn't perfect in Mollywood". Business Standard .
  24. ↑ "11 Years Of Mammoottty's Rajamanikyam: 5 Important Contributions Of The Film!". www.filmibeat.com. 3 November 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  25. ↑ "The Hindu : Friday Review Thiruvananthapuram : Reign of the superstars". 17 July 2006. Archived from the original on 17 July 2006. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  26. ↑ "Kerala Showtimes - Rajamanikyam". 22 August 2006. Archived from the original on 22 August 2006. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  27. ↑ "11 Years Of Mammoottty's Rajamanikyam: 5 Important Contributions Of The Film!". filmibeat.com. 3 November 2016. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  28. ↑ "2005- An analysis - Sify.com". Sify . 30 September 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
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.