Kerala music has a complex history distinct from Malayalam poetry, with which it is often associated. Though it is often driven by poetry, Kerala also has its roots in Carnatic music. Songs have always been a significant part of early Malayalam literature dating back to the 9th century CE. The significance of music in Kerala's culture can be deduced from the musical poetry that developed in the Malayalam language long before prose. As music evolved in the region, various branches emerged from it
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".
Aaraam Thampuran is a 1997 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Shaji Kailas, written by Ranjith and produced by Revathy Kalamandhir. It stars Mohanlal in the title role with Narendra Prasad, Manju Warrier, Sai Kumar, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Cochin Haneefa and Srividya in supporting roles. The story follows Jagannadhan (Mohanlal), a former Mumbai-based enforcer who buys an old kovilakam named Kanimangalam and shifts the balance of power in that village, and he comes to be known as Aaram Thampuran. The film features original songs composed by Raveendran.
Parinayam is a Malayalam language period drama film, directed by Hariharan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. The key characters are played by Mohini, Manoj K. Jayan and Vineeth. The film also has a cast of character artists including Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Jagathy Sreekumar, Sukumari, Jagannatha Varma, Valsala Menon, Bindu Panicker, Bahadoor, and Shanthi Krishna.
Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, popularly known as Kaithapram, is a Malayalam lyricist, poet, music director, actor, singer, screenwriter, music therapist and performer of Carnatic music. He debuted with the movie Ennennum Kannettante in 1986. He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist two times. He was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian honour Padma Shri in 2021 by the Government of India for his contribution to the field of art.
Sargam is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language musical drama film written and directed by Hariharan and produced by his wife, Bhavani Hariharan. Chowallur Krishnankutty wrote the dialogues. The film features Vineeth, Manoj K. Jayan, and Rambha, while Nedumudi Venu, Soumini/Srikanya, Urmila Unni, V. K. Sriraman, Thilakan, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan play supporting roles. Shaji N. Karun did the cinematography, while Bombay Ravi composed the soundtrack and M. S. Mani handled the editing. This movie was a blockbuster and the third highest-grossing movie of the year. It won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and three Kerala State Film Awards: Best Director (Hariharan), Second Best Actor, and Best Music Director. It was remade in Telugu as Sarigamalu with Vineeth, Manoj K. Jayan, and Rambha reprising their roles.
His Highness Abdullah is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language musical thriller drama film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. It stars Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu, Gautami, Sreenivasan, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair and Mamukkoya. The film was produced by Mohanlal and was the debut production of his company Pranavam Arts. The film features original songs composed by Raveendran and a background score by Mohan Sithara. His Highness Abdullah was the same team's first film in a trilogy of Indian classical arts films, followed by Bharatham (1991) and Kamaladalam (1992).
Azhakiya Ravanan is a 1996 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy-drama film directed by Kamal and written by Sreenivasan. The film has an ensemble cast of Mammootty, Bhanupriya, Sreenivasan, Innocent, Biju Menon, Rajan P. Dev, and Cochin Haneefa. Kavya Madhavan portrayed Anuradha's younger self. The movie was produced by V. P. Madhavan Nair under the banner of Murali Films, while the music was composed by Vidyasagar as his debut in Malayalam. The 2015 film Chirakodinja Kinavukal is a spin-off to this film.
Kaliyattam is a 1997 Indian Malayalam-language tragedy film directed by Jayaraj. It stars Suresh Gopi, Lal, Biju Menon and Manju Warrier. The film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play Othello, set against the backdrop of the Theyyam performance of Kerala. The film's screenplay is written by Balram Mattannur. Suresh Gopi plays Kannan Perumalayan, the equivalent to Othello, Lal plays Paniyan, the equivalent to Iago, Manju Warrier plays Thamara, the Desdemona version, and Biju Menon plays Kanthan, Cassio's role. Suresh Gopi's role as Kannan Perumalayan was critically acclaimed and was considered one of the finest acting performances in his career.
Udayapuram Sulthan is a 1999 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by Jose Thomas and written by Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas. It stars Dileep, Narendra Prasad, Preetha Vijaykumar, Shruthi Raj, Captain Raju, Innocent, Cochin Hanifa, Jagathy Sreekumar, Harisree Ashokan, Ambika, Sudheesh, Salim Kumar, Sphadikam George, Kottayam Nazir, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan.
Drona 2010 is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language Neo-noir action horror film directed by Shaji Kailas. Mammootty appears in dual role supported by Manoj K. Jayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Kaniha, Navya Nair, Thilakan, Jayan Cherthala, Biju Pappan, Lakshmi Sharma and K. P. A. C. Lalitha. Roles of Mammootty's assistants are played by Bala, Vijayakumar and Irshad. Scripted by A. K. Sajan.The film was released on 27 January 2010.
Sallapam is a 1996 Malayalam-language film directed by Sundar Das and written by A. K. Lohithadas, starring Dileep, Manoj K. Jayan, and Manju Warrier. The music was composed by Johnson. The film was remade in Telugu as Egire Paavurama.
Thooval Kottaram is a 1996 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Jayaram in lead role. The music was composed by Johnson. The film won three Filmfare Awards South, was a commercial success, and ran for about 300 days in theatres. Jayaram won his first Kerala State Film Award, a Special Jury Award, for his role as Adv. Mohanachandra Poduval.
Adhwaytham is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language political action thriller film directed by Priyadarshan and written by T. Damodaran. It stars Mohanlal, Jayaram, Chithra, Revathi, Innocent, and M. G. Soman. The songs in the film were composed by M. G. Radhakrishnan and the film score was composed by Johnson.
Eakantham is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language feature film directed by Madhu Kaithapram, who made his debut. The film stars veteran actors Thilakan and Murali. It tells the story of two brothers who suffer from isolation and loneliness in their old age. It received critical praise and won many awards including two National Film Awards and a Kerala State Film Award.
Korom Pulleri Vadhayarillathu Unnikrishnan Namboothiri was an Indian actor in Malayalam movies. He mainly handled comedy roles and grandfather roles. His role as Dileep's grand father in the Malayalam movie Kalyanaraman was well noted. P. V. Kunhikrishnan, a judge of the Kerala High Court is his son and the noted lyricist and music director Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri is his son-in-law. He died on 20 January 2021 at a private hospital in Kannur.
Sammanam is a 1997 Malayalam-language Indian feature film directed by Sundar Das, starring Manoj K. Jayan, Manju Warrier and Kalabhavan Mani in lead roles. This is the debut film of Alagappan N as cinematographer.
Vishnulokam is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film directed by Kamal, written by T. A. Razzaq, and produced by Sanal Kumar and G. Suresh Kumar. The film stars Mohanlal, Shanthi Krishna, Urvashi, and Murali. The songs featured in the film were composed by Raveendran, while Johnson provided the background score.
Deepankuran Kannadimana, popularly known as Deepankuran Kaithapram, is an Indian musician who has often composed tunes for Mollywood projects. He is the son of popular Malayalam lyricist and musician Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri.He is also the Grandson of Unnikrishnan Namboothiri who is a noted actor in Malayalam movies.
Nivedyam is a 2007 Malayalam language romantic drama movie written and directed by A. K. Lohithadas starring Vinu Mohan and Bhama in important roles. The film marks the debut of Vinu Mohan and Bhama to the film industry. The film also marks the last movie written and directed by A. K. Lohithadas.
