Thaniyavarthanam

Last updated

Thaniyavarthanam
Thaniyavarthanam.png
Poster designed by Gayathri Ashokan
Directed by Sibi Malayil
Written by A. K. Lohithadas
Produced byNandakumar
Starring Mammootty
Thilakan
Mukesh
Saritha
Philomina
Kaviyoor Ponnamma
Cinematography Saloo George
Edited byL. Bhoominathan
Music byScore:
Johnson
Song:
M G Radhakrishnan
Production
company
Nandana Films
Distributed byTharangini Films
Release date
  • 14 August 1987 (1987-08-14)
(Kerala)
Running time
120 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Thaniyavarthanam (English: The Repeating Rhythm) is a 1987 Malayalam drama film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. It stars Mammootty as school teacher Balagopalan, Thilakan as the uncle of the matrilineal family, Mukesh as Gopinathan, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. The film became a cult classic. [1] [2] [3] Thilakan won Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor.

Contents

Upon release, it received critical acclaim. The film discusses a variety of topics, such as superstition and orthodoxy in rural Kerala, attitudes towards mental illness, the difference in attitude between people of different generations, and the decline of once-proud Nair "joint families". It was actor Thilakan who recommended Mammootty for the lead role (Balagopalan). The screenplay by Lohithadas stands out even today because of its scientific accuracy and realistic depiction. [4] [5] [6] [3]

Plot

The story is set in a rural village in Kerala. Balagopalan Master or Balan Master, a school drawing teacher in Government service, has a serene life, with two children, a wife, a mother, a younger brother - Gopi, and a younger sister. Gopi is an educated young man, who is against all superstitions. Balagopalan is part of a declining, yet proud, Nair joint family in the village. The elder members of the family are rooted in superstition and orthodoxy. It is a traditional matrilineal society in which the karnavar, the elder one, in the family takes decisions and holds power. Here, instead of the father, the uncle enjoys more power. All decisions in the family are taken by him.

Balan has another uncle, Sreedharan, who is locked up and chained in a dark room in the house as he is considered to be mentally challenged. The belief among the family is that one male from each generation will go mad as a person from their previous generation had sinned by throwing the idol of the family goddess in a well. He was cursed by the goddess and became a lunatic. This curse is supposed to pass down through generations. Balan's uncle finally dies and the talk of the village is - "Who would be next - Balan or Gopi ?"

One night changes it all when Balan has a terrible nightmare. The whole house is woken up in the middle of the night. The elder members of the family suspect that Balan is turning mad. The news somehow gets out. Villagers start suspecting Balan of following the footsteps of his ancestors into madness as Sreedharan too had fallen mentally ill with a nightmare.

Now, the village evaluates and judges each and every move he makes; he is soon deemed mentally ill. His actions are misinterpreted. His students consider him to be a lunatic. He applies for an extended leave and transfers from service. Even some members of his family suspect that he has gone mad. The situation affects Balan and makes him confused. Gopi, progressive and educated, makes Balan consult with a medically qualified physician. The physician declares him sane. But the village doesn't agree.

In the meantime, Balan's wife is forced to leave the house with their children. The family fixes the marriage of his younger sister while hiding the fact she has a "challenged" elder brother. Eventually, Balan is admitted to an asylum and undergoes treatment. He is released after a few days - both mentally and physically broken - and confined to the darkroom his uncle once lived in. Society hounds him and beats him into mental subjugation.

Balan's mother eventually poisons him and kills him on the day of the ritual for forgiveness from the goddess - to free him from the world. The same hand which once fed him his first morsel of rice becomes the one that feeds him his last meal. She too kills herself, as she couldn't forgive herself for this heinous act.

Cast

Themes

The movie deals with certain psychological themes and the toxic nature of society in the olden days. Balagopalan had lived a stress-free life, but his life was ruined due to superstitions and the overall lack of knowledge of mental health during those times. The scrutiny of society coupled with the traditional mindset of the people back then led to Balagopalan's downfall. In the nightmare, Balagopalan hears the rattle of the chain in his dream which symbolizes the fact he's chained to traditions and he is a hostage to these traditions. The same chains which had chained his uncle eventually led to his demise.

Soundtrack

The music was composed by M. G. Radhakrishnan.

No.SongSingersLyricsLength (m:ss)
1Sreejayadeva K. J. Yesudas
2Sreejayadeva M. G. Sreekumar

Awards

Legacy

Thaniyavathanam is considered one of the best Indian films on mental health. Upon release, it was met with excellent reviews from critics. [8] Director Ram cited Thaniyavarthanam as his reason for casting Mammootty as the lead in Peranbu. The film was a major commercial success which was uncommon for films dealing with sensitive topics, like mental illness. The film is still highly regarded today and has achieved cult status. [9] One of Kamal Hassan's favorite 70 Indian movies is Thaniyavarthanam. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

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

Palappurathu Keshavan Surendranatha Thilakan was an Indian film and stage actor who appeared in over 200 Malayalam films. Thilakan was known for his elaborate method acting, realistic and spontaneous appearances and is considered to be one of the greatest actors in Indian Cinema.

<i>Kireedam</i> (1989 film) 1989 film by Sibi Malayil

Kireedam (transl. Crown) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A. K. Lohithadas. The film stars Mohanlal, Thilakan, and Parvathy Jayaram, along with Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Mohan Raj, Murali, Sreenath, Kundara Johny, Cochin Haneefa, Jagathy Sreekumar, Philomina, Usha, Jagadish, Maniyanpilla Raju, Mamukkoya, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, and Kanakalatha in supporting roles. The music for the film was composed by Johnson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaviyoor Ponnamma</span> Indian actress (1945–2024)

Kaviyoor Ponnamma was an Indian actress who appeared in Malayalam films and television. She began her career performing in theatre dramas before foraying into cinema. She also acted in TV serials and commercials and had playback singing credits in few films.

<i>Bharatham</i> 1991 Malayalam musical-drama film directed by Sibi Malayil

Bharatham is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language musical drama film written by A. K. Lohithadas and directed by Sibi Malayil. It stars Mohanlal, Urvashi, Nedumudi Venu, Lakshmi, and Murali. The film was produced by Mohanlal through his production house Pranavam Arts. The film features original songs composed by Raveendran and a background score by Johnson. Bharatham is interpreted as a modern-day adaptation of the Ramayana from Bharatha's perspective. How, in the absence of his elder brother, Gopinathan takes the responsibility of the family and hides his griefs is the core of the story.

<i>Adiyozhukkukal</i> 1984 Indian film

Adiyozhukkukal (transl. Undercurrents) is a 1984 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, starring Mammootty, Mohanlal, Seema, Balan K. Nair, Vincent, and Rahman. The film was produced by Raju Mathew under the banner of Casino and was distributed by Century Films.

<i>Arayannangalude Veedu</i> 2000 Indian film

Arayannangalude Veedu is a 2000 Indian Malayalam-language film written and directed by A. K. Lohithadas. The film stars Mammootty in the lead role with Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Devan, Oduvil Unnikrishnan, Siddique, Jomol, Krishna Kumar, Cochin Haneefa, Lal and Bindu Panicker in supporting roles.

<i>Vatsalyam</i> 1993 film by Cochin Haneefa

Vatsalyam is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Cochin Haneefa and written by A. K. Lohithadas. It stars Mammootty, Siddique, Geetha, Janardhanan, Sunitha, Ilavarasi, Aboobacker, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. The film contrasts traditional and modern values following two brothers Meledathu Raghavan Nair (Mammootty) and Vijayakumaran Nair (Siddique).

<i>T. P. Balagopalan M. A.</i> 1986 Indian film

T. P. Balagopalan M. A. is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Sreenivasan from a story by Anthikkad. It stars Mohanlal in the title role, along with Shobana, Balan K. Nair, Kuthiravattam Pappu, Maniyanpilla Raju, Sreenivasan, Sukumari, and K. P. A. C. Lalitha. The story follows T. P. Balagopalan, who struggles to make ends meet, and his romantic life with Anitha.

<i>Santhanagopalam</i> 1994 Indian film

Santhanagopalam is a 1994 Malayalam film, starring Thilakan, Jagadheesh, Balachandra Menon, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma in the lead roles. Thilakan won the 1994 Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for his roles in Gamanam and this film. It is a remake of Telugu film Kalikalam (1991).

<i>Chenkol</i> 1993 Indian film

Chenkol (transl. Sceptre) is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A. K. Lohithadas. A sequel to his 1989 film Kireedam, the story continues Sethumadhavan's (Mohanlal) story after his prison term and his life back into society. The movie was produced by Krishnakumar. It also features Thilakan, Surbhi Javeri Vyas, Keerikkadan Jose, and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. The film's music was composed by Johnson. Lohithadas won the Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Script for the film.

Prayanam is a 1975 Indian Malayalam-language feature film written by Padmarajan and directed by Bharathan. It was the debut of both Padmarajan and Bharathan. The writer-director duo is often credited for revolutionising Malayalam cinema with their expressive and innovative works.

<i>Ezhupunna Tharakan</i> 1999 Indian film

Ezhupunna Tharakan is a 1999 Malayalam film directed by P. G. Viswambharan. It features Mammootty, Jagadish, Madhu and Namrata Shirodkar in the lead roles. This was Shirodkar's first & only Malayalam film. The film was a commercial failure.

<i>Midhya</i> 1991 Indian film

Midhya is a 1991 Malayalam-language film. Directed by I. V. Sasi, based on the script by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, this film stars Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Rupini, Sukumari and M. G. Soman.

<i>Dhanam</i> (1991 film) 1991 film directed by Sibi Malayil

Dhanam is a Malayalam language action thriller film released in 1991. Directed by Sibi Malayil, this film had a strong casting line including Mohanlal, Murali, Thilakan, Nedumudi Venu, Charmila, Zeenath and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. The script was done by A. K. Lohithadas. The film features a musical score by Johnson and songs by Raveendran.

<i>Saadaram</i> 1995 Indian film

Saadaram is a 1995 Malayalam film directed by Jose Thomas and stars Suresh Gopi, Lalu Alex, Geetha, Suvarna Mathew, Chithra, Sreenath, Kaviyoor Ponnamma and Sukumari main roles. The script was written by A. K. Lohithadas. The film was big hit at Box office. The film was dubbed into Tamil as Mr. Deva.

<i>Sphodanam</i> 1981 Indian film

Sphodanam (transl. Explosion) is a 1981 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by P. G. Viswambharan, starring Sukumaran, M. G. Soman, Mammootty, Ravikumar and Seema. The role of Sukumaran was initially intended for Jayan. However, he died before production began.

Mavelikkara Ponnamma was an Indian actress in Malayalam movies. She was one of the prominent supporting actress in late 1970s and 1990s in Malayalam movies. She is noted for her performance in Ulladakkam (1991), Aakasha Kottayile Sultan (1991) and Ennodu Ishtam Koodamo (1992).

Jaathakam is a 1989 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Suresh Unnithan and written by Lohithadas.The film stars Jayaram, Sithara, Shari, Thilakan, Madhu, Sukumaran, Innocent, Jagathy sreekumar and Kaviyoor ponnamma in the lead roles. The film has musical score by R. Somashekharan.

Chukkan is a 1994 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by Thampi Kannanthanam. This film became famous later for Suresh Gopi’s signature dance moves. The film stars Suresh Gopi, Gautami, Thilakan and Kaviyoor Ponnamma.

Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram is a 1985 Indian Malayalam film, directed by P. G. Vishwambharan and produced by Hameed and K. T. Kunjumon. The film stars Mammootty, Rahman, Shobana, Thilakan and Adoor Bhasi in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Shyam. Mohanlal's Balettan is loosely adapted from this film.

References

  1. ↑ "Thaniyaavarthanam". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  2. ↑ "Thaniyaavarthanam". malayalasangeetham.info. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  3. 1 2 "'Thaniyavarthanam' producer now sells dosa batter to eke out a living". OnManorama. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  4. ↑ "An Actor Par Excellence: 5 Mammootty Films That You Must Watch". The Quint. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  5. ↑ "Mammootty sets out on historical journey with 'Yatra'". gulfnews.com. 6 February 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  6. ↑ "Mammootty reveals his reason to choose 'Peranbu'". The Week. Retrieved 14 February 2019.
  7. ↑ "35th Filmfare Awards South Winners[ 1]". 4 February 2017.
  8. ↑ "'Thaniyavarthanam' producer now sells dosa batter to eke out a living". OnManorama. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  9. ↑ "10 Mammootty films to watch before you die". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  10. ↑ "Bollywood blockbuster to Kollywood classic: Kamal Haasan picks his 70 favourite movies". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 14 January 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.