Ardhanaari

Last updated

Ardhanaari
Ardhanaari.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySanthosh Souparnika
Written bySanthosh Souparnika
Produced by M. G. Sreekumar
Starring Manoj K. Jayan
Mahalakshmi
Thilakan
Sukumari
Sai Kumar
CinematographyHemachandran
Edited byAbhilash Viswanath
Music by M. G. Sreekumar
Production
company
MG Sound & Frames Company
Distributed byMG Sound & Frames Release
Release date
  • 23 November 2012 (2012-11-23)(Kerala)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Ardhanaari is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language film about the life of transgender people in Kerala. The film is directed by Santhosh Souparnika and produced by M. G. Sreekumar under his production house MG Sound & Frames. [1] [2]

Contents

Manjula (Manoj K. Jayan), is a transgender hijra; [3] her male physique and female behavioural traits lead to ridicule and snide remarks from her brother and others. The film concerns the rituals, customs, angst and preferences of hijra. The title of the film alludes to the half-male and half-female Hindu god Ardhanarishvara. Also starring in the film are Mahalakshmi, Maniyanpilla Raju, Thilakan, Sukumari and Sai Kumar. It was one of the last films featuring Thilakan, who died from a heart attack weeks before the release of the film.

Ardhanaari garnered mixed critical reviews, as did Jayan's performance. [3] [4] [5]

Plot

'Ardhanaari' is a very different film in that it has as its protagonist a man who is torn to shreds because of an inherent chaos that leaves him with the body of a man and the mind of a woman. However, it succeeds only partially as a film, since it succumbs before the pressures put on by a shaky script.

It isn't clear if Manjula (Manoj K Jayan) is indeed a transvestite, and there are no suggestions if the baby was indeed born a different kind. He does come across a boy, who attends school but who falls totally in love with a male classmate of his. The feminine charms and effeminate ways of the boy are ridiculed by many barring this one person, who promises to marry him once they are grown up and ready to face the world. [6]

Years later, their romance is on in full swing, until Manjula and his quaint ways bring disgrace to his family. Thrown out of his home, he seeks refuge with a group of transvestites who welcome him into their clan with open arms. To make matters worse, he is spurned in love as well.

Cinematically, 'Ardhanaari' leaves a lot to be desired, in that the script borders on the theatrical more than often. One could perhaps associate this melodrama with the distinctly high emotional upheavals that transvestites are often presumed to go through, given their exceedingly stressful lives. [6]

The trials and tribulations that a transvestite finds himself face to face stems from a predicament related to his very identity that is no easy crisis to deal with. The realization that their distinctiveness renders them the cynosure of public attention is something that they eventually learn to live with, but the scars that are meted out to them in the process remain unhealed for life. [6]

From the few films that have earlier had effeminate men playing the lead roles, 'Ardhanaari' is singular in that it doesn't make its hero fall in love with a girl. Issues of sexuality are more out in the open here, and Manjula assumes the role of a wife to a man who proclaims to be in love with him. [6]

His remaining a bisexual not withstanding, Manjula chooses a man to live with, though she also confesses that she could fall in love with a woman. The confusion that rules over the very lives of these individuals is laid out in the open. [6]

The cliches that are bound to creep in into any film that discusses issues on sexuality enter 'Ardhanaari' too without fail. An older hijda (Maniyanpillai Raju) falls sick and as she is carried over to her pyre, lessons on the dangers of unsafe sex are put forward on a platter. No thought on sexuality seems complete without HIV barging in to make a statement. [6]

Manoj K Jayan comes up with an impressive performance in the title role, and is amply supported by veteran actors like Thilakan. Shorn of its over the top dramatics, 'Ardhanaari' could have made a touching film, but as of now, it is a shrill and screechy film that puts us off with its loudness. [6]

Cast

Awards

Related Research Articles

<i>Chithram</i> 1988 Malayalam film by Priyadarshan

Chithram (transl. Picture) is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language screwball comedy film written and directed by Priyadarshan. The film was produced by P. K. R. Pillai under his production house Shirdi Sai Creations, and stars Mohanlal, Ranjini, Nedumudi Venu, Lizy, Poornam Viswanathan, Sreenivasan, M. G. Soman, Sukumari, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Shanavas, while Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair makes a cameo appearance. The songs were composed by Kannur Rajan and film score by Johnson. Mohanlal won the Kerala State Film Award - Special Jury Award for his performance in this film.

<i>Parinayam</i> (1994 film) 1994 Indian film

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.

<i>Prajapathi</i> 2006 Malayalam film

Prajapathi is a 2006 Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Ranjith. The film stars Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Siddique, Nedumudi Venu and Thilakan. The music is by Tej Manoj and lyrics are by Girish Puthencherry. The film was shot close to Gopichettipalayam in Tamil Nadu and also Aditi Rao's feature debut film.

<i>Anandabhadram</i> 2005 Indian film

Anandabhadram is a 2005 Indian Malayalam-language dark fantasy horror film based on the novel of the same name by Sunil Parameshwaran. The film was the debut Malayalam film venture of director Santosh Sivan and actress Riya Sen. The story concerns ghosts, spirits, and black magic. The film stars Prithviraj, Kavya Madhavan, Manoj K Jayan, Kalabhavan Mani and Biju Menon.

<i>Vrutham</i> 1987 Indian film

Vrutham is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by I. V. Sasi and produced by Raju Mathew for Central Pictures, starring Kamal Haasan, Suresh Gopi, Geetha, Captain Raju, Thilakan and Shobana.

<i>Swami Ayyappan</i> (TV series) Indian TV series or programme

Swami Ayyappan is an Indian soap opera that launched on Asianet channel. The show was produced under the banner of Merryland Studio. It was one of the top rated serials in Indian television. The first season from the series was directed by Suresh Unnithan .The series was dubbed into Tamil as Swami Ayyapan in Vijay TV and Telugu as Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa on MAA TV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Association of Malayalam Movie Artists</span>

The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, abbreviated as AMMA, is an Indian organisation of film actors and actresses working in the Malayalam cinema, formed in 1994.

<i>Sargam</i> (1992 film) 1992 Indian film

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 3rd highest grossing movie of the year. The film 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.

<i>Akkare Akkare Akkare</i> 1990 Indian film

Akkareyakkareyakkare, also known Akkare Akkare Akkare is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language buddy cop comedy film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Sreenivasan. It stars Mohanlal, Sreenivasan, M. G. Soman, Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Parvathy and Nedumudi Venu in major roles. It is a sequel to 1987's Nadodikkattu and 1988s Pattanapravesham; Mohanlal and Sreenivasan reprises their roles. However, Thilakan, Mamukkoya and Innocent, who have appeared in the previous films, do not appear in this film. Also, a new cast of Nedumudi Venu, Sukumari, Parvathy Jayaram, Jagadish,Mukesh and Maniyanpilla Raju appears. M. G. Soman plays a character role, having appeared as himself in Nadodikkattu. The story follows C.I.Ds Dasan and Vijayan on an investigation for a gold crown stolen to the United States.

<i>Kerala Cafe</i> 2009 Indian film

Kerala Cafe is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language anthology film produced by Ranjith and directed by a team of ten directors including Lal Jose, Shaji Kailas, Anwar Rasheed, Shyamaprasad, B. Unnikrishnan, Revathy, Anjali Menon, M. Padmakumar, Shankar Ramakrishnan, and Uday Ananthan. For the first time in Malayalam cinema, one film was conceived by a team of ten directors. Ten cinematographers, musicians, editors, art directors and almost all the top Malayalam film actors joined this unique venture. The ensemble cast includes Mammootty, Suresh Gopi, Dileep, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Rahman, Fahadh Faasil, Jayasurya, Suraj Venjarammood, Navya Nair, Nithya Menen, and others.

<i>Yakshiyum Njanum</i> 2010 Indian film

Yakshiyum Njaanum is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language horror film written and directed by Vinayan. The film was produced by Rubon Gomez through the company RG Productions India. It stars Goutham P. Krishna, Meghna Raj, Thilakan, and Spadikam George. The film's original score and soundtrack was composed by Sajan Madhav.

<i>Asuravamsam</i> 1997 Indian film

Asuravamsam is a 1997 Malayalam-language action drama film written by Ranjith and directed by Shaji Kailas, with cinematography by V. Manikandan. The film stars Manoj K. Jayan, Siddique, Biju Menon, Narendra Prasad, Sai Kumar, Priya Raman and Chippy.

<i>Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi</i> 1986 Malayalam film directed by Priyadarshan

Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi is a 1986 Indian Malayalam-language comedy film, directed by Priyadarshan starring an ensemble cast of Shankar, Menaka, Mukesh, Prem Nazir, Nedumudi Venu, Sukumari, Seema, and Innocent in the lead roles. Sreenivasan plays a brief cameo role in the fim as a thief. The film had a few scenes adapted from the Hindi film Gol Maal.

<i>O Faby</i> 1993 film by Sreekumar Krishnan Nair

O' Faby is a 1993 Indian Malayalam-language film. It was Asia's first full-length live action/animation hybrid feature film. It is directed by Sreekumar Krishnan Nair and stars Nagesh, Thilakan, Roque Tharakan, Manoj K. Jayan and Srividya. The director of animation was Ram Mohan, known as the father of Indian animation. Famous singers KJ Yesudas, KS Chithra and SP Balasubrahmanyam sing songs with lyrics penned by Bichu Thirumala. The cinematography team included Jayanan Vincent, Ramachandra Babu and Venugopal Madathil.

<i>Adimakal Udamakal</i> 1987 film

Adimakal Udamakal is a 1987 Indian Malayalam-language political film directed by I. V. Sasi and written by T. Damodaran, starring Mammootty, Mohanlal, Nalini and Seema. Ratheesh, Mukesh, Urvashi, Jagathi Sreekumar, Captain Raju, Lissy, Sukumari and Santhakumari play supporting roles.

<i>Lokpal</i> (film) 2013 Indian film

Lokpal is a 2013 Indian Malayalam-language vigilante thriller film written by S. N. Swamy and directed by Joshiy. The film stars Mohanlal as chef Nandagopal who leads a double life with an alter ego named Lokpal, a vigilante fighting against corruption. Kavya Madhavan, Meera Nandan, Manoj K. Jayan, Thambi Ramaiah, and Sai Kumar plays supporting roles. The soundtrack was composed by Ratheesh Vegha. The film was released on 31 January 2013.

<i>Sopanam</i> (film) 1993 Indian film

Sopanam is a 1993 Malayalam drama film directed by Jayaraj, starring J. V. Somayajulu, Manoj K. Jayan, Chippy in lead roles. Scripted by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, this film tells the story of a singer who loves his teacher's daughter.

<i>Koottinilamkili</i> 1984 Indian film

Koottinilamkili is a 1984 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Sajan and produced by P. T. Xavier. The film stars Sukumari, Mammootty, Adoor Bhasi and Maniyanpilla Raju in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Shyam.

Koottu (transl. Companionship) is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed by Jayaprakash. The movie was produced by Asharaf Liwa, Faisal Babu and Muneer K. under the banner of Liwa Films International. The film stars Richard Rishi, Aravind Akash, Sai Kumar, Manoj K. Jayan and Thilakan. The film was shot in St. Josephs Devigiri College, Kozhikode

<i>Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti</i> 2016 film by Rishi Sivakumar

Valleem Thetti Pulleem Thetti is a 2016 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Rishi Sivakumar. It stars Kunchacko Boban, Renji Panicker, Manoj K.Jayan, Saiju Kurup and Shamili. The film hinges on cinema culture and the presentation of 1990s film themes & styles. The film was released on 12 May 2016 to an opening of 4.9 cr which is the highest till date for a solo Kunchacko Boban movie but was panned and flopped at the box office.

References

  1. ↑ "entecity.com, Ardhanaari". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  2. ↑ "oneindia.in, Ardhanaari". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  3. 1 2 Aravind, CV (29 January 2018). "Hero, villain and character actor: Malayalam cinema's Manoj K Jayan". The News Minute . Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  4. ↑ "Ardhanaari: Light falls on an obscure world"
  5. ↑ "Review: Ardhanari is average fare"
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/11126/malayalam/ardhanaari/4002/review.htm
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.