City of God (2011 film)

Last updated

City of God
COG2011.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery
Written by Babu Janardhanan
Produced byAnitha Anil Mathew
Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran
Indrajith Sukumaran
Rohini Raghuvaran
Parvathy Thiruvothu
Rajeev Pillai
Rima Kallingal
Swetha Menon
Narrated by Prithviraj Sukumaran
Cinematography Sujith Vasudev
Edited by Manoj
Music by Prashant Pillai
Production
company
Mary Matha Creations
Distributed byAP International
Release date
  • 23 April 2011 (2011-04-23)(India)
Running time
145 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

City of God is a 2011 Indian Malayalam-language crime thriller film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and written by Babu Janardhanan. It tells the story of Tamil migrant workers and a team of land mafia criminals in the city of Cochin, Kerala, India. It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Rohini, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rima Kallingal and Swetha Menon.

Contents

The film uses the hyperlink cinema format as its narrative structure, a technique first used by Satyajit Ray in his Kanchenjungha (1962). City of God is not a remake and shares no resemblance to the 2002 Brazilian film of the same name, although both use non-linear narrative structure. The film was subsequently dubbed and released in Hindi under the same name by Wide Angle Media in 2014.

City of God was one of the first among the "Malayalam New Wave" movies, although the trend was just becoming recognised during 2011. Despite getting critical acclaim, the movie was an average hit at the box-office. [1]

Plot

City of God starts with a road accident and the story traces the life of the four families who are associated with the accident. Each family has a different perspective on the city of Cochin.

The first story revolves around the life of Tamil migrants. One of them, Swarnavel, has a special affection towards another migrant, Marakatham. Marakatham was already married but she had run away from her old husband in Pollachi due to his unbearable torture. Marakatham and Swarnavel know that they love each other, but they don't show it. Because of some personal benefits, Lakshmi breaks their relationship and forces Marakatham to marry another migrant. But on the night of the marriage, Marakatham learns that her new husband is a thief and returns to Swarnavel. They realize that their love is mutual and start living together. The second husband, stricken with envy, takes revenge by bringing the first husband (a rowdy) from Pollachi. The following day, Swarnavel rescues Marakatham from her old husband and tries to escape on a moped; they have an accident.

The next story deals with the life of real estate dealer Sony and his forehand Jyothi Lal. As per the instructions of Sony, Jyothi Lal and his gang kill a plot owner, who is the husband of Viji Punnose. Viji Punnosse identifies her husband's murderer as Jyothi Lal and associates with another businessman, Shamir, plot revenge and destroy Sony and Jyothi Lal. Viji promises to marry Shamir if he can kill Jyothi Lal and Sony by arranging it with another gang.

Sony has an eye on the growing actress Surya Prabha. Surya is leading an unpleasant married life with Mehaboob, who is a friend and later business partner of Sony. Sony, with the intention of collecting Surya Prabha, cheats Mehaboob in the construction business; the police remand Mehaboob for the inadequate and unsafe construction practices which had caused the death of the Tamil migrant Lakshmi. Sony forces Surya to have an illicit relation to get the papers that prove her husband's innocence. Jyothi Lal rescues Surya from this predicament. Later in the story, he rescues her from a suicide attempt. Jyothi Lal takes Surya to Sony's guest house to collect the papers and they pick up Sony on the way. However, their vehicle is in the same accident which Swarnavel and Marathakam had. Sony dies at the scene of the accident.

The gang arranged by Shamir and Viji Punnoose arrives at the accident and tries to kill Jyothi Lal, too. Jyothi Lal escapes with Surya and they began to realise the importance of each other in their future life. Viji marries Shamir and goes to Dubai for further business.

In the final scene, Swarnavel and Marathakam marry each other and settle in a scenic village with Marathakam's son, living happily ever after.

Cast

Music

Prashant Pillai scored both background and songs. Three songs are in Tamil, two in Malayalam and one in Hindi. The background score is known for its experimental approach and its dark theme; it received wide attention from critics and moviegoers alike[ citation needed ].

Release and critical reception

The film had a delayed release on 23 April 2011. [3] [4] It received predominantly positive reviews from critics. Veeyen of Nowrunning.com said Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg, "City of God is no City of Dreams. It's a raw and bleeding city that wails all night and day. A city where en eternal eclipse has cast a shadow over the rights and wrongs. A city where God has apparently deserted his illusory throne and vanished without a trace." [5] Indiaglitz said Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg, City of God is a movie with feelings and appeal for the proponents of differently made experimental cinema. Director Lijo, Anil Mathew and their crew needs to be applauded for the efforts in keeping away cliches and commercial thrusts on the narrative structure, though they may find it a little difficult to cruise in the box-office." [6] Rediff said Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg, "The narrative keeps moving back and forth, with scenes being repeated from various angles denoting the point of view of the characters or telling the back story of the main players. The pace is meditative and taxing for the lay viewer, who has been spoon-fed with every development in the plot being underscored by dialogues or background music. But here the viewer is required to invest his intellect and undivided attention to grasp the proceedings... Overall, City of God is a good watch when compared to the senseless stuff we have endured in this holiday season." [7]

Related Research Articles

<i>Odayil Ninnu</i> (film) 1965 Indian Malayalam-language film

Odayil Ninnu is a 1965 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan and written by P. Kesavadev based on his novel of the same name. The film deals with the life and struggles of a proud and hardworking rickshaw puller, Pappu. It stars Sathyan, Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya and Kaviyoor Ponnamma. Master Dasarath plays the young Pappu. Suresh Gopi made his acting debut with the film, who was then six years old. He appeared as the feudal lord's timid son, who also becomes the root cause for Pappu running away from home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parvathy Thiruvothu</span> Indian actress

Parvathy Thiruvothu Kottuvattaa is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Malayalam and Tamil language films. She is the recipient of a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards South, and two Kerala State Film Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. F. Varghese</span> Indian actor (1950–2002)

Nadakkaparambil Francis Varghese was an Indian actor who worked in Malayalam film industry. He began his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain roles. Akashadoothu was his major break through in career. He has acted in more than 100 films. He died at the age of 53 when he suffered a heart attack and fell unconscious while driving his car. He lived along with his wife, three daughters and a son.

<i>Pokkiri Raja</i> (2010 film) 2010 film by Vysakh

Pokkiri Raja is a 2010 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film written by the duo Udaykrishna–Sibi K. Thomas, directed by debutante Vysakh and starring Mammootty and Prithviraj Sukumaran with the supporting cast including Shriya Saran, Siddique, Nedumudi Venu, Vijayaraghavan, Salim Kumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Riyaz Khan. The score was composed by C. Rajamani with songs composed by Jassie Gift. The film received positive response from the critics and audience and was a box office success. The film marked the debut of Shriya Saran in Malayalam cinema.

<i>Meesa Madhavan</i> Malayalam movie

Meesha Madhavan is a 2002 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Lal Jose and written by Ranjan Pramod. The film stars Dileep in the title role, while Kavya Madhavan, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jagathy Sreekumar, Harisree Asokan and Cochin Haneefa play supporting roles. It was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year. Meesha Madhavan raised Dileep's stardom to a whole new level and developed a cult following in Malayalam cinema. It was remade in Telugu as Dongodu (2003) starring Ravi Teja and in Kannada as Hori (2010) starring Vinod Prabhakar and in Tamil as Kollaikaran starring Vidharth.

Prashant Pillai is a music producer and composer from India.

Saji Surendran is an Indian film director working in the Malayalam film industry, known for films such as Ivar Vivahitharayal (2009) and Happy Husbands (2010).

<i>Doubles</i> (2011 film) 2011 film by Sohan Seenulal

Doubles is a 2011 Malayalam-language action comedy drama film directed by debutant Sohan Seenulal and written by the Sachi-Sethu duo. It stars Mammootty, Nadia Moidu and Taapsee Pannu, with Saiju Kurup, Anoop Chandran, Bijukuttan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Anandaraj, Suresh and Avinash in other roles. It also features Roma and Rima Kallingal in cameo roles, and music by James Vasanthan. The film released coinciding with the festival of Vishu on 14 April 2011. Doubles is a story of two siblings who rescue victims of road accidents. Mammootty plays the role of Giri and Nadia his twin sister Gowri.

<i>Teja Bhai & Family</i> 2011 Indian film

Teja Bhai and Family is a 2011 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Deepu Karunakaran, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Akhila Sasidharan, and Suraj Venjaramoodu in the lead roles. One of the songs, Oru Madhura Kinavin, was sung by Vijay Yesudas. The original version of this song from the movie, Kanamarayathu, was sung by Vijay's father, K. J. Yesudas.

<i>Bombay March 12</i> 2011 Indian film

Bombay March 12 is a 2011 Malayalam–language Indian drama film based on the 1993 Bombay bomb blasts. The film marks the directorial debut of noted screenwriter Babu Janardhanan. Mammootty, Roma and Unni Mukundan play the lead roles. The narrative is in a hyperlink format. It was released in theatres on 30 June 2011. It was dubbed in Hindi as Hadsa Bombay March 12.

<i>Ayalum Njanum Thammil</i> 2012 Indian film

Ayalum Njanum Thammil is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language medical drama film directed by Lal Jose. The film produced by Prem Prakash was written by his sons Bobby and Sanjay. It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Pratap Pothen, Narain, Samvrutha Sunil, Rima Kallingal and Remya Nambeesan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lijo Jose Pellissery</span> Indian filmmaker

Lijo Jose Pellissery is an Indian filmmaker and actor who works in Malayalam cinema. Known for his unconventional approach in directing, his films are characterized by nonlinear storylines and very long takes. His best works include Angamaly Diaries (2017), Ee.Ma.Yau (2018),Jallikattu (2019), and Churuli (2021). He is the son of actor Jose Pellissery.

New generation films is a Malayalam film movement developed in the early 2010s, characterized by fresh and unusual themes and new narrative techniques. Films of the new wave differ from conventional themes of the past two decades and introduced several new trends and techniques to the Malayalam film industry. While the new generation formats and styles are deeply influenced by global trends, their thematics are firmly rooted in Malayalee life and mindscapes.

Asiavision Awards have been held annually since 2006 to honor the artistes and technicians of Indian cinema and television & is organized under the leadership of renowned journalist Nissar Syed.

<i>Azhagi</i> (TV series) Indian Tamil-language soap opera

Azhagi is an Indian Tamil-language television soap opera that aired on Sun TV from 10 October 2011 to 4 March 2016 for 1101 episodes.

<i>Double Barrel</i> (2015 film) 2015 Indian film

Double Barrel is a 2015 Indian Malayalam-language spoof gangster film written, directed, and co-produced by Lijo Jose Pellissery. It was jointly produced by August Cinema and Amen Movie Monastery. The film stars an ensemble cast including Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Arya, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sunny Wayne, Swathi Reddy, Isha Sharvani, Vijay Babu, Anil Radhakrishnan Menon, Thomas Berly, Parvathi Menon, Sabumon Abdusamad, Rachana Narayanankutty, Anil Murali, Asif Ali and Pearle Maaney. Prashant Pillai composed the film's music.

Kodungallooramma is a 1968 Indian Malayalam-language film, directed and produced by Kunchacko. The film stars Prem Nazir, K. R. Vijaya, Adoor Bhasi and Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair. It was based on the Tamil poem Chilappathikaram by Ilango Adigal and also tells the story of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, where the leading deity is also considered as Kannaki, the heroine of Chilappathikaram. The film had musical score by K. Raghavan.

Durga Prabha, known by her stage name, Hema Chaudhary is an Indian actress who has predominantly acted in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil films. Starting her career as a lead actress in the Telugu film Pelli Kani Pelli in 1976, she switched over to supporting roles in the 1980s.

Santhwanam (transl. Consolation) is an Indian Malayalam-language soap opera directed by Aadithyan. The show premiered on 21 September 2020 on Asianet and aires on-demand through Disney+ Hotstar. It stars Rajeev Parameshwar, Chippy Renjith, Girish Nambiar, Raksha Raj, Sajin TP, Gopika Anil, Achu Sugandh and Manjusha Martin in lead roles. It is an official remake of Tamil soap opera Pandian Stores, airing on Star Vijay.

<i>Chithi</i> (TV series) Indian Tamil-language soap opera

Chithi is an Indian Tamil prime time soap opera that ran on Sun TV. The show premiered on 20 December 1999 and ended on 1 November 2001. It aired Monday through Friday at 9:30pm. The serial starred Radikaa Sarathkumar, Sivakumar, Yuvarani Ravindra, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Hemalatha / Neena and Deepa Venkat. while Anju, Latha Sabapathi, Poovilangu Mohan, Ajay Rathnam, Riyaz Khan, Vijay Adhiraj and Tharika play supporting roles.

References

  1. ↑ "Malayalam movies: Non-linear narratives are making the box-office ring louder". The Economic Times. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  2. ↑ Keerthy Ramachandran (18 April 2011). "Hot doc makes it to Mollywood". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  3. ↑ "City of God Release Date confirmed" Archived 24 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine . Keralaboxoffice.com. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
  4. ↑ "City of God postponed". Sify.com. 9 March 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  5. ↑ Veeyen (24 April 2011). "City of God Review". nowrunning.com – "don't miss the show!". INFOCON LLC. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  6. ↑ IndiaGlitz (23 April 2011). "City of God – This "City of God" belongs to a different genre". IndiaGlitz – Its Showtime, Anytime. Archived from the original on 7 December 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  7. ↑ Paresh C. Palicha (25 April 2011). "Review: City of God is a good watch". Rediff Movies. Rediff.com. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
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.