26 September, 2010

Mammootty’s Pranchiyettan is a sleeper hit

The Renjith directed Pranchiyettan and the Saint, is turning out to be a sleeper hit.

The film is reported to have taken a distributors share of around Rs 1.60 Crore in two weeks from 60 odd releasing centres. It is very strong in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram.

In a recent interview, Renjith has clarified that he was forced to go to Goa to shoot the climax of the film, as no church in Kerala was willing to allow shooting on its premises.

Says Renjith: “ I wanted to shoot the entire film in Thrissur itself, but Church authorities refused to provide me with the necessary permission. Mammootty was very keen that I should not compromise and that is how our search began for a beautiful church outside Kerala which was found in old Goa.”

Renjith’s art director made the statue of St Francis and cameraman Venu picturised the scenes so convincingly. After completing the film Renjith donated the statue to the church as a gift.

12 September, 2010

Pranchiyettan and the Saint is impressive

Once in a while along comes a movie that makes your spirits soar and helps you forget the mediocrity that this medium often serves. That is does it without seeking recourse to any manipulative tools, that we are all too familiar with, makes is even more remarkable. It solely depends on unalloyed storytelling skills. 
Director Ranjith's latest offering Pranchiyettan and the Saint, starring Mammootty, is one such effort where the viewer is drawn into the story to experience the sheer joy of it. This film just tells the story of a rich but uncouth simpleton, C. Francis -- popularly known as Pranchiyettan. As his family has been into rice business, he is also known by a nickname Aripranchi, and this pains him. 
So, he makes serious efforts to get rid of the nickname -- and his efforts include diversifying into other businesses and supporting worthy charitable causes. But, as fate would have it, the nickname that has troubled him since school days, never leaves him.
Even the efforts that he makes are hilarious: one of them is starting a jewellery shop, contesting the elections for the president-ship of an aristocratic cultural club of the city, and even buying a Padmasri award for himself.
The brain behind all these efforts is his friend Vasu Menon (Innocent).
The story takes a turn when he meets  a female artist by the name of Padmasri (Priyamani) who wants Pranchi to inaugurate her painting exhibition, the proceeds of which are to go to charity. His name has been suggested to her by his childhood flame Omana (Kushboo). He had lost Omana to his arch rival Jose (Siddique), who is a reputed doctor now.
What works for the narrative of this film is the simple humour, which is continued till the fag end of the film. Initially Mammootty is ably supported by Innocent and Tini Tom in the comedic portions of the film. In the latter half the responsibility falls on Priyamani to support him.
Another twist that gives some depth to the story is when Pranchi takes the responsibility of a wayward teenager Pauli (Master Ganapathi) to help him clear his tenth class board exams at the behest of his school principal, played by Sivaji Guruvayur.
The film depends heavily on Mammootty's  histrionic skills to be convincing and it works.  It is this effortless and natural performance that gives Pranchiyettan the lifeblood.
Mammootty as an actor has resorted to slapstick comedy to prove his credentials too, but in this film it is quite different -- the middle aged character that he plays here possesses a natural sense of humour and does not require any help in the form of slapstick situations.
Among the  supporting cast, Innocent gives ample support to Mammootty in keeping our attention rivetted to the screen. It has been a long time since he has portrayed such a character, but here he gets a chance to bring back the memories of vintage Innocent that we fondly remember.
Priyamani may not have much screen time for a leading lady but her performance will remain etched in viewers' memory. 
On the whole, the success of Pranchiyettan and the Saint rests on the shoulders of writer director Ranjith who gives a meaty story to actors to dig their teeth into. It is the near flawless script and direction that give  this simple and straight forward narrative multiple dimensions.

05 September, 2010

Pranchiyettan and The Saint Posters





Mammootty staunchly follows religious rituals

As we all know, it’s the holy month of Ramadan and Muslims fast whole day and spend time in meditation. Malayalam movie superstar Mammootty is also staunchly following the rituals even after having lot of assignments in hand.


Mammootty is one of the busiest actors in Mollywood but he does not miss his religious rituals. The actor was quoted saying that acting is his profession but wouldn't compromise with his religious beliefs. He added that he continues to perform his duty as a Muslim while acting.


Mammootty is now busy shooting for his upcoming movie Best Actor, which is being directed by Martin Prakkat, a fashion photographer-turned-director. In this film, Mammootty will be seen as a school teacher, who aspires to act in films. The movie will be distributed by Mammootty's own firm Play House and is slated for release in October.

This year, as the festival Onam has coincided with Ramadan, the release date of Mammootty starrer Malayalam movie Pranchiyettan and The Saint has been postponed. The film is likely to hit the theaters on September 7, which is also the birthday of the actor.

Pazhassi Raja selected for Fukuoka Film Festival

Noted Malayalam film director Hariharan’s latest release Pazhassi Rajahas been selected for the prestigious Fukuoka Film Festival in Japan. It will be held from September 17 to September 26.


The festival started its journey in 1991, and since then, it has invited actor, actresses and film directors as guests to promote their films by organizing discussions and symposiums.


Pazhassi Raja, the 2009 blockbuster movie, featured megastar Mammootty, Sarath Kumar, Thilakan, Jagathi Sreekumar and Padmapriya in the lead roles. It also has actors like Manoj K Jayan, Kanika Subramaniam, Suresh Krishna, Suman and Linda Arsenio in various vital roles.


On 16th October, 2009, it was released across Kerala with 130 prints. Renowned musician Ilayaraja composed music for the film, which was produced by Gokulam Gopalan. Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty was the sound designer of the movie.

It is the only Indian movie, which has been chosen to be screened in this year’s Fukuoka Film Festival. Director Hariharan is very excited that his film got selected and is more thrilled because the film tells the story of patriotism.