Movies that brought in cheers for Mollywood

2011 was set to roll with 'Traffic'. Well begun, the year went on to produce a handful of trendsetters like 'Melvilasam', 'Salt N' Pepper', 'Chappa Kurishu'. And then 'Adaminate Makan Abu' fetched us the crowning glory... But, the sky was not devoid of dark clouds either. Constant tiffs among film organisations, strike that brought the industry to a standstill and the series of bans on some of its most promising stars, certainly marred the face of Malayalam cinema in 2011. Following are the best movies of the year, those that brought in cheers for Mollywood.


Traffic

Well-crafted by Bobby and Sanjay, this complex emotional thriller won much critical acclaim. The fascinating movie from Rajesh Pillai intertwined multiple stories around one particular incident in a coherent manner. Devoid of any formulaic ingredients and gimmickry, its unique narrative style and treatment brought in a world of difference.

Urumi

A period drama set in the backdrop of the fierce warrior clans of Northern Kerala, the film has its focus on the cult of Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar. Directed by Santhosh Sivan, it is one of the most expensive films ever to be made in Mollywood. The film has been rated as 'a work of true craftsmanship, one with a heart and technical artistry'.

Pranayam

This one was in an altogether different league. It had in it a few fine moments of artistic brilliance. Blessy did succeed in presenting the woes of the three protagonists in a competent way, although it all went a bit too melodramatic at times. The finesse with which Mohanlal perfected the subtle mannerisms of the bed-ridden professor speaks volumes about his versatile expertise as an actor. The film had veterans Anupam Kher and Jayaprada in prominent roles.

Veetilekkulla Vazhi

It is indeed laudable that writer-director Dr.Biju dared to think beyond the boundaries. Mostly modeled in the conventional offbeat format, the story unfolds in several significant places in North India. The film has been appreciated for the sincerity that has gone into its making and treatment.

Rathinirvedam

Though it was the same old wine in a different bottle, the new version certainly had a life on its own. Though set in a sleepy village of the late seventies, director Rajeev Kumar succeeded in making the film appealing even to today's audience. One of the top grossers of 2011, the film had Swetha Menon excelling in her role as Rathi with genuine expressions that underlines her versatility.

Melvilasam

Madhav Ramadasan's maiden venture was quite absorbing even without the usual filmi formula. Its script penned by veteran Soorya Krishnamurthy, on whose play the film is based on, revolves around a single location, a court room, with no songs and no female characters, save a little girl appearing in a couple of scenes. Well-crafted dialogues and riveting performances by all the lead actors, too helped the film garner much critical acclaim.

Adaminte Makan Abu

 

Salim Ahamed's debut venture is sure to find its place among the most powerful films ever made in Malayalam. The heart wrenching portrayal of the old couple and their sincere wish to go for the holy Hajj pilgrimage truly deserved all those coveted honours that it won both at the national and state levels, including one for the best actor. It is also India's official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the 84th Academy Awards.

 

 

Salt N' Pepper

Dollops of fun with no big plots or twists, Salt n' Pepper' became a sleeper hit in the box office. It might be true that the film had its own share of shortcomings with a few irrelevant scenes here and there, but the freshness it let out cannot be overlooked. The light-hearted entertainer from Aashiq Abu had in it an exquisite recipe for a 'hearty film'.

 

 

Chappa Kurishu

It was a different thriller, with two extreme characters in the lead. Directorial debut of Sameer Thahir, which attempted to explore a few contemporary issues, received notably mixed reviews. Chappa Kurishu was undoubtedly a bold attempt from a director who holds promise.

Indian Rupee

A brilliantly executed satirical dig on today's youth, Renjith's film opened to positive reviews both from the masses and critics alike. Sans candy floss romance, melodrama and thrilling action sequences, Indian Rupee was a film deeply rooted in the delicate intricacies of life's realities.