Chanthupottu (2005) : A Controversy

                           Chanthupottu is a Malayalam movie directed by Lal Jose and released in 2005. It tells the story of Radhakrishnan, a man who was brought up by his grandmother as a girl and the social stigma he faces due to his mannerisms and his transformation into the traditional masculine hero beating up a bunch of people at a go..

The movie has become  a matter of discussion in the recent times in the social media. A movie released 15 years ago invoking discussions and analysis right now by itself shows the influence and the success it had made in the industry at the time of its release. The discussions surrounding it show Malayali (local community of Kerala) audiences' drastic change in thought processes and evaluation of movies as a medium of entertainment and also as a medium for propagation of strong ideas which evidently reflects in the changed formula of success of movies. It is safe to say Malayalam film industry can be regarded at high standards when compared to the Bollywood industry in this aspect. Kudos to the demanding local audience of the state.

Lets get down to the discussion

                                  The criticizers of the movie emphasize on the negative impression it can make in a viewer's mind on their approach towards LGBT community and to an extent, it has. The name 'Chanthupottu' has entered into Malayalam colloquial dictionary and since then it had been used to refer (or rather tease) to men with a feminine character or transgenders in general.

                                 The movie was a huge commercial success in 2005 running for over 125 days. It shows how the mindset of the majority audience was back then, who viewed Cinema as a means of pure entertainment without considering their political implications in the society. This meant that the society itself didn't care much about the feelings (might have cared but had never been voiced out loud) and the social status of transgenders or LGBT community as a whole back then. 

                                The Director of the movie, Lal Jose, had responded to the negative comments saying he had not committed any  mistakes and would stand by his work. He also retaliated saying such comments are an intrusion into his right to freedom of expression.

                                On the same note, the scriptwriter, Benny P. Nayarambalam, in an interview stated that he was still sad about how some communities perceived the movie and its subject. He also noted he never meant to target or hurt the feelings of any community intentionally.

                               Though it was bold of the Director (and the actor too) to portray such a never-before-seen protagonist in a movie, he failed to address the real problems of the people the protagonist represents. Rather, he had drawn out a caricature out of them, which itself, is an art. The movie didn't catalyze a perception of transgenders as a joke as such, it probably just marketed on the already existing mindset of the people. The director being from the same society might have created the movie intentionally to capitalize at the sake of the above said mindset of the people or might have never really understood the political implications of the same (which is very unlikely with a Director of his caliber and knowledge). 

                               The protagonist of the movie Radhakrishnan played by versatile actor Dileep is biologically a man with feminine mannerisms. Opening act of the movie show his birth and childhood. Being brought up by a woman might have led to his feminine mannerisms and he not really a transgender. This fact, to some extend justifies the director's take on the character and the journey of his life in the movie. The final act in which the character caves into the society's expectation from him and transform into the 'masculine' hero does send a wrong message. Ultimately, the movie is a product of deep seated patriarch-ism and a social stigma towards the LGBT community. 

Are the filmmakers really the culprit here? Is it the audience they address? or the society they live in?

                             15 years later, Chanthupottu is still being discussed on social media based on feminist ideas and concerns of the LGBT community. The fact that a movie such as this might not be a commercial success right now is definitely an indicator of how the thought processes and perceptive of the audience and society as a whole has changed towards such controversial issues. The reflection of this can be seen in movies like Super Deluxe, Moothon etc. 

Hoping for even more such Indian movies focused on liberation and empowerment of LGBT community.

Cheers!!!

Comment down your thoughts

Kammath and Kammath Malayalam Movie Review and Box Office Collection Report

  Featuring Mammootty and Dileep in the lead, 'Kammath and Kammath' is second directional venture of Thomson K. Thomas. Scripted by Udayakrishna-Siby K. Thomas duo, the film has Karthika Nair, Rima Kallingal , Baburaj and Narain in supporting roles. Danush appears as himself in the film for a cameo role.

PLOT :

        The film tells the story of Kammath brothers - Raja Raja Kammath ( role played by Mammootty) and Deva Raja Kammath (role played by Dileep) - who runs a chain of restaurant all over kerala. They opens a new branch in palakkad and the story develops narrating the problems they face in palakkad. There they meet Mahalakshmi (role played by Rima Kalingal), the municipal commissioner in palakkad and Sree Rekha (role played by Kartika Nair), her sister. Babxuuraj plays a full length role as driver gopi.

REVIEW :

      The film was expected to be yet another 'Pokkiri Raja' with mass introductions, songs, comedy sequences and action. But the director Thomson should have taken some better tips from Vyshakh. Thomson wasn't successful enough in exploiting Mammootty's talent and mass appeal. 
          Mammootty has nothing much to do in the script. Dileep is a big saving factor for the film. He is comfortable in his role and a grace to watch. Surprisingly, Baburaj appeared in a mass image this time with sound action and punch comedies. Most of the time Mammootty was seated on his car while Baburaj does all the stunts for him. Female leads, Rima Kallingal and Karthika Nair has lengthy roles to do. Rima has done convincingly but Karthika seemed to be over expressive. Narain was good in his short appearance.
      The storyline of the movie was the biggest let down which is hollow without any depth or imagination. The first half seems good with a decent twist at the interval. The second half takes off generating few laughs but soon the movie nosedives.
       The songs are hummable and my pick is 'Dosa song'. Visuals by Anil Nair suits the mood of the film. The background score of the film was impressive as well. The direction could have been better with many nuisance scenes trimmed out. Editing is good in the first half but lets down in the second half.

POSITIVES :                                                                 NEGATIVES :
- Mammootty - Dileep combo                                        - Storyline
- Baburaj                                                                       - Narain - Karthika combination song
- Action sequences                                                        - Second half
- Background music

BOXOFFICE :
 Kammath and Kammath was released in 96 theatres in kerala and in around 60 theatres rest of kerala.
The film whose satellite rights was sold for record price has already been a huge crowd puller.
The movie is receiving massive response with the initial day collection figured to be 1.5 Crores.
Reportedly, the film has collected around 3 Crores from it's two day run itself.
3 days collection of Kammath and Kammath has reached 4.47 Crores.
The movie has acquired a gross collection of 8.7 Crores in it's two week run. The movie is already a profitable venture for the producers.
17 days collection is figured to be 9.57 crores. The movie is likely to hit the 10 crore mark due to less competition in the box office.
New releases including celluloid has affected Kammath and Kammath adversely. However, KnK has become the first movie in 2013 to touch the 10 crore (30 days) mark.
10.28 Crores collection in 38 days theatrical run.
The final gross of Kammath and Kammath all over india is figured out to be 10.45 Crores.

Bavuttiyude Namathil Review and Box Office Collection Report

REVIEW :

                       Bavuttiyude Namathil is the story of Bavooty (Mammootty) who is full time driver, care-taker and a part time actor. Sethu (Shankar Ramakrishnan) & Vanaja (Kavya Madhavan) plays the couple for whom Bavooty is working for. Mariam (Kaniha) is their servant & Rima Kallingal as Noorjahan dons the role of a tuition teacher. 

                       After a long wait, Mammootty-Ranjith team is back with another simple, refreshing, socially relevant themed movie. Thus Mammootty's wait for a clean hit has come true in 2012 itself.
                       Mammootty has appeared in the movie without any heroism and the real heroism of the movie lies within Ranjith. Bavuttiyude Namathil has kinda simple and cliched script. First half of the movie has many situations which will make us laugh especially one-liners. Second half is where the story begins with serious, dramatic and even some emotional sequences and of course the climax is also executed well by Ranjith. 
                        Coming to the cast performances, Mammootty has performed well with unmatched comedy timings and flawless dialogue delivery in Malabar slang. Supporting female actresses especially kavya Madhavan has done a good job. Shankar has got a good role after Ranjith's 'Spirit'. Vineeth has got a strong role to do in BN.
                         GS Vijayan's direction was good without much faults. The songs in the movie suited best with the movie, also the visualizations are worth mentioning. 

                        Overall the movie is a good watch for this Christmas. Taking movies of Ranjith like Pranjiyettan as benchmark, Bavuttiyude Namathil is an Above average movie. Bavuttiyude namthil will be one among the best movies released in 2012. 

POSITIVES:                                  NEGATIVES:

-  Mammootty                                 -  Pointless first half (still generates many laughs)

-  Cast Performance

-  Story

-  Direction

VERDICT : Very good

RATING : leaving this stuff for you

BOX OFFICE :

    Bavuttiyude Namathil has released in almost 65 theaters which is second highest number of (christmas) theatrical releases behind karmayodha. But Bavuttiyude Namathil has got good word of mouth comparing other Christmas releases. Surely, Bavuttiyude Namathil will end Mammootty's drought for a clean hit.

Bavuttiyude Namathil has collected 1.40 Crores in its 3 day run.
With 1,550 shows in its 6 days theatrical run, Bavuttiyude namathil has earned 2.70 Crores. Megastar fans can have a wide grin on face.
13 days collection of Bavuttiyude Namathil has jumped to 3.90 Crores with 3,350 theatrical shows all over kerala. Bavuttiyude Namathil is clear winner of this christmas and a comeback movie for Megastar. Mammootty has a well scripted 2013 ahead. Mammootty's first release is Kammath and Kammath which is expected to release on january 25.

2 weeks collection is figured to be 5.05 Crores. BN holds strong in the released theatres with only few removals.
4 weeks collection is figured to be 5.80 Crores. The remaining christmas releases have already left the theatres.
Bavuttiyude Namathil has completed 50 days in very few theatres.

Mammootty 25 different Hairstyles

In my collection there are over 30....I rounded the figure out by opting out similar hairstyles with the help of my friends....Here are the collection of 25 variety hairstyles of Mammootty - Our Own Mammookka. What makes him unique is that even in his 60s he looks better than the present young stars.
       If i have missed any hairstyles, you can point it out. Also tell me about your favorite, disliked choices......Feel Free to Express


#1

Mayavi hairstyle

#2

Parunthu hairstyle

#3

Cobra hairstyle

#4

#5

#6

#7

Best Actor Hairstyle

#8

Bombay March 12 Hairstyle

#9

Thappana Hairstyle

#10

The king hairstyle

#11

#12

#13

Tharadas Hairstyle

#14

Big B hairstyle

#15

Pazhassiraja Hairstyle

#16

Kuttisrank  Hairstyle

 #17

Perumal  Hairstyle

 #18

Dhrona  Hairstyle

 #19

 #20

Rajamanikyam  Hairstyle

 #21

 #22

Ambedkar  Hairstyle

 #23

 #24

Prajapathi  Hairstyle

#25

Loudspeaker  Hairstyle

Comparing the BIG M's - MAMMOOTTY and MOHANLAL

Top 6 Malayalam actresses without Make Up
Jugru Rocks - Best of Jugru from Philips and Monkey Pen 
Dulquer Salmaan Introduction Scene from Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi 

Top 5 Thrilling Introduction Scenes of Mohanlal - The Complete Actor

Mammootty and Mohanlal is considered to be the greatest actors in India. In terms of Acting caliber they are as good as the best in the world. They have been the backbone of Malayalam industry for 3 decades. All these years malayalees loved them and still now have a huge fan following varying from Teen to Old aged.

Everything you should know about Mohanlal
Everything you should know about Mammootty
 
.....................................................................................................................................................................
NOW a brief study of their acting career and judging them with the roles they have done :

Mohanlal is known to be inborn actor ,undoubtedly yes and its clear from his movies.Mammootty is criticized or it can be taken as plus that he isn't a natural actor. Mammootty answers the questioning of his acting capability through his award showcase.It can be noted that Mammootty gives different feel for each of his characters with variety looks and dialogue delivery styles.Some of his characters like Ambedhkar, Varunni ,Putturumees are examples. Mohanlal has his own realistic way of acting and it will be reflected in each of his characters. He manages each character with great ease and have got many appreciation from legends of all time.

LET US CHECKOUT A DETAILED CATEGORICAL COMPARISON :


COMEDY :
                         Mohanlal , he is undisputed king in comedy.His movies in 20th century are evergreen for its comedy.Movies of priyadarshan-mohanlal combo are just few examples. He rose into the current fame through Comedy. Everyone(including me) believed comedy won't go right with Mammootty.Lately he proved he isn't bad at all with few movies like rajamanikyam.


ACTION :  
                      Am totally confused.Leaving this to you guys.


ROMANCE :

                      Mohanlal has hundreds of movies in his credit.Even then there are some favorite characters done by Mammootty.
                 While Mammootty have been a family man in his movies, Mohanlal a romantic hero in their respective old movies.

SONGS :

                           Mohanlal's career is blessed with Classic Songs. Actually we malayalees are blessed :)
Mammootty's rakuyillin raja sadas is outstanding among his movies.


EMOTIONAL SCENES :


                    Vote goes to Mammootty.When he cries something really touches our heart.He has great ability in that. Valsalyam, Palunku, Poo Mukha Padiyil Ninneyum Kathu, Pappayude swantham Appoose, Karutha Pakshikal, Kathodu Kathoram, Mathilukal, Yathra and many more.
But I love the climax scene from chithram which is incredibly awesome.

VOCALS AND DIALOGUE DELIVERY :

                I will eagerly write an essay appreciating Mammootty's dialogue delivery skill. He is having wonderful vocals and best masculine voice in the industry. His dialogues in English are pakka.Compare the difference in dialogue delivery styles in movies like Mrigaya, Vidheyan, Ambedkar, Soorya Manasam, Kottayam kunjachan,, Ponthan Maada, Karutha Pakshikal, Dalapathy, Raja Manikyam,  Amaram, Mathilukal, Sethu Ramayaar CBI ,Pranjiyettan, Loudspeaker, Bus conductorChattambinaadu and..........
Mohanlal is at his best in Narasimham in the above category. Each dialogues had great impact - the way he delivered was unbelievable. And yeah his punch dialogues like 'nee poo mone dinesha' are all time trend setters.

NEGATIVE ROLES :
Mohanlal is better than Mammootty in the above category.


APPEARANCE AND STYLE ICON :

       Mammootty is damn hot in every sense.He was even selected as sexiest actor by a poll conducted by vanitha among its female readers.He is considered as Style Icon
by the present generation too.He is evergreen in his looks.Will u believe that Mohanlal is around 10 year younger than Mammootty.
Mohanlal has his own style.He recent best look is in chandrolsavam and casanovva. He looks best in mundu.


BEST INTRODUCTION SCENES OF BOTH :

            Mohanlal - Narasimham,Sagar Alias Jacky
            Mammootty - Best Actor, PokkiriRaja
Some more suggestions....

DANCE :

OMG....i hate when Mammootty dances and yeah most of malayalees.But the few steps from Best Actor were well choreographed and well picturised.
And of course I love the way Mohanlal dance.

Now its your turn to comment