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{{short description|2010 film by Shyamaprasad}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Elektra
| image = Elektra_film.jpg
| alt = 
| caption = Theatrical poster
| director = [[Shyamaprasad]]
| producer = N. B. Vindhyan
| screenplay = Shyamaprasad Kiran Prabhakar
| starring = [[Nayanthara]] [[Manisha Koirala]] [[Prakash Raj]] [[Biju Menon]] [[Skanda Ashok]]
| music = [[Alphons Joseph]]
| cinematography = [[Sanu Varghese]]
| editing = [[Vinod Sukumaran]]
| studio =
| distributor = Rasika Entertainment
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2010|11|24|[[International Film Festival of India|IFFI]]}}

| runtime =
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Malayalam]]
| budget =
| gross =
}}

'''''Elektra''''' is a [[List of Malayalam films of 2010|2010]] Indian [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]]-language [[psychological drama]] film co-written and directed by [[Shyamaprasad]], starring [[Nayanthara]], [[Manisha Koirala]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Biju Menon]], and [[Skanda Ashok]].<ref name="Cast">{{Cite web |date=14 March 2010 |title=Shyamaprasad casts Nayantara with Manisha Koirala for 'Electra' |url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/malayalam/shyamaprasad-casts-nayantara-with-manisha-koirala-for-electra/30510/story.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103050241/https://www.nowrunning.com/news/malayalam/shyamaprasad-casts-nayantara-with-manisha-koirala-for-electra/30510/story.htm |archive-date=3 January 2020 |access-date=8 May 2010 |publisher=Nowrunning}}</ref> It was produced by N. B. Vindhyan, who also produced Shyamaprasad's ''[[Ore Kadal]]'' (2007).

The film is based on the story of the [[Greek mythology|Greek mythological]] character [[Electra]],<ref name="TOIIFFI">{{Cite news |date=28 November 2010 |title=Regional films steal the show at Goa film festival |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-28/india/28213420_1_ore-kadal-goa-film-festival-iffi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104075444/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-28/india/28213420_1_ore-kadal-goa-film-festival-iffi |archive-date=4 November 2012 |access-date=2010-12-27 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> although it has a contemporary setting in an aristocratic family in [[Kerala]]. It draws strongly on four adaptations of the myth: ''[[Electra (Sophocles)|Electra]]'' by [[Sophocles]], ''[[Electra (Euripides)|Electra]]'' by [[Euripides]], ''[[Oresteia]]'' by [[Aeschylus]] and ''[[Mourning Becomes Electra]]'' by [[Eugene O’Neill]] (1931). Key to the film is the concept of the [[Electra complex]]; a daughter's psychosexual competition with her mother for her father's affection.

The film premiered at the [[International Film Festival of India]] in November 2010. It made its international premiere at the [[Dubai International Film Festival|7th Dubai International Film Festival]].

==Cast==
* [[Nayanthara]] as Elektra Alexander
* [[Manisha Koirala]] as Diana
* [[Prakash Raj]] as Abraham and Jossya Issac (Double Role)
* [[Skanda Ashok]] as Edwin
* [[Biju Menon]] as Peter
* [[P. Sreekumar]] as Fr. Ulhannan
* [[K. P. A. C. Lalitha]] as Fr. Ulahannan's wife
* [[Shruthy Menon]] as Laura
* [[Pradeep Kottayam]] as Man in Cemetery
* Amby as Doctor

==Dubbing==
[[Prakash Raj]] himself dubbed for the character Jossya Issac, while [[Shobi Thilakan]] dubbed for the former's role of Abraham. [[Manisha Koirala]]'s role was dubbed by famous Malayalam actress [[Praveena]]. [[Nayanthara]] dubbed her own voice for her character and [[Vineeth Sreenivasan]] gave voice to [[Skanda Ashok]]'s character, Edwin.

==Production==
===Development===
The film is based on the story of the Greek mythological character [[Electra]]. Set in the city of [[Argos, Peloponnese|Argos]] a few years after the [[Trojan War]], that story revolves around the vengeance that Electra and her brother [[Orestes]] take on their mother [[Clytemnestra]] and step father [[Aegisthus]] for the murder of their father, [[Agamemnon]]. There are many adaptations of the story. This film is particularly inspired by the plays ''[[Electra (Sophocles)|Electra]]'' by [[Sophocles]], ''[[Electra (Euripides)|Electra]]'' by [[Euripides]], ''[[Oresteia]]'' by [[Aeschylus]] and ''[[Mourning Becomes Electra]]'' by [[Eugene O’Neill]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sangeetha Swaroop |date=21 January 2011 |title=My world: Shyamaprasad Rajagopal |url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/people/my-world-shyamaprasad-rajagopal-1.747254 |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=Gulf News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Saraswathy Nagarajan |date=11 September 2009 |title=Waves of applause |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article18627.ece |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

Shyamaprasad said that ''Electra'' is a play that has stayed with him since his student days in the Thrissur School of Drama.<ref name="darkness">{{Cite news |last=Saraswathy Nagarajan |date=3 December 2010 |title=Heart of Darkness |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article927454.ece? |access-date=2010-12-03 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> In a December 2010 interview, he said: {{blockquote|"It was a long cherished dream. I had this in my mind even when I was studying at the School of Drama. I was really very much influenced by the Greek drama, the strong female character, her love towards her father, her piousness, how she uses her brother to kill her stepfather, etc. I often felt that it has got the entire recipe for a good film. After Ritu, when I was thinking about my next film, this Greek drama resurfaced. Nayantara showed interest in working with me. That was when I thought adapting Electra for the silver screen would be a challenge worth taking.<ref name="Shyamaprasad interview" />}}

Shyamaprasad was assisted in the script writing by Kiran Prabhakar. Rather than focusing on the essence of revenge in the myth, they tried to include the theme of Elektra's obsessive love for her father. Most of Shyamaprasad's previous works were adaptations of published novels or plays. About the adaptation of ''Elektra'', Shyamaprasad said: "My film is a modern retelling of the Greek classic in a Malayali setting. But it closely follows the philosophy of the ancient text and the Grecian theory of drama that intense fear and pity lead to a purification of the emotions of the audience, making it a cathartic experience."<ref name="darkness" /><ref name="elektracomplex">{{Cite news |last=Saraswathy Nagarajan |date=28 May 2010 |title=The 'Elektra' complex |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/28/stories/2010052850790100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108145809/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/05/28/stories/2010052850790100.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |access-date=2010-12-27 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
The film, though adapted from a Greek myth, has a contemporary setting in an aristocratic family in Kerala.<ref name="iffi">{{Cite web |date=25 November 2010 |title=Manisha Koirala's Elektra screened at IFFI |url=http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=17342 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310040903/http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=17342 |archive-date=10 March 2012 |access-date=2010-12-03 |publisher=Businessofcinema |df=dmy}}</ref> The making of the film was also inspired by [[K. G. George]]'s magnum opus film, ''[[Irakal]]''.<ref name="darkness" />

===Casting===
{{quote box|width=40%|align=right|bgcolor=lightblue|quote="My films are about very strong individuals who are caught in a vicious cycle of relationships. To portray those characters, I want actors who are capable of understanding that emotional intensity. I want actors who have proved themselves and are capable of diving into the depths of the characters. Not someone who is just beautiful. ''Elektra'' is minimalistic in its setting and cast. There are only five main characters and it is a frugal, no-frills mood that pervades the film."<ref name="darkness" />|source= – [[Shyamaprasad]] in an interview with ''[[The Hindu]]''}}
''Elektra'' is minimalistic in its setting and cast, with only five main characters. Nayantara plays Elektra, the lead character.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nayantara turns to do art films |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2010/nayantara-art-films-250110.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714125113/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2010/nayantara-art-films-250110.html |archive-date=14 July 2012 |access-date=25 January 2010 |publisher=One India}}</ref> She was cast after she expressed a desire to work with Shyamaprasad. While filming, Nayantara said, "I am doing this film purely for creative satisfaction, as it offers me an opportunity to showcase my histrionics skills. I am excited that I am going to explore a new genre and the director is insisting on spontaneity. So, I intend to go to the sets with an open mind."<ref>{{Cite news |last=B.V.S. Prakash |date=29 April 2010 |title=Nayanthara excited for 'Electra' |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-29/news-interviews/28136767_1_malayalam-film-kannada-film-small-budget-films |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913043152/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-29/news-interviews/28136767_1_malayalam-film-kannada-film-small-budget-films |archive-date=13 September 2012 |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> When asked the reason for entrusting such a strong role to Nayantara, Shyamaprasad said, "Everyone has this question. To be frank, after ''Ritu'', I happened to meet Nayantara and she said she was really interested in doing movies with me. She was very keen on doing a meaningful role, something with substance. Usually she does those, you know, the glamorous, superficial roles which I guess supports her career. But she nursed the desire to do much deeper roles. Thus ''Elektra'' happened."<ref name="Shyamaprasad interview">{{Cite web |last=Reshmi Padma |date=27 December 2010 |title=Women are perfect human beings |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-elekrta-electrifies-the-festivals/20101227.htm |access-date=20 July 2011 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Nayantara also gave voice to the character.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saraswathy Nagarajan |date=20 May 2010 |title=Electrifying Elektra |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/05/20/stories/2010052050550100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603014030/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/05/20/stories/2010052050550100.htm |archive-date=3 June 2010 |access-date=2010-12-27 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Prakash Raj plays Elektra's father, and Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala plays her mother, who is also the main antagonist.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 March 2010 |title=Manisha Koirala to play Nayan's mom! |url=http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14935129 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726205114/http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14935129 |archive-date=26 July 2012 |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The film is Koirala's debut in Malayalam cinema.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 March 2010 |title=Manisha Koirala goes to Malayalam! |url=http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14935130 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714063810/http://sify.com/movies/fullstory.php?id=14935130 |archive-date=14 July 2012 |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref> About her casting, Shyamaprasad says: "At the initial stages of scripting itself, I had drawn a picture of the character in my mind and I wanted somebody very attractive yet very powerful to do the role. There was nobody I could think of other than Manisha. In terms of beauty, the inner quality of the character she identifies with and her experience in films, she was the perfect choice for me as Diana. When I approached her, she loved the script. She said she wanted to work with me and said would definitely be part of my dream project. I appreciate her move, as Malayalam as a language is really tough to learn and pronounce for an actor. But she pulled it off so gracefully. I have full admiration towards her and her work."<ref name="Shyamaprasad interview" /> Koirala says that she was advised by many not to do the film, as her character has an extramarital affair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 December 2010 |title=Manisha takes to painting, to hold her first exhibition |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/118844/manisha-takes-painting-hold-her.html |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=Deccan Herald}}</ref> Film actress [[Praveena]] dubbed for Koirala's character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pavithra Srinivasan |date=5 January 2011 |title=Praveena conquers Tamil TV |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-tv-praveena-conquers-tamil-tv/20110105.htm |access-date=20 July 2011 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> [[Sakhi Thomas]] was the costume designer for this movie.

Kannada actor Skanda Ashok (Sooraj Skanda), who had a notable debut in Malayalam through [[Roshan Andrews]]'s ''[[Notebook (2006 film)|Notebook]]'' (2006), plays the role of Edwin, Elektra's brother, who is a neurotic, and according to him, "a sort of an underdog who goes on to save the day."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liza George |date=11 May 2010 |title=Unconventional actor |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/11/05/stories/2010110551020200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108145834/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/11/05/stories/2010110551020200.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |access-date=2010-12-27 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> [[Biju Menon]], Srikumar and Sruthi Menon also play important roles in the film.<ref name="darkness" /> There were reports that Tamil actor [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] was also cast in the movie.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arya Aiyappan |date=28 July 2009 |title=Arya – Nayantara in Shyamaprasad's Electra |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2009/shyamaprasad-nayantara-arya-280709.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022161224/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/news/2009/shyamaprasad-nayantara-arya-280709.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 |access-date=20 July 2011 |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]]}}</ref>

===Filming===
Principal production for the film started on 23 April 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2010 |title=Nayantara's Electra to kick off soon |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2010/nayantara-movie-electra-130410.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708191618/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2010/nayantara-movie-electra-130410.html |archive-date=8 July 2012 |publisher=One India}}</ref> Major portions of filming were held at an old mansion, Kalapurackal House in [[Edakochi]], [[Kerala]].<ref name="filming">{{Cite news |last=Priyadeshini. S |date=20 May 2010 |title=Method acting and 'waiting for talents' |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/05/20/stories/2010052051490400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603024932/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/05/20/stories/2010052051490400.htm |archive-date=3 June 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Cinematography was handled by Sanu George Varghese, making his debut in Malayalam.<ref name="elektracomplex" /> He made his feature film debut the same year with ''[[Karthik Calling Karthik]]''.<ref name="elektracomplex" />

==Release==
The film premiered at the [[International Film Festival of India]] (IFFI) on 24 November 2010, where the lead performances were widely praised. It was the fifth Shyamaprasad film to be screened at the IFFI, and was one of the five Malayalam films selected to be screened that year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 November 2010 |title=Elektra Dazzles IFFI with Its Electrifying Performances |url=http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=67541 |publisher=Press Information Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Soyesh H. Rawther |date=19 October 2010 |title=Malayalam film makers plan alternative screening outside IFFI venues |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article837968.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref> It was screened at the [[International Film Festival of Kerala]] on 14 December, where it also received overwhelmingly positive responses.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2010 |title='Elektra' draws big crowds at IFFK |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/article170325.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616133437/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/article170325.ece |archive-date=16 June 2013 |access-date=2010-12-14 |website=Express News Service |publisher=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> However, the film provoked protests at both these festivals for its sensuous themes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gautaman Bhaskaran |date=23 December 2010 |title=Movies of substance |url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/film/cinema-reviews/review-elektra-1.747732 |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=Gulf News}}</ref> ''Elektra'' made its international premiere at the [[Dubai International Film Festival|7th Dubai International Film Festival]], where it was the only South Indian film to be selected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 November 2010 |title=Elektra at DIFF |url=http://www.dubaifilmfest.com/index.php/en/movie_details/elektra/8981/2010/1_a-e_i-88 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724061541/http://www.dubaifilmfest.com/index.php/en/movie_details/elektra/8981/2010/1_a-e_i-88 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |access-date=14 December 2010 |publisher=[[Dubai International Film Festival|DIFF]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2010 |title=Dubai premiere for Manisha Koirala's "Elektra" |url=http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/dubai-premiere-for-manisha-koirala-s-elektra-2010-11-14-1.317224 |publisher=Emirates247.com}}</ref> ''Elektra'' was the second Shyamaprasad film to be screened at this festival (the other being ''Ore Kadal'') and the film received rave reviews there.<ref name="DIFF">{{Cite news |date=24 December 2010 |title=Electrifying the crowd |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/12/24/stories/2010122451260200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108143913/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/12/24/stories/2010122451260200.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

In September 2010, the Ernakulam Principal Munisif Court stayed the release and distribution of the film, following an allegation by the film's original distributor Martin Sebastin that the producer Vindhyan and his Rasika Entertainment were trying to release it on their own.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 September 2010 |title=Shyamaprasad's Electra stayed |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/shyamaprasads-electra-stayed-news-malayalam-kkguBBehbgc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021222335/http://www.sify.com/movies/shyamaprasads-electra-stayed-news-malayalam-kkguBBehbgc.html |archive-date=21 October 2012 |access-date=20 July 2011 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The film was slated for a theatrical release on 3 December 2010,<ref name="iffi" /> but the date was postponed many times.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110402180322/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/three-big-releases-molly-fans-coming-three-weeks-806 "Three big releases for Molly fans in coming three weeks"]. ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]''. Retrieved 2011-04-22.</ref> The film was finally released on 11 November 2016, after much delay.<ref>[https://m3db.com/film/electra "Elektra"]. ''m3db''. Retrieved 2021-09-27.</ref>

==Accolades==
; [[Kerala State Film Awards]]
* 2011: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Director|Best Director]]: [[Shyamaprasad]]
* 2011: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Dubbing Artist|Best Dubbing Artist]]: [[Praveena]]

; Official Selections
* [[International Film Festival of India]], 2010
* [[International Film Festival of Kerala]], 2010
* [[Dubai International Film Festival]], 2010
* Gandhinagar International Film Festival, 2011<ref>{{Cite web |last=GIFF |title=Gandhinagar International Film Festival 2011 |url=http://www.giff.co.in/movies/electra.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330160732/http://www.giff.co.in/movies/electra.html |archive-date=30 March 2012 |access-date=12 August 2011}}</ref>
* Indian Film Festival 'Bollywood and Beyond', Stuttgart (Germany), 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elektra |url=http://www.bollywood-festival.de/en/film-programme/programme/film-programme-sunday-24-july-2010/elektra.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005141052/http://www.bollywood-festival.de/en/film-programme/programme/film-programme-sunday-24-july-2010/elektra.html |archive-date=5 October 2011 |access-date=12 August 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[River to River. Florence Indian Film Festival|River to River Film Festival]], Florence (Italy), 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elektra - River to River. Florence Indian Film Festival |url=http://www.rivertoriver.it/schede_film2011/Elektra_en.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426001901/http://www.rivertoriver.it/schede_film2011/Elektra_en.php |archive-date=26 April 2012 |access-date=25 November 2011 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
[[Ouseppachan]] was signed to do music for the film,<ref name="Cast" /> but was replaced by [[Alphons Joseph]], who became well known in India for the song "[[Aaromale]]". The film is Joseph's first collaboration with Shyamaprasad. The lyrics were penned by Rafeeq Ahmed and Shelton Pinhiro. The soundtrack includes three songs.

{{Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Arikil Varu | extra1 = [[Gayatri Asokan|Gayatri]] | length1 = 3:34
| title2 = Ekakiyaayi | extra2 = Sayanora | length2 = 4:28
| title3 = Let's Dance | extra3 = [[Alphons Joseph]] | length3 = 3:47
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
*{{IMDb title|1920913}}
{{Shyamaprasad}}
{{Electra}}

[[Category:2010 films]]
[[Category:2010s psychological drama films]]
[[Category:2010 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Euripides]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Sophocles]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Eugene O'Neill]]
[[Category:Films directed by Shyamaprasad]]
[[Category:Indian psychological drama films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Alphons Joseph]]
[[Category:Films based on multiple works]]
[[Category:Films set in Kerala]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kochi]]
[[Category:Modern adaptations of works by Sophocles]]
[[Category:Modern adaptations of works by Euripides]]
[[Category:Works based on The Libation Bearers]]
[[Category:Modern adaptations of works by Aeschylus]]
[[Category:Films based on works by Aeschylus]]

Elektra (2010 film) - Revision history

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