Lelam - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 22:39, 30 May 2022
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	\| studio = Seven Arts Films		\| studio = Seven Arts Films
	\| distributor = Seven Arts International Ltd.		\| distributor = Seven Arts International Ltd.
	\| released = {{Film date\|df=yes\|1997\|9\|25}}		\| released = {{Film date\|df=yes\|1997\|10\|18}}
	\| runtime = 180 minutes		\| runtime = 180 minutes
	\| country = India		\| country = India
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	}}		}}

	'''''Lelam''''' ([[Malayalam]]: ''ലേലം'', {{lang-en\|The Auction}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Malayalam film\|Malayalam]]-language [[crime film]] directed by [[Joshiy]] and written by [[Renji Panicker]]. It stars [[Suresh Gopi]] and [[M. G. Soman]] with [[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]], [[N. F. Varghese]], [[Nandini]], [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], Vijayakumar, [[Spadikam George]], and Kaviyoor Renuka in supporting roles. It was also the last film of the veteran actor [[M.G. Soman]]. The story revolves around the rivalry between two liquor business groups, the Aanakkattil family and Kadayadi family. The film was dubbed in Tamil as ''Yelam'' and into Telugu as ''Royal Challenge''. Lelam was a blockbuster at the box-office and is also among the highest grossers of the 1990s.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBNFSnOL5uE</ref>		'''''Lelam''''' ([[Malayalam]]: ''ലേലം'', {{lang-en\|The Auction}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Malayalam film\|Malayalam]]-language [[crime film]] directed by [[Joshiy]] and written by [[Renji Panicker]]. It stars [[Suresh Gopi]] and [[M. G. Soman]] with [[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]], [[N. F. Varghese]], [[Nandini]], [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], Vijayakumar, [[Spadikam George]], and Kaviyoor Renuka in supporting roles. It was also the last film of the veteran actor [[M.G. Soman]]. The story revolves around the rivalry between two liquor business groups, the Aanakkattil family and Kadayadi family. The film was dubbed in Tamil as ''Yelam'' and into Telugu as ''Royal Challenge''. Lelam was a blockbuster at the box-office and is also among the highest grossers of the 1990s.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/QBNFSnOL5uE Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200301160221/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBNFSnOL5uE Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web\| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBNFSnOL5uE\| title = Lelam {{!}} Tamil Super Hit Full Action Movie {{!}} Suresh Gopi & M G Soman {{!}} Malayalam to tamil dubbed \| website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

	''Lelam'' was considered major comeback film for the actor [[Suresh Gopi]] which returned him the ''Super Star'' tag after the three-year long run of stereotyped roles which mostly failed at box office.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html\|date=30 August 2019\|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]\|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref> The character Aanakkattil Chackochi, played by the actor in the action entertainer, still remains one of his career best roles till date.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/suresh-gopis-lelam-sequel-cards-698755\|date=7 October 2016\|agency=[[International Business Times]]\|title=Is Suresh Gopi's Lelam sequel on the cards?}}</ref>		''Lelam'' was considered major comeback film for the actor [[Suresh Gopi]] which returned him the ''Super Star'' tag after the three-year long run of stereotyped roles which mostly failed at box office.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html\|date=30 August 2019\|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]\|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref> The character Aanakkattil Chackochi, played by the actor in the action entertainer, still remains one of his career best roles till date.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/suresh-gopis-lelam-sequel-cards-698755\|date=7 October 2016\|agency=[[International Business Times]]\|title=Is Suresh Gopi's Lelam sequel on the cards?}}</ref>

	== Plot ==		== Plot ==
	The film begins with [[Captain]] Jacob Stephan, fondly called Anakkattil [[Saint Thomas Christian names\|Chackochi]] ~~([[Suresh Gopi]])~~ along with his friend Karimbanadan Sunny ~~([[Vijayakumar (Malayalam actor)\|Vijayakumar]])~~ going to Pollachi to meet Andipetti Veerapandi Thevar who deals with a spirit business. Thevar, though initially differs to negotiate, later after knowing that Chackochi is the son of Eappachan, his old friend agrees to help them. On their way back to Kerala, they are stopped at the check post by John Maruthanayagam ~~([[Charan Raj]])~~, the police officer, who happened to be the colleague of Chackochi in the army and helps them in leading back. Back at home, Anakattil Eappachan ~~([[M.G. Soman]])~~, his father is a famous liquor baron, who holds almost a monopoly over spirit business over [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kottayam]]. Eappachan is always at loggerheads with K.K Group (Kunnel-Kadayadi Group), his business rivals. Popularly known as Kadayadi siblings — Kadayadi Raghavan ~~([[N. F. Varghese]])~~, Kadayadi Thambi ~~([[Subair]])~~and Kadayadi Baby ~~([[Spadikam George]])~~ enjoys a partnership with Kunnel Mathachan ~~([[K. P. A. C. Azeez\|K.P.A.C. Azeez]])~~ and his son Kunnel Outha ([[Sathaar]]) in their business. Eappachan, who hails from a poor background has emerged in to such a position with his hard work and struggle and he had never forgotten his roots. But from time to time, he had to clash with Kadayadi and Kunnel group over the business. On the other side Chackochi is enjoying his life as a planter in the company of his buddies Hussein ~~([[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]])~~ and Oommachan ~~([[Maniyanpilla Raju]])~~. He also shares a passionate relation with Gowri Parvathi ~~([[Kausalya (actress)\|Nandini]])~~, the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) and of royal lineage. KK Group always loses to Eappachan but they have never stopped their evil ways to eliminate him. At the same time, Eappachan agrees to give his shares of profit to them in order to settle things peacefully. Still, they are not satisfied, & in an attempt to regain the past glory in business, Kadayadi and Kunnel clans join with Excise Minister Balakrishnan ([[T. P. Madhavan]]) and Eappachan's lieutenant Kattithara Paappi ~~([[Kollam Thulasi]])~~, thereby plans and kills Eappachan one day; Baby stabbing Eappachan by ambushing him from behind.		The film begins with [[Captain]] Jacob Stephan, fondly called Anakkattil [[Saint Thomas Christian names\|Chackochi]] along with his friend Karimbanadan Sunny going to Pollachi to meet Andipetti Veerapandi Thevar who deals with a spirit business. Thevar, though initially differs to negotiate, later after knowing that Chackochi is the son of Eappachan, his old friend agrees to help them. On their way back to Kerala, they are stopped at the check post by John Maruthanayagam, the police officer, who happened to be the colleague of Chackochi in the army and helps them in leading back. Back at home, Anakattil Eappachan, his father is a famous liquor baron, who holds almost a monopoly over spirit business over [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kottayam]]. Eappachan is always at loggerheads with K.K Group (Kunnel-Kadayadi Group), his business rivals. Popularly known as Kadayadi siblings — Kadayadi Raghavan, Kadayadi Thambi and Kadayadi Baby enjoys a partnership with Kunnel Mathachan and his son Kunnel Outha ([[Sathaar]]) in their business. Eappachan, who hails from a poor background has emerged in to such a position with his hard work and struggle and he had never forgotten his roots. But from time to time, he had to clash with Kadayadi and Kunnel group over the business. On the other side Chackochi is enjoying his life as a planter in the company of his buddies Hussein and Oommachan . He also shares a passionate relation with Gowri Parvathi, the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) and of royal lineage. KK Group always loses to Eappachan but they have never stopped their evil ways to eliminate him. At the same time, Eappachan agrees to give his shares of profit to them in order to settle things peacefully. Still, they are not satisfied, & in an attempt to regain the past glory in business, Kadayadi and Kunnel clans join with Excise Minister Balakrishnan ([[T. P. Madhavan]]) and Eappachan's lieutenant Kattithara Paappi, thereby plans and kills Eappachan one day; Baby stabbing Eappachan by ambushing him from behind.

	Chackochi is now forced to take charge of the business and has to face several problems from both police and rivals. Jayasimhan ~~([[Cochin Haneefa]])~~, the police officer, who is investigating the murder of Eappachan is also a part of the Kadayadi syndicate, which makes Chackochi investigate the case himself. The police presents a local criminal Keeri Vasavan as the murderer of Eppachan, who, with the lack of evidence is granted bail at court. Chackochi is not ready to buy this argument and smells the hands of the Kadayadi and Kunnel families in it. He also decides to give up the liquor business by handing over the entire power to his employees which shocks his enemies and friends alike. Karimbanadan Sunny, his close buddy and budding politician, who was aiming Chackochi's business empire joins with Kadayadi group a day before the auction of spirit. He sinisterly sells out Hussein, who is now under the custody of the Kadayadis. Hussein is beaten brutally, but he never reveals the business secrets of Chackochi. Within a short time, Chackochi reaches Hussein to save him, but is shocked to see Sunny among his enemies. In the following fight, Thampi and Sunny are killed. Chackochi kills Kadayadi Raghavan, Kunnel Mathachan and Kunnel Outha in a fight.		Chackochi is now forced to take charge of the business and has to face several problems from both police and rivals. Jayasimhan , the police officer, who is investigating the murder of Eappachan is also a part of the Kadayadi syndicate, which makes Chackochi investigate the case himself. The police presents a local criminal Keeri Vasavan as the murderer of Eppachan, who, with the lack of evidence is granted bail at court. Chackochi is not ready to buy this argument and smells the hands of the Kadayadi and Kunnel families in it. He also decides to give up the liquor business by handing over the entire power to his employees which shocks his enemies and friends alike. Karimbanadan Sunny, his close buddy and budding politician, who was aiming Chackochi's business empire joins with Kadayadi group a day before the auction of spirit. He sinisterly sells out Hussein, who is now under the custody of the Kadayadis. Hussein is beaten brutally, but he never reveals the business secrets of Chackochi. Within a short time, Chackochi reaches Hussein to save him, but is shocked to see Sunny among his enemies. In the following fight, Thampi and Sunny are killed. Chackochi kills Kadayadi Raghavan, Kunnel Mathachan and Kunnel Outha in a fight.
	Baby fights for a long time and is about to be killed by Chackochi however Gowri Parvathi stops him. Chackochi is ready to forgive but Baby shoots both — enraging him and finally killing Baby.		Baby fights for a long time and is about to be killed by Chackochi however Gowri Parvathi stops him. Chackochi is ready to forgive but Baby shoots both — enraging him and finally killing Baby.
	As fire breaks out as the liquor explodes, Chackochi successfully manages to save Hussein and Gowriparvathi along with Ommen.		As fire breaks out as the liquor explodes, Chackochi successfully manages to save Hussein and Gowriparvathi along with Ommen.
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	==Release==		==Release==
	The film was released on ~~25 September~~ 1997.		The film was released on 18 October 1997.

	===Critical Reception===		===Critical Reception===
	''Indian Express'' wrote "If you’re in the mood for tears, blood and weak jokes, check out this particular Lelam’".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20200609083414/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/01811EDA2EAED3DD6525694100207B9D?OpenDocument</ref> ''Times of India'' wrote "It’s a sizzler of an action movie. When director Joshi strikes, he spews venom. The film packs punch and stands out for the riveting performances from Suresh Gopi and M.G. Soman".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20200609114929/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/A67CC4504123CD1E652569400062A3C5?OpenDocument</ref>		''Indian Express'' wrote "If you’re in the mood for tears, blood and weak jokes, check out this particular Lelam’".<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/01811EDA2EAED3DD6525694100207B9D?OpenDocument\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609083414/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/01811EDA2EAED3DD6525694100207B9D?OpenDocument\|archive-date=9 June 2020\|title=Reviews--Entertainment}}</ref> ''Times of India'' wrote "It’s a sizzler of an action movie. When director Joshi strikes, he spews venom. The film packs punch and stands out for the riveting performances from Suresh Gopi, Siddique and M.G. Soman".<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/A67CC4504123CD1E652569400062A3C5?OpenDocument\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609114929/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/A67CC4504123CD1E652569400062A3C5?OpenDocument\|archive-date=9 June 2020\|title=Cinema-Review - the Times of India}}</ref>

	===Box office===		===Box office===
	The film declared a blockbuster.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html\|date=30 August 2019\|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]\|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-suresh-gopi-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/52450589.cms\|date=26 May 2016\|agency=[[The Times of India]]\|title=10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/01south.htm\|title=Dileep's stroke of luck\|work=[[Rediff.com]]\|date=1 November 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-nikhil-renji-panicker-talks-about-kalamandalam-hyder-ali-influence-dad-future-795524\|title=Exclusive: Nikhil Renji Panicker talks about Kalamandalam Hyder Ali, influence of dad and future\|work=[[International Business Times]]\|author=Nirmal Narayanan\|date=8 April 2019}}</ref>		The film declared a blockbuster.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html\|date=30 August 2019\|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]\|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-suresh-gopi-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/52450589.cms\|date=26 May 2016\|agency=[[The Times of India]]\|title=10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die\|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/01south.htm\|title=Dileep's stroke of luck\|work=[[Rediff.com]]\|date=1 November 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-nikhil-renji-panicker-talks-about-kalamandalam-hyder-ali-influence-dad-future-795524\|title=Exclusive: Nikhil Renji Panicker talks about Kalamandalam Hyder Ali, influence of dad and future\|work=[[International Business Times]]\|author=Nirmal Narayanan\|date=8 April 2019}}</ref>

	==Soundtrack==		==Soundtrack==
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	\|}		\|}

			==Legacy==
			*It is hailed as one of the best movies in [[Suresh Gopi]]'s career. Often considered as one of the greatest 'Mass' movies ever made

			*'Lelam' was comeback movie of Soman whose dialoges are still popular<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.whykol.com/movie-dialogue/m-g-soman/ \| title=11+ Selected M G Soman Dialogues from Various Malayalam Movies }}</ref>

	== Sequel ==		== Sequel ==
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	[[Category:1990s crime action films]]		[[Category:1990s crime action films]]
	[[Category:Indian crime action films]]		[[Category:Indian crime action films]]
			[[Category:Films scored by Ouseppachan]]

94.56.86.114 at 06:26, 25 August 2021

2021-08-25T06:26:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:56, 25 August 2021
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	}}		}}

	'''''Lelam''''' ([[Malayalam]]: ''ലേലം'', {{lang-en\|The Auction}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Malayalam film\|Malayalam]]-language [[crime film]] directed by [[Joshiy]] and written by [[Renji Panicker]]. It stars [[Suresh Gopi]] and [[M. G. Soman]] with [[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]], [[N. F. Varghese]], [[Nandini]], [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], Vijayakumar, [[Spadikam George]], and Kaviyoor Renuka in supporting roles. It was also the last film of the veteran actor [[M.G. Soman]]. The story revolves around the rivalry between two liquor business groups, the Aanakkattil family and Kadayadi family. The film was dubbed in Tamil as ''Yelam''. Lelam was a blockbuster at the box-office and is also among the highest grossers of the 1990s.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBNFSnOL5uE</ref>		'''''Lelam''''' ([[Malayalam]]: ''ലേലം'', {{lang-en\|The Auction}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Malayalam film\|Malayalam]]-language [[crime film]] directed by [[Joshiy]] and written by [[Renji Panicker]]. It stars [[Suresh Gopi]] and [[M. G. Soman]] with [[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]], [[N. F. Varghese]], [[Nandini]], [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], Vijayakumar, [[Spadikam George]], and Kaviyoor Renuka in supporting roles. It was also the last film of the veteran actor [[M.G. Soman]]. The story revolves around the rivalry between two liquor business groups, the Aanakkattil family and Kadayadi family. The film was dubbed in Tamil as ''Yelam'' and into Telugu as ''Royal Challenge''. Lelam was a blockbuster at the box-office and is also among the highest grossers of the 1990s.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBNFSnOL5uE</ref>

	''Lelam'' was considered major comeback film for the actor [[Suresh Gopi]] which returned him the ''Super Star'' tag after the three-year long run of stereotyped roles which mostly failed at box office.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html\|date=30 August 2019\|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]\|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref> The character Aanakkattil Chackochi, played by the actor in the action entertainer, still remains one of his career best roles till date.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/suresh-gopis-lelam-sequel-cards-698755\|date=7 October 2016\|agency=[[International Business Times]]\|title=Is Suresh Gopi's Lelam sequel on the cards?}}</ref> It was also the last film of veteran actor [[Soman]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-suresh-gopi-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/52450589.cms\|date=26 May 2016\|agency=[[The Times of India]]\|title=10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die}}</ref>		''Lelam'' was considered major comeback film for the actor [[Suresh Gopi]] which returned him the ''Super Star'' tag after the three-year long run of stereotyped roles which mostly failed at box office.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html\|date=30 August 2019\|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]\|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref> The character Aanakkattil Chackochi, played by the actor in the action entertainer, still remains one of his career best roles till date.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/suresh-gopis-lelam-sequel-cards-698755\|date=7 October 2016\|agency=[[International Business Times]]\|title=Is Suresh Gopi's Lelam sequel on the cards?}}</ref>

	== Plot ==		== Plot ==
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	*[[M.G. Soman]] as Aanakkattil Eappachen		*[[M.G. Soman]] as Aanakkattil Eappachen
	*[[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]] as Hussain		*[[Siddique (actor)\|Siddique]] as Hussain
			*[[Maniyanpilla Raju]] as Oommachan
	*[[N. F. Varghese]] as Kadayadi Raghavan		*[[N. F. Varghese]] as Kadayadi Raghavan
	*[[Spadikam George]] as Kadayadi Baby		*[[Spadikam George]] as Kadayadi Bhadran / Baby
	*[[~~Maniyanpilla Raju~~]] as ~~Oommachan~~		*[[Subair]] as Kadayadi Thampi
	*[[Vijayakumar (Malayalam actor)\|Vijayakumar]] as Sunny Cherian Karimpanal		*[[Vijayakumar (Malayalam actor)\|Vijayakumar]] as Sunny Cherian Karimpanal
	*[[Kausalya (actress)\|Nandini]] as Gowri Parvathi		*[[Kausalya (actress)\|Nandini]] as Gowri Parvathi
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	*[[K. P. A. C. Azeez]] as Kunnel Mathachen		*[[K. P. A. C. Azeez]] as Kunnel Mathachen
	*[[Sathaar]] as Kunnel Outhakutty		*[[Sathaar]] as Kunnel Outhakutty
	*[[Subair]] as Kadayadi Thampi
	*[[Sadiq]] as Kunnel Chandy		*[[Sadiq]] as Kunnel Chandy
	*Kaviyoor Renuka as Kochu Thresia Kochu, Eappachen's wife and Chackochi's mother		*Kaviyoor Renuka as Kochu Thresia Kochu, Eappachen's wife and Chackochi's mother

>Bkpsnowman: /* Cast */Here antagonists and supporting actors play more role than heroines

2021-07-02T18:32:22Z

Cast: Here antagonists and supporting actors play more role than heroines

New page

{{for|the village in Iran|Lelam, Iran}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Lelam
| image = Lelam.jpg
| alt =
| caption = VCD cover
| director = [[Joshiy]]
| producer = Seven Arts Films '''Executive Producer:''' [[G.P. Vijayakumar]]
| writer = [[Renji Panicker]]
| narrator =
| starring = [[Suresh Gopi]] [[M.G. Soman]] [[Siddique (actor)|Siddique]] [[N. F. Varghese]] [[Kausalya (actress)|Nandini]] [[Spadikam George]]
| music =[[S.P. Venkatesh]] (score) [[Ouseppachan]] (songs) 
| cinematography = Sanjeev Shankar
| editing = K. Sankunni
| studio = Seven Arts Films
| distributor = Seven Arts International Ltd.
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|1997|9|25}}
| runtime = 180 minutes
| country = India
| language = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| budget =
| gross =
}}

'''''Lelam''''' ([[Malayalam]]: ''ലേലം'', {{lang-en|The Auction}}) is a 1997 Indian [[Malayalam film|Malayalam]]-language [[crime film]] directed by [[Joshiy]] and written by [[Renji Panicker]]. It stars [[Suresh Gopi]] and [[M. G. Soman]] with [[Siddique (actor)|Siddique]], [[N. F. Varghese]], [[Nandini]], [[Maniyanpilla Raju]], Vijayakumar, [[Spadikam George]], and Kaviyoor Renuka in supporting roles. It was also the last film of the veteran actor [[M.G. Soman]]. The story revolves around the rivalry between two liquor business groups, the Aanakkattil family and Kadayadi family. The film was dubbed in Tamil as ''Yelam''. Lelam was a blockbuster at the box-office and is also among the highest grossers of the 1990s.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBNFSnOL5uE</ref>

''Lelam'' was considered major comeback film for the actor [[Suresh Gopi]] which returned him the ''Super Star'' tag after the three-year long run of stereotyped roles which mostly failed at box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html|date=30 August 2019|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref> The character Aanakkattil Chackochi, played by the actor in the action entertainer, still remains one of his career best roles till date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/suresh-gopis-lelam-sequel-cards-698755|date=7 October 2016|agency=[[International Business Times]]|title=Is Suresh Gopi's Lelam sequel on the cards?}}</ref> It was also the last film of veteran actor [[Soman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-suresh-gopi-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/52450589.cms|date=26 May 2016|agency=[[The Times of India]]|title=10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die}}</ref>

== Plot ==
The film begins with [[Captain]] Jacob Stephan, fondly called Anakkattil [[Saint Thomas Christian names|Chackochi]] ([[Suresh Gopi]]) along with his friend Karimbanadan Sunny ([[Vijayakumar (Malayalam actor)|Vijayakumar]]) going to Pollachi to meet Andipetti Veerapandi Thevar who deals with a spirit business. Thevar, though initially differs to negotiate, later after knowing that Chackochi is the son of Eappachan, his old friend agrees to help them. On their way back to Kerala, they are stopped at the check post by John Maruthanayagam ([[Charan Raj]]), the police officer, who happened to be the colleague of Chackochi in the army and helps them in leading back. Back at home, Anakattil Eappachan ([[M.G. Soman]]), his father is a famous liquor baron, who holds almost a monopoly over spirit business over [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Kottayam]]. Eappachan is always at loggerheads with K.K Group (Kunnel-Kadayadi Group), his business rivals. Popularly known as Kadayadi siblings — Kadayadi Raghavan ([[N. F. Varghese]]), Kadayadi Thambi ([[Subair]])and Kadayadi Baby ([[Spadikam George]]) enjoys a partnership with Kunnel Mathachan ([[K. P. A. C. Azeez|K.P.A.C. Azeez]]) and his son Kunnel Outha ([[Sathaar]]) in their business. Eappachan, who hails from a poor background has emerged in to such a position with his hard work and struggle and he had never forgotten his roots. But from time to time, he had to clash with Kadayadi and Kunnel group over the business. On the other side Chackochi is enjoying his life as a planter in the company of his buddies Hussein ([[Siddique (actor)|Siddique]]) and Oommachan ([[Maniyanpilla Raju]]). He also shares a passionate relation with Gowri Parvathi ([[Kausalya (actress)|Nandini]]), the RDO (Revenue Divisional Officer) and of royal lineage. KK Group always loses to Eappachan but they have never stopped their evil ways to eliminate him. At the same time, Eappachan agrees to give his shares of profit to them in order to settle things peacefully. Still, they are not satisfied, & in an attempt to regain the past glory in business, Kadayadi and Kunnel clans join with Excise Minister Balakrishnan ([[T. P. Madhavan]]) and Eappachan's lieutenant Kattithara Paappi ([[Kollam Thulasi]]), thereby plans and kills Eappachan one day; Baby stabbing Eappachan by ambushing him from behind.

Chackochi is now forced to take charge of the business and has to face several problems from both police and rivals. Jayasimhan ([[Cochin Haneefa]]), the police officer, who is investigating the murder of Eappachan is also a part of the Kadayadi syndicate, which makes Chackochi investigate the case himself. The police presents a local criminal Keeri Vasavan as the murderer of Eppachan, who, with the lack of evidence is granted bail at court. Chackochi is not ready to buy this argument and smells the hands of the Kadayadi and Kunnel families in it. He also decides to give up the liquor business by handing over the entire power to his employees which shocks his enemies and friends alike. Karimbanadan Sunny, his close buddy and budding politician, who was aiming Chackochi's business empire joins with Kadayadi group a day before the auction of spirit. He sinisterly sells out Hussein, who is now under the custody of the Kadayadis. Hussein is beaten brutally, but he never reveals the business secrets of Chackochi. Within a short time, Chackochi reaches Hussein to save him, but is shocked to see Sunny among his enemies. In the following fight, Thampi and Sunny are killed. Chackochi kills Kadayadi Raghavan, Kunnel Mathachan and Kunnel Outha in a fight.
Baby fights for a long time and is about to be killed by Chackochi however Gowri Parvathi stops him. Chackochi is ready to forgive but Baby shoots both — enraging him and finally killing Baby.
As fire breaks out as the liquor explodes, Chackochi successfully manages to save Hussein and Gowriparvathi along with Ommen.

==Cast==
*[[Suresh Gopi]] as Captain Jacob Stephen (Aanakattil Chackochi)
*[[M.G. Soman]] as Aanakkattil Eappachen
*[[Siddique (actor)|Siddique]] as Hussain
*[[N. F. Varghese]] as Kadayadi Raghavan
*[[Spadikam George]] as Kadayadi Baby
*[[Maniyanpilla Raju]] as Oommachan
*[[Vijayakumar (Malayalam actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Sunny Cherian Karimpanal
*[[Kausalya (actress)|Nandini]] as Gowri Parvathi
*[[Cochin Haneefa]] as DYSP Jayasimhan
*[[K. P. A. C. Azeez]] as Kunnel Mathachen
*[[Sathaar]] as Kunnel Outhakutty
*[[Subair]] as Kadayadi Thampi
*[[Sadiq]] as Kunnel Chandy
*Kaviyoor Renuka as Kochu Thresia Kochu, Eappachen's wife and Chackochi's mother
*[[Sreejaya Nair]] as Ammini, Chackochi's Sister
*Rehana Navas as Kunjumol, Chackochi's Sister
*[[Kollam Thulasi]] as Kattithara Pappi
*[[Shammi Thilakan]] as John, Police Officer
*[[Vinu Chakravarthy]] as Andipetti Veerapandi Thevar
*[[Mohan Jose]] as Keeri Vasavan
*[[T. P. Madhavan]] as Minister Balakrishnan
*[[Jagannatha Varma]] as Bishop
*[[Kunchan (actor)|Kunchan]] as Kaimal
*[[Narayanankutty]] as MLA Sadasivan
*[[Aranmula Ponnamma]] as Revathi Thirunal Thampuratti
*[[Aliyar]] as K.P. Prahaladan
*[[Chali Pala]] as Champakuzhi Jose
*Nandu Poduval as Gopi
*[[Charan Raj]] as C.I John Marudunayagam (Special Appearance)

==Release==
The film was released on 25 September 1997.

===Critical Reception===
''Indian Express'' wrote "If you’re in the mood for tears, blood and weak jokes, check out this particular Lelam’".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20200609083414/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/01811EDA2EAED3DD6525694100207B9D?OpenDocument</ref> ''Times of India'' wrote "It’s a sizzler of an action movie. When director Joshi strikes, he spews venom. The film packs punch and stands out for the riveting performances from Suresh Gopi and M.G. Soman".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20200609114929/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/A67CC4504123CD1E652569400062A3C5?OpenDocument</ref>

===Box office===
The film declared a blockbuster.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/08/30/joshiy-hit-machine-three-decades-needs-reboot.amp.html|date=30 August 2019|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]|title=Dress Circle - Joshiy, hit machine of 3 decades, needs reboot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-suresh-gopi-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/52450589.cms|date=26 May 2016|agency=[[The Times of India]]|title=10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/01south.htm|title=Dileep's stroke of luck|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=1 November 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-nikhil-renji-panicker-talks-about-kalamandalam-hyder-ali-influence-dad-future-795524|title=Exclusive: Nikhil Renji Panicker talks about Kalamandalam Hyder Ali, influence of dad and future|work=[[International Business Times]]|author=Nirmal Narayanan|date=8 April 2019}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
The film's soundtrack contains 4 songs, all composed by [[Ouseppachan]] and Lyrics by [[Gireesh Puthenchery]].

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! # !! Title !! Singer(s)
|-
| 1
| "Kunkumamo"
| [[Biju Narayanan]], [[K. S. Chitra]]
|-
| 2
| "Kunkumamo II"
| [[P. Unnikrishnan]], [[K. S. Chitra]]
|-
| 3
| "Kurumaali Kunninu"
| [[M. G. Sreekumar]], [[Sujatha Mohan]]
|-
| 4
| "Urukiyuruki"
| [[K. J. Yesudas]]

|}

== Sequel ==

On 9 March 2019, ''[[The Times of India]]'' reported that [[Suresh Gopi]] has confirmed that there would be a sequel to the film, titled ''Lelam 2''. He also added that he would be playing the same character as in the prequel as Aanakattil Chackochi, while his son [[Gokul Suresh]] plays Kochu Chackochi. The film is written by [[Renji Panicker]] and would be directed by his son Nithin Renji Panicker.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/suresh-gopi-to-play-chackochi-and-gokul-suresh-kochu-chackochi-in-lelam-2/articleshow/68333064.cms|title=Suresh Gopi to play 'Chackochi' and Gokul Suresh 'Kochu Chackochi' in Lelam 2|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2019-03-09}}</ref>

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0355686}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Joshiy}}

[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1990s Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:1990s crime action films]]
[[Category:Indian crime action films]]