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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
| image = Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum.jpg
| caption = Poster
| director = [[Dileesh Pothan]]
| story = Sajeev Pazhoor
| producer = Sandip Senan Anish M. Thomas
| writer = {{plainlist|
* '''Screenplay:''' [[Sajeev Pazhoor]]
* '''Dialogues :''' [[Syam Pushkaran]]}}
| starring = [[Fahadh Faasil]] [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]] [[Nimisha Sajayan]]
| music = [[Bijibal]]
| cinematography = [[Rajeev Ravi]]
| editing = [[Kiran Das]]
| studio = Urvasi Theatres
| distributor = Urvasi Theatres Tricolor Entertainment<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.moviebuff.com/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum | title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum | publisher=MovieBuff | access-date=11 August 2019 | archive-date=11 January 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111055839/https://www.moviebuff.com/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum | url-status=live }}</ref>
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2017|06|30|India}}
| runtime = 135 minutes
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
| budget = {{INR|65 million|link=yes}} <ref name="TD Budget and 1st Weekend Collection">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-scores-big-multiplexes-64773|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum made on a budget of Rs. 6.50 crores|website=The News Minute|date=6 July 2017|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927194543/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-scores-big-multiplexes-64773|url-status=live}}</ref>
| gross = 
}}

'''''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum''''' ({{Translation|The mainour and the [[witness]]}}) is a 2017 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[Crime Drama|crime drama]] film directed by [[Dileesh Pothan]] and written by [[Sajeev Pazhoor]]. The film stars [[Fahadh Faasil]], [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]], and [[Nimisha Sajayan]] in lead roles, with [[Alencier Ley Lopez]], [[Vettukili Prakash]], and [[Sibi Thomas]] in supporting roles. [[Syam Pushkaran]] served as a [[creative director]] of the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2017/oct/28/syam-pushkaran-the-poster-boy-of-realism-1684118.html|title=Syam Pushkaran: The poster boy of realism|website=The New Indian Express|date=28 October 2017|access-date=23 May 2020|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926015317/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2017/oct/28/syam-pushkaran-the-poster-boy-of-realism-1684118.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bijibal]] composed the music<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-song-is-hit-news-malayalam-rg0lRcdhchfaf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627090704/http://www.sify.com/movies/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-song-is-hit-news-malayalam-rg0lRcdhchfaf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2017|title='Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum' song is hit|website=[[Sify]]|date=26 June 2017|access-date=23 May 2020}}</ref> and [[Rajeev Ravi]] handled the cinematography.

''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' was produced on a budget of {{INR}}65 million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-scores-big-multiplexes-64773|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum made on a budget of Rs. 6.50 crores|website=The News Minute|date=6 July 2017|access-date=26 May 2020|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927194543/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-scores-big-multiplexes-64773|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was released on 30 June 2017 in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thondimuthalum-drisksakshiyum-releases-on-jun-30-news-malayalam-rg2uM6dacibfg.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629080103/http://www.sify.com/movies/thondimuthalum-drisksakshiyum-releases-on-jun-30-news-malayalam-rg2uM6dacibfg.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2017|title=Thondimuthalum Drisksakshiyum releases on Jun 30|website=[[Sify]]|date=29 June 2017|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> It was a critical and commercial success, grossing {{INR}}500.3 million at the Kerala box office alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apherald.com/Movies/Read/282330/70-Days-Box-Office-collections-of-Thondimuthalum-Driksakshiyum|title=Box Office collections of Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum|website=APHerald|date=13 September 2017|access-date=26 May 2020|archive-date=13 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913221013/https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/282330/70-Days-Box-Office-collections-of-Thondimuthalum-Driksakshiyum|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' included the film in their "Top 5 Malayalam movies in 2017"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/top-5-malayalam-movies-in-2017/article22291601.ece|title=Top 5 Malayalam movies in 2017|website=The Hindu|date=28 December 2017|access-date=23 May 2020|archive-date=24 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224051751/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/top-5-malayalam-movies-in-2017/article22291601.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> and "The 25 best Malayalam films of the decade".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-25-best-malayalam-films-of-the-decade-premam-maheshinte-prathikaram-kumbalangi-nights-and-more/article30349548.ece|title=The 25 best Malayalam films of the decade|website=The Hindu|date=19 December 2019|access-date=23 May 2020|archive-date=10 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110115120/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-25-best-malayalam-films-of-the-decade-premam-maheshinte-prathikaram-kumbalangi-nights-and-more/article30349548.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film won three [[65th National Film Awards|National Film Awards]], two [[48th Kerala State Film Awards|Kerala State Film Awards]], four [[65th Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards South]], three [[7th South Indian International Movie Awards|South Indian International Movie Awards]], eight [[Asianet Film Awards]], six [[CPC Cine Awards]], four [[Vanitha Film Awards]], three [[Kerala Film Critics Association Awards]], two [[Asiavision Awards]] and one award at [[International Film Festival of Kerala]].

== Plot ==
The story follows Sreeja and Prasad, a newly married couple from [[Cherthala]], but living in [[Kasaragod]] due to the opposition of their [[inter-caste marriage]] by Sreeja's family. While riding a bus, Sreeja's gold nuptial chain is stolen, then swallowed by the thief. Sreeja alerts the other passengers, who beat the suspect and turn him in to the police.

When questioned by police, the thief gives his name as Prasad, the same as Sreeja's husband, but does not produce any identification. He claims to work in a hotel at Mangalore and repeatedly denies having stolen the chain. The other Prasad (her husband) explains that they were planning to sell the chain for funds to drill a [[Tube well|borewell]] on their land, and start a [[tobacco]] farm. The police privately contemplate dropping the case due to the thief's lack of ID, but decide against it, as the incident happened in public. [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|ASI]] Chandran asks Sreeja for her testimony, which he downplays to show her that the grounds are too weak to register a complaint. He suggests that they keep the thief at the station overnight, until he passes the chain, and the couple agrees. While sending Sreeja on a bus back home, Prasad offends her by saying that she should have been more careful.

Prasad stays at the police station to watch the thief, who seems carefree: He eats happily and enjoys the inauguration of a neighboring temple. The next morning, the police accompany the thief to the toilet but don't find the chain in his feces. An [[x-ray]] confirms the chain is still in his stomach, prompting the police to register an [[First information report|FIR]] against him.

Meanwhile, ASI Chandran asks Sreeja and Prasad to exaggerate their case against the thief, which the thief would later realize. The next morning, escorted again to the toilet, the thief attempts to escape. Police chase him through a [[Photovoltaic power station|solar farm]]—but the husband Prasad catches him. They struggle at a [[canal]] before the thief is apprehended by police. He is returned to the police station, where he claims that ASI Chandran had told him to escape, and to leave the chain at a bus stop. Another x-ray is taken, revealing that the chain is gone. Realizing his job is in danger, ASI Chandran replaces the original gold chain with another, to settle the matter. He asks Sreeja to play along in a bid to charge the thief.

Complying, Sreeja signs a document the next day, falsely affirming that the substituted chain is hers. However, the thief convinces Sreeja and Prasad to tell the court that the chain is not theirs, and he reveals that he actually left the chain near the canal. Prasad searches that area, eventually finding the original gold chain.

The thief, now free, writes a thank you note to Sreeja, presumably for telling the truth which freed him. ASI Chandran is shown spending time with his grandchildren, suggesting that he took an early retirement. Sreeja and Prasad celebrate when they find water in their borewell: Their tobacco farm is now ready.

== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Fahadh Faasil]] as Prasad, a thief.
* [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]] as Prasad, the [[farmer]]
* [[Nimisha Sajayan]] as Sreeja (voice over by [[Srinda Arhaan]])
* [[Alencier Ley Lopez]] as [[Assistant sub-inspector of police|A.S.I]] Chandran
* [[Vettukili Prakash]] as Sreekandan, Sreeja's father
* Mini K. S. as Sreeja's mother
* [[Sibi Thomas]] as [[Sub Inspector|S.I]] Sajan Mathew
* [[Unnimaya Prasad]] as Thaatha, the woman in the bus
* [[Srikant Murali]] as Murali
* [[Civil Police Officer|SCPO]] Sadhanandan as [[Civil Police Officer]]
* P. Sivadas as Police Writer
* K. T. Sudhakaran as Sudhakaran
* Shahi Kabir as Shahi
* K. T. Balachandran as Babu Sir
* Unniraj Chervathur as Rajesh Ambalathara
* Aravindan as Faizal
* Sarath Kovilakam as Sarath
* Shince Mathew
{{colend}}

== Production ==
Pazhoor initially thought of directing the film himself, before Pothan came on board.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Praveen|first1=S. R.|title=In conversation with Sajeev Pazhoor, this year's National Award winner for original screenplay|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/in-conversation-with-sajeev-pazhoor-this-years-national-award-winner-for-original-screenplay/article23526385.ece|access-date=14 April 2018|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 April 2018|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922165310/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/in-conversation-with-sajeev-pazhoor-this-years-national-award-winner-for-original-screenplay/article23526385.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> About the genre of the film, Pothan said that he is not sure which genre the film falls in, but it has the elements of a "family drama".<ref>{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Anu|title=Exclusive: Dileesh Pothan opens up on Fahadh Faasil-starrer 'Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-dileesh-pothan-opens-fahadh-faasil-starrer-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-687829|access-date=13 April 2018|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=25 July 2016|archive-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413190249/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-dileesh-pothan-opens-fahadh-faasil-starrer-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-687829|url-status=live}}</ref> For some of the police roles, the film features real-life police officers in the cast. Newcomer Nimisha Sajayan was selected from general auditions. Principal photography commenced from 7 December 2016 in [[Kasaragod]]. Other locations include [[Vaikom]] and [[Cherthala]].<ref name="onlookersmedia">{{cite news|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum starts rolling|url=https://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-start-rolling/|access-date=17 December 2016|work=onlookersmedia|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220143925/http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-start-rolling/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Bijibal]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 28 June 2017
| recorded = 2017
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Feature Film Soundtrack]]
| length = 10:02
| language = [[Malayalam]]
| label = [[Muzik 247]]
| producer = [[Bijibal]]
| prev_title = [[Ramante Edanthottam]]
| prev_year = 2017
| next_title = [[Thrissivaperoor Kliptham]]
| next_year = 2017
}}

The music and background score for the film is composed by [[Bijibal]], who has previously worked with [[Dileesh Pothan]] in ''[[Maheshinte Prathikaaram]]''.<ref name="indiatimes">{{cite news|title=Bjibal to compose for Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/bjibal-to-compose-for-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum/articleshow/56001563.cms|access-date=17 December 2016|work=indiatimes|archive-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218162701/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/bjibal-to-compose-for-thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum/articleshow/56001563.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{track listing
| all_writing = [[Rafeeq Ahamed]]
| all_music = [[Bijibal]]
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| title1 = Kannile Poika
| length1 = 3:16
| extra1 = [[Ganesh Sundaram]], [[Soumya Ramakrishnan]]
| title2 = Aayilyam
| length2 = 3:07
| extra2 = [[Sithara (singer)|Sithara]], [[Govind Menon]]
| title3 = Varum Varum
| length3 = 3:39
| extra3 = [[Bijibal]]
| total_length = 10:02
}}

== Release ==
''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' was released in India on 30 June 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2017/06/30/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-review-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly.html|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum review: magically realistic|work=OnManorama|access-date=2017-07-01|archive-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630160224/http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2017/06/30/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-review-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Critical reception ===
Critic Veeyen noted that sardonic wisecracks and continuous cackles carry the charm of an otherwise unexciting film and praised its intelligent, gracefully flowing narrative.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Malayalam Movie Review|url=http://veeyen.com/film-reviews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-2017-malayalam-movie-review-veeyen/|access-date=30 June 2017|publisher=Veeyen Unplugged|date=30 June 2017|archive-date=5 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705215655/http://veeyen.com/film-reviews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-2017-malayalam-movie-review-veeyen/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Bharadwaj, in his review of the film, stated that "Fahadh Faasil's equal parts lazy and wily trickster acting and Alencier Ley Lopez's character acting as luminously exceptional." He praises the beauty of police office politics that Dileesh and Sajeev were able to portray as the drive that calibrates the film. Manorama praises real-life police officer Sibi Thomas for his comedic and yet balanced performance.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2017/06/30/thondi-muthalum-driksakshiyum-original-poice-in-theatre.html | title=തൊണ്ടിമുതലിന് കയ്യടി; കാസർകോട്ടെ പൊലീസുകാർ 'ദൃക്സാക്ഷികൾ' | access-date=29 October 2017 | archive-date=29 October 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173336/http://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2017/06/30/thondi-muthalum-driksakshiyum-original-poice-in-theatre.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Baradwaj Rangan]] of Film Companion South wrote "Simply put, Pothan's films aren't about the incidents suggested by the titles, but around them. Instead of zooming in, narratively speaking, he goes for the wide shot. This is a generous approach to filmmaking. It says that the main characters are a part of the world around them, and this world needs to be acknowledged as well."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-movie-review|title=Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Movie Review|publisher=[[Film Companion]]|date=3 July 2017|access-date=2 September 2023|archive-date=2 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902015614/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-movie-review|url-status=live}}</ref>

Director [[Shekhar Kapur]], jury chairman of [[65th National Film Awards]] commented: "Brilliant film, impressive performance. First you will think it is a simple film with usual romance and elopement. But how subtle are the things introduced in the film? The movie takes a serious turn by the end, leaving you appalled. I have never seen such an excellent performance by actors."<ref>Deepak Joy, "'Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum', a film that redefines concept of right and wrong" ''The Week'' 14 April 2018 [https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2018/04/14/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-a-film-that-redefines-concept-of-right-wrong.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526041101/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2018/04/14/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-a-film-that-redefines-concept-of-right-wrong.html|date=26 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Box office ===
''Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum'' earned {{INR}}50 million in its opening weekend<ref name="TD Budget and 1st Weekend Collection" /> and {{INR}}173 million in [[Kerala]] over 50 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/malayalam-cinema/movie-news/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-collection-report-in-50-days/articleshow/60143304.cms|title='തൊണ്ടിമുതലും ദൃക്സാക്ഷിയും' 20 കോടി ക്ലബ്ബിലേക്ക് അടുക്കുന്നു|website=The Times of India|date=20 August 2017|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=31 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031160902/https://malayalam.samayam.com/malayalam-cinema/movie-news/thondimuthalum-driksakshiyum-collection-report-in-50-days/articleshow/60143304.cms|url-status=live}}(in [[Malayalam]])</ref> It ultimately grossed {{INR}}175 million from the [[Kerala]] box office, marking a commercial success.<ref>{{cite news|last=M. K.|first=Surendhar|title=Devadas earns Rs 29 cr in four-day opening weekend; Fahadh Faasil's Varathan rakes in record breaking numbers|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/devadas-earns-rs-29-cr-in-four-day-opening-weekend-fahadh-faasils-varathan-rakes-in-record-breaking-numbers-5322471.html|access-date=10 November 2018|work=[[Firstpost]]|date=5 October 2018|archive-date=10 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110200008/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/devadas-earns-rs-29-cr-in-four-day-opening-weekend-fahadh-faasils-varathan-rakes-in-record-breaking-numbers-5322471.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Accolades ==
{{Main|List of accolades received by Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|tt5906392}}
{{National Film Award Best Feature Film Malayalam}}
{{Kerala Film Critics Association Award for Best Film}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Malayalam}}
{{SIMMA Award for Best Film - Malayalam}}

[[Category:2017 films]]
[[Category:2017 crime drama films]]
[[Category:Indian crime drama films]]
[[Category:2017 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Films about theft]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Kerala Police]]
[[Category:Films directed by Dileesh Pothan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Bijibal]]
[[Category:Films featuring a Best Supporting Actor National Film Award–winning performance]]
[[Category:Films whose writer won the Best Original Screenplay National Film Award]]
[[Category:Best Malayalam Feature Film National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Films shot in Alappuzha]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kasaragod]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kottayam]]

Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum - Revision history

Advanced Academy: Done