Summer in Bethlehem: Difference between revisions

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| caption        = Poster
| caption        = Poster
| director      = [[Sibi Malayil]]
| director      = [[Sibi Malayil]]
| producer      = [[Siyad Koker]]
| producer      =
'''Siyad Koker'''<br>
([[Kokers Films]])
| writer        = [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]]
| writer        = [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]]
| starring      = [[Suresh Gopi]]<br />[[Jayaram]]<br />[[Manju Warrier]]
| starring      = [[Suresh Gopi]]<br />[[Jayaram]]<br /> [[Mohanlal]] <br />[[Manju Warrier]]<br />[[Kalabhavan Mani]]
| narrator      =  
| narrator      =  
| music          = [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]]
| music          = [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]]
| cinematography = Sanjeev Shankar
| cinematography = Sanjeev Shankar
| editing        = [[L. Bhoominathan]]
| editing        = [[L. Bhoominathan]]
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| gross          = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.-->
| gross          = <!--Must cite a reliable published source with a reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb. no fan-sites.-->
}}
}}
'''''Summer in Bethlehem''''' is a 1998 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[Sibi Malayil]] and written by [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]]. It was produced by [[Siyad Koker]] under the company [[Kokers Films]]. The film stars [[Suresh Gopi]], [[Jayaram]], [[Manju Warrier]], [[Kalabhavan Mani]], [[Janardhanan (actor)|Janardhanan]] and [[Sukumari]], and [[Mohanlal]] makes a [[cameo appearance]]. The music was composed by [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]]. It tells the story of Ravishankar (Jayaram), the bumbling friend of a successful landowner Dennis (Gopi), and the vacation visit by Ravishankar's relatives in Dennis's [[Estate (land)|estate]] known as Bethlehem Estates in a fictional town of Chandragiri in [[Nilgiris district|the Nilgiris]].
'''''Summer in Bethlehem''''' is a 1998 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[Sibi Malayil]] and written by [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]]. It was produced by Siyad Koker under the company [[Kokers Films]]. The film stars [[Suresh Gopi]], [[Jayaram]], [[Manju Warrier]], and [[Kalabhavan Mani]]. The music was composed by [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]]. It tells the story of Ravishankar (Jayaram), the bumbling friend of a wealthy rancher, Dennis (Suresh Gopi), and the vacation visit by Ravishankar's relatives in Dennis' [[Estate (land)|estate]] known as Bethlehem Estates in a fictional town of Chandragiri in [[Nilgiris district|the Nilgiris]].


The film was released on 4 September 1998.The film was partially remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Lesa Lesa]]'' (2003), directed by [[Priyadarshan]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Trishas-Lesa-Lesa-is-a-remake-of-a-Malayalam-film/articleshow/48510728.cms|title=Trisha's Lesa Lesa is a remake of a Malayalam film|work=The Times of India|date=17 August 2015|accessdate=5 August 2019}}</ref> who opined that the movie was inspired by the two American movies - ''[[Fiddler on the Roof (film)|Fiddler on the Roof]]'' and ''[[Come September]]''.<ref>https://m.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/07south.htm</ref>
The film was released on 4 September 1998. It was partially remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Lesa Lesa]]'' (2003), directed by [[Priyadarshan]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 August 2015 |title=Trisha's Lesa Lesa is a remake of a Malayalam film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Trishas-Lesa-Lesa-is-a-remake-of-a-Malayalam-film/articleshow/48510728.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030052847/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Trishas-Lesa-Lesa-is-a-remake-of-a-Malayalam-film/articleshow/48510728.cms |archive-date=30 October 2023 |accessdate=5 August 2019 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> who opined that the movie was inspired by the two American movies - ''[[Fiddler on the Roof (film)|Fiddler on the Roof]]'' and ''[[Come September]]''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Josekutty |first=Jim |date=June 7, 2003 |title=Priyadarshan's films banned |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/07south.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007225404/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/07south.htm |archive-date=7 October 2023 |access-date=26 December 2024 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Ravishankar ([[Jayaram]]), an unsuccessful investor, stays with Dennis ([[Suresh Gopi]]), his friend who is successful in dairy farm business. Dennis owns a vast farmland named Bethlehem, and hundreds of cattle, in a valley. Ravi is a fun-loving, jovial chap, who has fabricated stories of his success to his parents, grandparents and relatives.
Ravishankar, an unsuccessful investor, stays with his best friend Dennis, a wealthy rancher who owns a successful dairy farming business. Dennis has a vast ranch named Bethlehem and hundreds of cattle in a valley. Ravi is a fun-loving, jovial chap who has fabricated stories of his success to his parents, grandparents, and relatives.


On a vacation, Colonel C.R. Menon ([[Janardhanan (actor)|Janardhanan]]), his grandfather and grandmother ([[Sukumari]]) arrive with their extended family to spend a couple of days at the farmhouse of Ravishankar. He successfully makes them believe that he is the real owner of Bethlehem, and Dennis is just his working partner. Dennis, who is an orphan, was happy to meet a huge family and welcomes them with full heart. Colonel Menon has a plan to get Ravishankar married to any one of his granddaughters. Ravishankar is a bit confused about whom he should choose. To make matters complicated, he had been receiving gifts and messages from one of the five girls expressing her love for him. Meanwhile, a few days after their arrival at Bethlehem, Abhirami ([[Manju Warrier]]), another granddaughter of Menon, who is studying in Bangalore arrives alone. She seems to be too upset and worried. But within short time, she returns to normalcy and enjoys the colors of vacation. During their stay, Ravi and Dennis decide to discover the girl who had been teasing them with the cryptic messages.
During a vacation, Colonel C.R. Menon, his grandfather and grandmother arrive with their extended family to spend a couple of days at Ravishankar's farmhouse. Ravi successfully makes them believe that he is the real owner of Bethlehem and that Dennis is just his working partner. Dennis, who is an orphan, is happy to meet a huge family and generously welcomes them. Colonel Menon plans to get Ravi married to one of his granddaughters. Ravi is a bit confused about whom he should choose. To make matters complicated, he has been receiving gifts and messages from one of the five girls expressing her love for him. Meanwhile, a few days after they arrive at Bethlehem, Abhirami, another granddaughter of Menon, studying in Bangalore, arrives alone. She seems to be too upset and worried. But within a short period, she calms down and starts enjoying the vacation. During their stay, Ravi and Dennis decide to discover the girl who had been teasing them with cryptic messages.


Dennis begins suspecting Abhirami of being the sender but she informs him that she is not and that she would help them in finding the person. She asks around among her cousins but everyone denies them being the sender. However, Dennis begins to fall for her and to make matters complicated, Ravi confesses to him that he plans on proposing to Abhirami. To avoid a situation, Dennis hides his true feelings from everyone.
Dennis begins suspecting Abhirami of being the sender but she informs him that she is not and that she would help them in finding the person. She asks around among her cousins but everyone denies being the sender. However, Dennis begins to fall for her, and to make matters complicated, Ravi confesses to him that he plans to propose to Abhirami. To avoid any unpleasant situation, Dennis hides his true feelings from everyone.


Colonel Menon and his wife approve of Ravi's and Abhirami's relationship but upon knowing this, Abhirami snubs them by declaring that she is in love with Dennis. Her decision creates a panic among all, who believes that Dennis is a failed businessman who is living at the expense of Ravishankar. Ravi shocks everyone by revealing that Dennis is the actual owner of Bethlehem and that he is more than happy to see Abhirami marrying Dennis. Abhirami meets Dennis who is completely broken down after the chaos at the house. Dennis, at the same time, is happy at heart knowing about Abhirami's love for him. But she shocks him by saying that she was just using his name to escape the marriage. She tells Dennis that she is in love with Niranjan (cameo character played by [[Mohanlal]]), a Naxal revolutionary in southern [[Karnataka]]. Niranjan, whom she met in [[Bangalore]], is now in jail, convicted of killing Brijesh Mallaya, a business owner and his family. He is awaiting his death sentence in a couple of days and Abhirami has taken a vow not to marry anyone other than Niranjan.
Colonel Menon and his wife approve of Ravi and Abhirami's relationship but upon knowing this, Abhirami snubs them by declaring that she is in love with Dennis. Her decision creates panic among all as they believe that Dennis is a failed businessman who is living at the expense of Ravishankar. Ravi shocks everyone by revealing that Dennis is the actual owner of Bethlehem and that he is more than happy to see Abhirami marrying Dennis. Abhirami meets Dennis who is completely broken down after the chaos at the house. Dennis, at the same time, is happy at heart knowing about Abhirami's love for him. But she shocks him by saying that she was just using his name to escape the marriage. She tells Dennis that she is in love with Niranjan, a Naxal revolutionary in southern [[Karnataka]]. Niranjan, whom she met in [[Bangalore]], is now in jail, convicted of killing Brijesh Mallaya, a business owner and his family. He is awaiting his death sentence in a couple of days and Abhirami has taken a vow not to marry anyone other than Niranjan.


But at home, upon the compulsion from Ravi, the family decides to get Abhirami married to Dennis. The night before wedding, Abhirami requests Dennis to take her to jail to meet Niranjan for one last time. They meet Niranjan ([[Mohanlal]]), who is a completely changed man. Remorseful Niranjan regrets the violent ways he adopted in class war and the crimes he did to obtain a classless society. Niranjan advises Abhirami to forget him and accept Dennis as her husband. Abhirami refuses to take his words, but Niranjan forces Dennis to tie the [[mangalsutra|thali]] to Abhirami, which she has brought with her. Dennis obeys Niranjan, marries Abhirami at the jail, and Niranjan witnesses it with tearful eyes.
Back home, upon the compulsion from Ravi, the family decides to get Abhirami married to Dennis. The night before the engagement, Abhirami requests Dennis to take her to jail to meet Niranjan for one last time. They meet Niranjan, who is a completely changed man. Remorseful Niranjan regrets the violent ways he adopted in class war and the crimes he committed to obtain a classless society. Niranjan advises Abhirami to forget him and accept Dennis as her husband. Abhirami refuses to take his words, but Niranjan forces Dennis to tie the [[mangalsutra|thali]] to Abhirami, which she has brought with her. Dennis obeys Niranjan, marries Abhirami at the jail, and Niranjan witnesses it with tearful eyes.


A few days later, the family returns home, while Ravi jokingly reminds everyone that they should be back here next year to welcome junior Dennis. The train departs slowly and a girl's hand reaches out of the coach window, holding the kitten which was sent as a gift to Ravi before. Ravi takes off running to find out who it is, but he catches only a cryptic message that teases him to follow and discover her identity.
A few days later, the family returns home, while Ravi jokingly reminds everyone that they should be back here next year to welcome junior Dennis. The train departs slowly and a girl's hand reaches out of the coach window, holding the kitten which was sent as a gift to Ravi before. Ravi takes off running to find out who it is, but he catches only a cryptic message that teases him to follow and discover her identity.
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* [[Suresh Gopi]] as Dennis
* [[Suresh Gopi]] as Dennis
* [[Jayaram]] as Ravishankar
* [[Jayaram]] as Ravishankar
* [[Manju Warrier]] as Abhirami / Aammie
* [[Mohanlal]] as Niranjan Kumar (Guest appearance)
* [[Manju Warrier]] as Abhirami (Aami) (Cousin 1)
* [[Sangeetha Krish|Sangeetha]] as Jyothi (Cousin 2)
* [[Sreejaya Nair]] as Devika (Cousin 3)
* [[Mayoori (actress)|Mayoori]] as Gayathri (Cousin 4)
* [[Manjula Ghattamaneni|Manjula]] as Aparna (Cousin 5)
* [[Kalabhavan Mani]] as Monayi
* [[Kalabhavan Mani]] as Monayi
* [[Mohanlal]] as Niranjan ([[Guest appearance]] in the climax)
* [[Janardhanan (actor)|Janardhanan]] as Rtd. [[Colonel#India|Colonel]] C. R. Menon, Ravishankar's grandfather
* [[Janardhanan (actor)|Janardhanan]] as Rtd. [[Colonel#India|Colonel]] C. R. Menon, Ravishankar's grandfather
* [[Sukumari]] as Ravishankar's grandmother
* [[Sukumari]] as Ravishankar's grandmother
* [[Sreejaya Nair]] as Devika
* [[V. K. Sreeraman]] as Balachandran, Aami's adopted father
* [[Manjula Ghattamaneni|Manjula]] as Aparna
* [[Reena (actress)|Reena]] as Abhirami's adopted mother
* [[Sangeetha Krish|Rasika]] as Jyothi
* [[Mayoori (actress)|Mayoori]] as Gayathri
* [[V. K. Sreeraman]] as Balachandran, Abhiramy's adopted father
* [[Reena (actress)|Reena]] as Abhiramy's adopted mother
* Girija Preman as Ravishankar's mother  
* Girija Preman as Ravishankar's mother  
* [[Kalabhavan Rahman]] as courier agent
* [[Augustine (actor)|Augustine]] as Appunni Nair
* [[Augustine (actor)|Augustine]] as Appunni Nair
* [[Sadiq]] as Police officer
* [[Sadiq (Indian actor)|Sadiq]] as Chandrappan, Police officer
* [[Sujitha]] as Ravishankar's cousin sister
* [[Sujitha]] as Ravishankar's cousin 6
* Dhanya Menon as Ravishankar's cousin sister
* Dhanya Menon as Ravishankar's cousin 7
* Nivia Rebin as Ravishankar's cousin sister
* Nivia Rebin as Ravishankar's cousin 8
* Krupa as Ravishankar's cousin sister
* Krupa as Ravishankar's cousin 9
* Krishna K as Ravishankar's cousin 10
* Ala B Bala as Ravishankar's cousin 11
*Annsu Stephen as Ravishankar's cousin 12
* M. Renjith as Lawrence
* M. Renjith as Lawrence
* Kalabhavan Rahman as courier agent
{{colend}}
{{colend}}


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The movie, ''Summer in Bethlehem'' was the second script written by [[Renjith]] for [[Sibi Malayil]] after ''[[Maya Mayooram]]''.
The movie, ''Summer in Bethlehem'' was the second script written by [[Renjith]] for [[Sibi Malayil]] after ''[[Maya Mayooram]]''.


In 2018, Sibi revealed the film was originally in Tamil with [[Prabhu Ganesan]] as male lead along with [[Manju Warrier]] and [[Jayaram]] however producer back out of the film after argument, until Siyad Kokker convinced Sibi to film will made in Malayalam, Suresh Gopi replaced Prabhu as lead while Warrier and Jayaram retained their roles  
In 2018, Sibi revealed the film was originally in Tamil with [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] as male lead along with [[Manju Warrier]] and [[Jayaram]]. However, the producer backed out of the film after an argument, and Siyad Kokker convinced Sibi to make the film in Malayalam. Suresh Gopi replaced Prabhu as the lead while Manju and Jayaram retained their roles.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/09/11/summer-in-bethlehem-movie-anniversary-unknown-facts-manju-sibi.html|title=20 years of 'Summer in Bethlehem'; director reveals unknown facts| publisher=Onmanoramma}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=147779&u=actress-finally-reveals-suspense-regarding-girl-who-sent-kitten-in-summer-in-bethlehem-147779|title=Actress finally reveals suspense regarding mysterious cousin in 'Summer in Bethlehem'|publisher=Keralakaumudi}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |date=Sep 11, 2018 |title=20 years of 'Summer in Bethlehem'; director reveals unknown facts |url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/09/11/summer-in-bethlehem-movie-anniversary-unknown-facts-manju-sibi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330044406/https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/09/11/summer-in-bethlehem-movie-anniversary-unknown-facts-manju-sibi.html |archive-date=30 March 2020 |access-date=30 March 2020 |website=[[Onmanorama]] |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 August 2019 |title=Actress finally reveals suspense regarding mysterious cousin in 'Summer in Bethlehem' |url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=147779&u=actress-finally-reveals-suspense-regarding-girl-who-sent-kitten-in-summer-in-bethlehem-147779 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205212618/https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=147779&u=actress-finally-reveals-suspense-regarding-girl-who-sent-kitten-in-summer-in-bethlehem-147779 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |access-date=31 March 2020 |website=[[Kerala Kaumudi]] |language=en}}</ref>


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
The soundtrack of the film was composed by [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]] and the lyrics were written by [[Gireesh Puthenchery]]. The soundtrack had seven songs, and it became one of the biggest hits in [[Kerala]]. [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]] won [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Malayalam|Filmfare Award for Best Music Director]] for this film.
| name      = Summer in Bethlehem
| type      = [[soundtrack]]
| artist    = [[Vidyasagar (composer)|Vidyasagar]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released  = October 1998
| recorded  = 1998 [[Varshaa Vallaki Studios]], [[Chennai]]
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length    =
| label      = Sargam Musics
| producer  = [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]]
| prev_title = [[Sidhartha (1998 film)|Sidhartha]]
| prev_year  = 1998
| next_title = Thaayin Manikodi
| next_year  = 1998
}}
 
The soundtrack of the film was composed by [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]] and written by [[Gireesh Puthenchery]]. The soundtrack had seven songs. The soundtrack became one of the biggest hits in [[Kerala]]. [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]] won '''[[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Malayalam|Filmfare Award for Best Music Director]]''' for this film.


{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
{|class="wikitable" width="60%"
! Track !! Song Title !! Singer(s) !! [[Raga]]
! Song title !! Singer(s) !! [[Raga]]
|-
| "Ethrayo Janmamay" (Solo) || [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || [[Kapi (raga)|Kapi]]
|-
|-
| 1 || "Oru Raathri Koodi" || [[K. J. Yesudas|Dr. K. J. Yesudas]], [[K. S. Chithra]] || [[Abheri]]
| "Oru Raathri Koodi" || [[K. J. Yesudas|Dr. K. J. Yesudas]], [[K. S. Chithra]] || [[Abheri]]
|-
|-
| 2 || "Ethrayo Janmamay" || [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || [[Kapi (raga)|Kapi]]
| "Ethrayo Janmamay" || [[Srinivas (singer)|Srinivas]], [[Sujatha Mohan|Sujatha]] || [[Kapi (raga)|Kapi]]
|-
|-
| 3 || "Marivillin Gopurangal" || Srinivas, [[Biju Narayanan]] ||
| "Marivillin Gopurangal" || Srinivas, [[Biju Narayanan]] ||
|-
|-
| 4 || "Choolamadichu" || K. S. Chithra, [[Choir|Chorus]] || Vrindavana Saranga
| "Choolamadichu" || K. S. Chithra, [[Choir|Chorus]] || Vrindavana Saranga
|-
|-
| 5 || "Oru Raathri Koodi" || Dr. K. J. Yesudas || Abheri
| "Oru Raathri Koodi" || Dr. K. J. Yesudas || Abheri
|-
|-
| 6 || "Poonchillamel" || K. S. Chithra, Chorus ||
| "Poonchillamel" || K. S. Chithra, Chorus ||
|-
|-
| 7 || "Kunnimani Koottil" || [[M. G. Sreekumar]], K. S. Chithra ||
| "Kunnimani Koottil" || [[M. G. Sreekumar]], K. S. Chithra ||
|-
|-
| 8 || "Confusion Theerkaname" || M. G. Sreekumar || [[Shanmukhapriya]]
| "Confusion Theerkaname" || M. G. Sreekumar || [[Shanmukhapriya]]
|-
|-
| 9 || "Oru Raathri Koodi" || K. S. Chithra || Abheri
| "Oru Raathri Koodi" || K. S. Chithra || Abheri
|}
|}


==Release==
==Release==
The film was released alongside the [[Mammootty]] & [[Mohanlal]] starrer- ''[[Harikrishnans]]'' and dileep starrer ''[[Punjabi House]]''.
The film was released alongside the [[Mammootty]] and [[Mohanlal]] starrer- ''[[Harikrishnans]]''.
 
===Reception===
Jayalakshmi K. of ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' said that "A fun and family entertainer, even if dragging at times. There are songs, catchy tunes, dances with glamorous settings and backdrops, and a beautiful location which may set you on the trail of this Bethlehem in humara Bharat" ({{translation|Our India}}).<ref>{{cite web |date=4 July 1999 |title=Summer in Bethlehem (Malayalam) |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/80DF2A1316E073CF65256941003DC8F2?OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201082235/http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/80DF2A1316E073CF65256941003DC8F2?OpenDocument |archive-date=1 February 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |work=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref>


===Box office===
===Box office===
The film was commercial success and third highest grossing Malayalam film of the year 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.republicworld.com/amp/entertainment-news/regional-indian-cinema/where-was-summer-in-bethlehem-filmed-know-about-the-1998-suresh-gopi-starrer.html|title=Where was 'Summer in Bethlehem' filmed? Know about the 1998 Suresh Gopi starrer|publisher=[[Republic TV]]|date=25 May 2021}}</ref>
The film was a commercial success and the second highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year 1998.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
 
== Controversy over Tamil remake ==
{{further|Lesa Lesa}}
The producer of the film [[Kokers Films|Siyad Koker]] accused [[Priyadarshan]] of remaking ''Summer in Bethlehem'' in Tamil without taking permission or purchasing the right. The Kerala Film Producers Association had banned the screening of all the films of Priyadarshan in the state at the time.<ref name=":0" /> Kokker alleged that Priyadarshan's Tamil film ''[[Lesa Lesa]]'' is an uncredited remake of ''Summer in Bethlehem''. Priyadarshan refuted by alleging that ''Summer in Bethlehem'' itself is an uncredited remake of American films ''[[Fiddler on the Roof (film)|Fiddler on the Roof]]'' and ''[[Come September]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam/interview.php?id=13249522&cid=2406 |title=Why blame me for everything? Asks Priyadarshan |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=10 August 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411193802/http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam/interview.php?id=13249522&cid=2406 |archive-date=11 April 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The matter was later settled, with Priyadarshan paying ₹8 lakhs to Siyad and ₹3 lakhs each to [[Ranjith (director)|Ranjith]] and [[Sibi Malayil]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-15 |title=Priyan settles copyright issue! |url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=13514652 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040815235629/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=13514652 |archive-date=15 August 2004 |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>


===Remake controversy===
== Legacy ==
Producer of the film [[Siyad Koker]] accused [[Priyadarshan]] of remaking ''Summer in Bethlehem'' in Tamil without taking permission or purchasing the right. The Kerala Film Producers Association had banned the screening of all the films of Priyadarsan in the state at the time.<ref>http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/jun/07south.htm</ref> Kokker alleged that Priyadarshan's Tamil film ''[[Lesa Lesa]]'' is an uncredited remake of ''Summer in Bethlehem''. Priyadarsan refuted by alleging that ''Summer in Bethlehem'' itself is an uncredited remake American films ''[[Fiddler on the Roof (film)|Fiddler on the Roof]]'' and ''[[Come September]]''.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130411193802/http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam/interview.php?id=13249522&cid=2406 sify.com]</ref> The matter was later settled.
The line of the song Maarivillin Gopurangal is inspired as a [[Marivillin Gopurangal|title of 2024 film]].


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|0274114}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* [http://popcorn.oneindia.in/title/4045/summer-in-bethlahem.html ''Summer in Bethlehem''] at [[Oneindia.in]]
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{Sibi Malayil}}
{{Sibi Malayil}}
{{Ranjith}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Summer In Bethlehem}}
[[Category:1998 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]]
[[Category:1998 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:1998 films]]
[[Category:1998 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:1998 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:1998 films]]
[[Category:Films about cousins]]
[[Category:1990s Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Malayalam films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Sibi Malayil]]
[[Category:Films directed by Sibi Malayil]]
[[Category:Films scored by Vidyasagar]]
[[Category:Films scored by Vidyasagar (composer)]]
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Ranjith]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Ranjith]]
[[Category:Films about cousins]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Malayalam films remade in other languages]]

Latest revision as of 02:47, 4 March 2026


For the summer season in Bethlehem, see Bethlehem.
Summer in Bethlehem
Poster
Directed bySibi Malayil
Produced bySiyad Koker
(Kokers Films)
Written byRanjith
StarringSuresh Gopi
Jayaram
Mohanlal
Manju Warrier
Kalabhavan Mani
Music byVidyasagar
CinematographySanjeev Shankar
Edited byL. Bhoominathan
Production
company
Distributed byAnupama Release
Release date
  • 4 September 1998 (1998-09-04)
Running time
160 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Summer in Bethlehem is a 1998 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Ranjith. It was produced by Siyad Koker under the company Kokers Films. The film stars Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, Manju Warrier, and Kalabhavan Mani. The music was composed by Vidyasagar. It tells the story of Ravishankar (Jayaram), the bumbling friend of a wealthy rancher, Dennis (Suresh Gopi), and the vacation visit by Ravishankar's relatives in Dennis' estate known as Bethlehem Estates in a fictional town of Chandragiri in the Nilgiris.

The film was released on 4 September 1998. It was partially remade in Tamil as Lesa Lesa (2003), directed by Priyadarshan[1] who opined that the movie was inspired by the two American movies - Fiddler on the Roof and Come September.[2]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Ravishankar, an unsuccessful investor, stays with his best friend Dennis, a wealthy rancher who owns a successful dairy farming business. Dennis has a vast ranch named Bethlehem and hundreds of cattle in a valley. Ravi is a fun-loving, jovial chap who has fabricated stories of his success to his parents, grandparents, and relatives.

During a vacation, Colonel C.R. Menon, his grandfather and grandmother arrive with their extended family to spend a couple of days at Ravishankar's farmhouse. Ravi successfully makes them believe that he is the real owner of Bethlehem and that Dennis is just his working partner. Dennis, who is an orphan, is happy to meet a huge family and generously welcomes them. Colonel Menon plans to get Ravi married to one of his granddaughters. Ravi is a bit confused about whom he should choose. To make matters complicated, he has been receiving gifts and messages from one of the five girls expressing her love for him. Meanwhile, a few days after they arrive at Bethlehem, Abhirami, another granddaughter of Menon, studying in Bangalore, arrives alone. She seems to be too upset and worried. But within a short period, she calms down and starts enjoying the vacation. During their stay, Ravi and Dennis decide to discover the girl who had been teasing them with cryptic messages.

Dennis begins suspecting Abhirami of being the sender but she informs him that she is not and that she would help them in finding the person. She asks around among her cousins but everyone denies being the sender. However, Dennis begins to fall for her, and to make matters complicated, Ravi confesses to him that he plans to propose to Abhirami. To avoid any unpleasant situation, Dennis hides his true feelings from everyone.

Colonel Menon and his wife approve of Ravi and Abhirami's relationship but upon knowing this, Abhirami snubs them by declaring that she is in love with Dennis. Her decision creates panic among all as they believe that Dennis is a failed businessman who is living at the expense of Ravishankar. Ravi shocks everyone by revealing that Dennis is the actual owner of Bethlehem and that he is more than happy to see Abhirami marrying Dennis. Abhirami meets Dennis who is completely broken down after the chaos at the house. Dennis, at the same time, is happy at heart knowing about Abhirami's love for him. But she shocks him by saying that she was just using his name to escape the marriage. She tells Dennis that she is in love with Niranjan, a Naxal revolutionary in southern Karnataka. Niranjan, whom she met in Bangalore, is now in jail, convicted of killing Brijesh Mallaya, a business owner and his family. He is awaiting his death sentence in a couple of days and Abhirami has taken a vow not to marry anyone other than Niranjan.

Back home, upon the compulsion from Ravi, the family decides to get Abhirami married to Dennis. The night before the engagement, Abhirami requests Dennis to take her to jail to meet Niranjan for one last time. They meet Niranjan, who is a completely changed man. Remorseful Niranjan regrets the violent ways he adopted in class war and the crimes he committed to obtain a classless society. Niranjan advises Abhirami to forget him and accept Dennis as her husband. Abhirami refuses to take his words, but Niranjan forces Dennis to tie the thali to Abhirami, which she has brought with her. Dennis obeys Niranjan, marries Abhirami at the jail, and Niranjan witnesses it with tearful eyes.

A few days later, the family returns home, while Ravi jokingly reminds everyone that they should be back here next year to welcome junior Dennis. The train departs slowly and a girl's hand reaches out of the coach window, holding the kitten which was sent as a gift to Ravi before. Ravi takes off running to find out who it is, but he catches only a cryptic message that teases him to follow and discover her identity.

Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Suresh Gopi as Dennis
  • Jayaram as Ravishankar
  • Mohanlal as Niranjan Kumar (Guest appearance)
  • Manju Warrier as Abhirami (Aami) (Cousin 1)
  • Sangeetha as Jyothi (Cousin 2)
  • Sreejaya Nair as Devika (Cousin 3)
  • Mayoori as Gayathri (Cousin 4)
  • Manjula as Aparna (Cousin 5)
  • Kalabhavan Mani as Monayi
  • Janardhanan as Rtd. Colonel C. R. Menon, Ravishankar's grandfather
  • Sukumari as Ravishankar's grandmother
  • V. K. Sreeraman as Balachandran, Aami's adopted father
  • Reena as Abhirami's adopted mother
  • Girija Preman as Ravishankar's mother
  • Kalabhavan Rahman as courier agent
  • Augustine as Appunni Nair
  • Sadiq as Chandrappan, Police officer
  • Sujitha as Ravishankar's cousin 6
  • Dhanya Menon as Ravishankar's cousin 7
  • Nivia Rebin as Ravishankar's cousin 8
  • Krupa as Ravishankar's cousin 9
  • Krishna K as Ravishankar's cousin 10
  • Ala B Bala as Ravishankar's cousin 11
  • Annsu Stephen as Ravishankar's cousin 12
  • M. Renjith as Lawrence

Production[edit | edit source]

The movie, Summer in Bethlehem was the second script written by Renjith for Sibi Malayil after Maya Mayooram.

In 2018, Sibi revealed the film was originally in Tamil with Prabhu as male lead along with Manju Warrier and Jayaram. However, the producer backed out of the film after an argument, and Siyad Kokker convinced Sibi to make the film in Malayalam. Suresh Gopi replaced Prabhu as the lead while Manju and Jayaram retained their roles. [3][4]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The soundtrack of the film was composed by Vidyasagar and the lyrics were written by Gireesh Puthenchery. The soundtrack had seven songs, and it became one of the biggest hits in Kerala. Vidyasagar won Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for this film.

Song title Singer(s) Raga
"Ethrayo Janmamay" (Solo) Sujatha Kapi
"Oru Raathri Koodi" Dr. K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra Abheri
"Ethrayo Janmamay" Srinivas, Sujatha Kapi
"Marivillin Gopurangal" Srinivas, Biju Narayanan
"Choolamadichu" K. S. Chithra, Chorus Vrindavana Saranga
"Oru Raathri Koodi" Dr. K. J. Yesudas Abheri
"Poonchillamel" K. S. Chithra, Chorus
"Kunnimani Koottil" M. G. Sreekumar, K. S. Chithra
"Confusion Theerkaname" M. G. Sreekumar Shanmukhapriya
"Oru Raathri Koodi" K. S. Chithra Abheri

Release[edit | edit source]

The film was released alongside the Mammootty and Mohanlal starrer- Harikrishnans.

Reception[edit | edit source]

Jayalakshmi K. of Deccan Herald said that "A fun and family entertainer, even if dragging at times. There are songs, catchy tunes, dances with glamorous settings and backdrops, and a beautiful location which may set you on the trail of this Bethlehem in humara Bharat" (transl. Our India).[5]

Box office[edit | edit source]

The film was a commercial success and the second highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year 1998.[citation needed]

Controversy over Tamil remake[edit | edit source]

Further information: Lesa Lesa

The producer of the film Siyad Koker accused Priyadarshan of remaking Summer in Bethlehem in Tamil without taking permission or purchasing the right. The Kerala Film Producers Association had banned the screening of all the films of Priyadarshan in the state at the time.[2] Kokker alleged that Priyadarshan's Tamil film Lesa Lesa is an uncredited remake of Summer in Bethlehem. Priyadarshan refuted by alleging that Summer in Bethlehem itself is an uncredited remake of American films Fiddler on the Roof and Come September.[6] The matter was later settled, with Priyadarshan paying ₹8 lakhs to Siyad and ₹3 lakhs each to Ranjith and Sibi Malayil.[7]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The line of the song Maarivillin Gopurangal is inspired as a title of 2024 film.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Trisha's Lesa Lesa is a remake of a Malayalam film". The Times of India. 17 August 2015. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Josekutty, Jim (7 June 2003). "Priyadarshan's films banned". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  3. ↑ "20 years of 'Summer in Bethlehem'; director reveals unknown facts". Onmanorama. 11 September 2018. Archived from the original on 30 March 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  4. ↑ "Actress finally reveals suspense regarding mysterious cousin in 'Summer in Bethlehem'". Kerala Kaumudi. 27 August 2019. Archived from the original on 5 February 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  5. ↑ "Summer in Bethlehem (Malayalam)". Deccan Herald. 4 July 1999. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "Why blame me for everything? Asks Priyadarshan". Sify. Retrieved 10 August 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ "Priyan settles copyright issue!". Sify. 15 August 2004. Archived from the original on 15 August 2004. Retrieved 3 November 2022.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Ranjith

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