Thalastaanam

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Thalasthanam
File:Thalasthanam.jpg
Promotional poster
Directed byShaji Kailas
Produced byS. Henry
Written byRenji Panicker
StarringSuresh Gopi
Narendra Prasad
Geetha
Biyon
Music byJohnson
CinematographyRavi K. Chandran
Edited byL Bhoominathan
Production
company
Christ King Productions
Distributed byAardra Films Release
Release date
  • 1992 (1992)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Budget₹ 1 crore
Box office₹ 8 crore

Thalasthanam (transl. The Capital) is a 1992 Malayalam-language crime action film written by Renji Panicker, directed by Shaji Kailas and produced by S. Henry under the banner of Christ King Productions. The film stars Suresh Gopi in the lead role, along with Geetha, Narendra Prasad, Monisha, M. G. Soman, Ganesh Kumar and Vijayakumar in supporting roles. The basic plot revolves around Hari and his revenge against the people who murdered his brother, Unnikrishnan. The film explores the concepts of campus politics and the impact of anti social elements in students.[1][2]

The film was produced by S. Henry under the banner of Christ King Productions in their debut production venture. The distribution of the film was handled by Aardra Films Release. The film is believed to be based on Renji Panicker's experiences in campus politics, in which he was active in, during his collage days. The film was shot extensively in and around Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and the Kerala University campus. Renji Panickar and Vijayakumar debuted as actors through this film. Johnson composed Thalasthanam's soundtrack and score, and Ravi K. Chandran was its cinematographer. Sasi Perumanoor and L. Bhoominathan were the film's art dir. and editor, respectively.[3]

The film was released on 12 July 1992 and was a blockbuster and was one of highest grossing Malayalam films of 1992. This film was a landmark film in Suresh Gopi's career as the success of the film established him as a bankable lead actor and was his first step towards superstardom. The film is also noted to be the first of the Shaji-Renji mass films which go on to become the outline of their future works. The film enjoys a cult status even after decades after its release.[4] Narendra Prasad received praise for his performance as the antagonist. The film was remade in Telugu as Rajadhani.[5][6]

Plot[edit]

Unnikrishan (Vijayakumar), a simple, innocent, easy going chap joins Government Law College. He along with first year students are ragged by the seniors under the leadership of Pappan (Ashokan). A student leader with strong political clout, Pappan violently thrashes down Unnikrishnan who opposes the ragging. Later again, he is insulted in front of the girls. Unnikrishnan stabs Pappan at the corridor of the college in retaliation. G. Parameshwaran alias G.P (Narendra Prasad), the political mentor of Pappan orders his goons to bring Unnikrishnan in front of him.

Upon recognizing the potential of Unni, G.P inducts him into the party and strikes a truce between Pappan and Unni. However, G.P had more sinister plans in stock. The bill on self-financing colleges was introduced by the government, the party decides to oppose the bill under the leadership of G.P. The party decides to launch a student agitation campaign and Unni is appointed as the leader of the movement. With the intention of spreading the violence throughout state, G.P decides to immolate Unni in front of the police and press. The death of Unni is now used as a powerful weapon by G.P against the government. The death of Unni is also a big blow to his family.

Harikrishnan (Suresh Gopi), Unni's elder brother, arrives in Kerala from Mumbai for the funeral rituals. But he becomes suspicious about his brothers death and decides to investigate the reason behind the murder. Hari had to face wrath from several corners including the college management, police and local politicians. His attempts to convince the chief minister for an inquiry also ends up in failure. Hari then meets Meera (Geetha), an aggressive journalist who had witnessed the death of Unni. From her he learns about the plans of G.P and decides to fight against his violent political ways. Hari, meanwhile had to face several physical attacks from the hoodlums of G.P. Hari decides to take law into his own hands and his violent fight against G.P take up the rest of the story.

Production[edit]

The film was shot in various locations including St. Joseph Devagiri College, Kozhikode, M.G. College, Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala university campus, Kariavattom, University Hostel Kariavattom Thiruvananthapuram.

Cast[edit]

Soundtrack[edit]

  • "Amberin Thaalam" - K. S. Chithra, M. G. Sreekumar
  • Ee Yaamini" - K. S. Chithra, M. G. Sreekumar
  • "Pookalam Poyenno" - K. S. Chithra

Box office[edit]

The film was huge success at box office. The film was made on a budget of 1 Cr and made about 8 Cr in its final run.[7][8]

Home media[edit]

The satellite rights of the film were sold to Amrita TV.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "A tribute to Narendra Prasad's stamp on stage". The Hindu.
  2. ↑ "തലസ്ഥാനം". M3DB.COM. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  3. ↑ "Thalasthaanam (1992)". www.malayalachalachithram.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  4. ↑ "10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  5. ↑ "10 Suresh Gopi films to watch before you die". Times of India.
  6. ↑ "Rajadhani (1993) Telugu Movie Review, Cast and Crew, Posters, Audio covers, Song books, Full Movie, Songs, Lyrics, Story". www.aptalkies.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014.
  7. ↑ Anjana George (29 July 2020). "Renji Panicker: I never named Joseph Alex in The King; it was he who guided me while writing". The Times of India.
  8. ↑ Nirmal Narayanan (8 February 2021). "This Mollywood director reshaped masculinity of Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Suresh Gopi: HBD Shaji Kailas". International Business Times.
  9. ↑ Amrita TV - Thalastaanam | Today @ 4 PM | AmritaTV | Facebook| By Amrita TV, retrieved 2 June 2022

External links[edit]

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