Mampazhakkalam
| Mampazhakkalam | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Joshi |
| Produced by | M. Mani |
| Written by | T.A. Shahid |
| Starring |
Mohanlal Shobana Vishnu Prasad Kaviyoor Ponnamma Sanusha |
| Music by | M. Jayachandran |
| Cinematography | Sanjeev Shankar |
| Release dates |
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| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Mampazhakkalam is a 2004 Malayalam family film by Joshi starring Mohanlal and Shobana.
Plot
Following his father's death, Puramanayil Chandran (Mohanlal) was forced leave for Abu Dhabi to amortise all his father's debts. The film commences with his mother, Lakshmi (Kaviyoor Ponnamma), faking an illness to persuade Chandran to come back to India to get him married. Chandran takes care of his big family including his mother and younger brothers. During his vacation in India, Chandran has an excellent time with his family. However, Chandran's marriage doesn't take place, because of the fact that a suitable bride couldn't be found. Depressed by this, Chandran decides to go back to Abu Dhabi. On his way to the airport, Chandran sees his childhood friend Indira (Shobhana). Chandran's quest to meet Indira becomes unsuccessful and he decides to cancel his trip to Abu Dhabi.
As the plot uncovers, Chandran's love for Indira is realised. However, Indira is now a single mother of ten year old Malu (Sanusha) after her ex-husband went to jail. One day Chandran sees Indira and her daughter. Malu does not like Chandran because of her bad experiences with her father. Indira's husband, Shankaran, is a drug addict and he used to physically abuse his ex-wife and kid. Malu warns Chandran to keep away from her mother.
When Shankaran is released from the jail, he meets Chandran and warns Chandran not to see Indira again. However, Chandran meets Indira once again to enquire about Shankaran. Shankaran issues another threat against his family. This forces Chandran's brothers to leave him because of this relation. On a rainy night, Malu pays a visit to see Chandran and his mother. On this incident, Malu reveals her past: that Malu is not Indira's daughter. Malu's mother, who was Shankaran's first wife, was killed by Shankaran in front of Indira when the two argued over his new marriage. Indira took Malu and ran away from him. Shankaran later comes to Indira's house to kill Malu and rape Indira. However, Chandran arrives in time and rescues Indira. Chandran warns Shankaran to keep away from Indira and Malu. Chandran's mother decides to get Chandran married to Indira and she accepts Malu as her adopted granddaughter.
Cast
- Mohanlal ... Puramanayil Chandran
- Shobana ... Indira
- Vishnu Prasad ... Sethu
- Sudheesh ... Ganeshan
- Sanusha ... Indira's Daughter
- Kaviyoor Ponnamma ... Lakshmi
- Innocent ... Chandran's Uncle
- Harisree Asokan ... Sulaiman
- Suja Karthika ... Kavitha
- Kalabhavan Mani ... Jose
- Shammi Thilakan ... Chackochan
- Baiju ... Sivan
- Cochin Haneefa ... Manathudi Madhavan
- Poornima ... Mallika
- Kozhikode Narayanan Nair
- Adithya Menon ... Indira's Ex-Husband (The Anti-Hero)
- Nedumudi Venu ... Raghavan Mash
- Kulappulli Leela ... Chakha Ammayi
- Kalpana ... Neelima
- Zeenath
- Lakshmi Gopalaswami
- Geetha Salam
- Nivedya as teacher
- Manka Mahesh as Chandran's wife
- Kavitha Nair
- Ambika Mohan as Kavitha's mother
Reception
The film was a critical failure; according to Rediff.com, it "is disappointing as it is nothing but a pale imitation of Balettan, and should have been aptly titled Chandrettan".[1]Balettan is a 2003 Malayalam movie which was the biggest hit of the year 2003 ahead all the other 55 films released.
However, this film reveals many family lessons and gives an insight to an NRI's life. Overall this film is a average family entertainer. If you are looking for a good family drama, this movie will be your ideal cup of tea.