Superstars continue their reign
SREEDHAR PILLAI
|
Many Malayalam movies released in 2006 managed to impress viewers and critics and the year ends on an optimistic note for the film industry. While the superstars maintained their lead, youngsters came up with a few surprises too.
|
BLOCKBUSTERS ALL: `Classmates' created a record at the box office
Malayalam cinema had another good year at the box office. It has been a great year with some meaningful films too. The biggest blockbuster in the history of Malayalam cinema is `Classmates,' which, according to trade reports, may collect a distributors' share of Rs.10 crore! Compared to 60 releases last year, there were 64 releases in 2006 (including `Speed Track' and `Kanaka Simhasanam' that are likely to open today).
However, the industry continues to be dominated by the two superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal, who, between them, contributed to 80 percent of the hits. They are the only actors who command an opening that is crucial to the success of a film.
Mohanlal had a dream run with six releases - `Rasathantram,' `Vadakkumnathan,' `Keerthichakra,' `Mahasamudram,' `Photographer' and `Baba Kalyani' with only `Photographer' turning out to be a flop. Mammootty had seven releases with `Thuruppugulan,' `Balram Vs Taradas,' `Prajapathi,' `Bhargava Charitham Moonam Khandam', `Pothenvava,' `Karuthapakshikal' and `Palunku.' `Thuruppugulam' turned out to be a super hit. It proved that Mammootty has an awesome opening and a loyal fan base.
Mammootty's Thuruppugulan
Towards the end of the year, the actor changed tracks and decided to do off-beat films such as `Karuthapakshikal,' and `Palunku,' which are receiving critical acclaim. Critics feel that `Palunku' has the potential to turn into a surprise hit and may get the actor his fourth national award.
Dileep had six releases (if `Speed Track' is released today). Only `Lion' and `Chess' were hits. Of Suresh Gopi's seven releases, only `Chinthamani Kolacase' proved to be a money spinner. Jayaram's `Madhuchandralekha' was an average grosser, while Kalabhavan Mani did not have a great year.
It was Jagathy Sreekumar, as usual, who acted in the maximum number of films; a record 21.
Six releases for Kavya
Among heroines, it was Kavya Madhavan who reigned over the box office with six releases, including the blockbuster `Classmates.' Padmapriya is not far behind with five. No women-centric film made an impact and hence fine actors like Navya Nair, Kavya, Meera Jasmine and others switched over to playing second fiddle to superstars. Bhavana, Nayanthara and Mamta Mohandas migrated to Tamil cinema while Gopika who made a name in Tamil returned to do miniscule roles in four films.
The industry unanimously feels that Lal Jose had a winner in `Classmates' as there was a lot of freshness in James Albert's script. The film has turned out to be a cult classic.
Mohanlal's `Keerthichakra'
However, in spite of its mega success, its lead actors like Pritviraj, Jayasurya, Indrajith and Naren continue to struggle as their next films failed to get an opening. Audience apathy continues towards young stars like Pritiviraj.
His films such as `Vargam,' `Vaasthavam' and `Pakal,' which were good in content, turned out to be damp squibs at the box office. However, inexplicably, `Dhoom-2,' `Don' and `Krrish' are doing bumper business in Kerala and their viewers are mainly youngsters.
The distributors' share for `Dhoom-2' from Kerala is said to have crossed the magic figure of Rs. 1 crore.
* * *
The big five
`Classmates,' `Rasathantram,' `Keerthichakra,' `Thuruppugulan,' `Lion' and `Baba Kalyani.' (This report is based on box office collections and the cost of the film as per trade reports from producers, distributors and exhibitors in Kerala.)
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
