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Artham
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| Artham | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Sathyan Anthikkad |
| Screenplay by | Venu Nagavally |
| Based on | Ethir Katru by Subha |
| Produced by | Suriya Chandralal |
| Starring | Mammootty Sreenivasan Murali Saranya Jayaram Parvathy |
| Cinematography | Vipin Mohan |
| Edited by | K. Rajagopal |
| Music by | Johnson |
Production company | Chanthu Films |
| Distributed by | Mudra Arts |
Release date |
|
Running time | 135 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Artham (transl. The Meaning) is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Venu Nagavally. It stars Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Murali, Saranya, in lead roles along with Parvathy, Mamukkoya, Philomina, Mohan Raj, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Sukumari, Jagannatha Varma, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan in other pivotal roles. Jayaram plays a cameo role. The music was composed by Johnson.
The film is an adaptation of the Tamil detective novel Ethir Katru by Subha. The story revolves around a loner and award-winning novelist Ben Narendran (Mammootty) who seeks revenge against the forces who murdered his dear friend Janardanan (Jayaram). Joining in Narendran's aid are journalist Manasa (Saranya) and Advocate P. S. Nenmara (Sreenivasan). It was also later adapted in Tamil cinema as Ethir Kaatru (1990).
Plot
[edit]The movie starts with a loner named Ben Narendran writing a suicide note. He mentions that he is committing suicide as he has nothing to do with his life. He chooses to jump in front of the train to perform the act. He waits for the train but ends up saving another young man named Janardanan who has the same intention. Janardanan has committed a murder out of desperation and is scared of revenge. Narendran consoles him and offers to take the blame of the murder so that Janardanan can live freely.
Narendran gets sentenced to lifetime imprisonment. While in jail, he writes a book [Sharanalayam] under the pen name "Ben" which becomes immensely popular. He is also given an award by the state, but his true identity is never revealed. Journalist Manasa discovers that the author is behind bars and tries to get a parole for him. Though Narendran is not initially interested, he eventually applies for parole and is granted 28 days of parole so that he can receive the award in person.
Once out of jail, Narendran gets word that Janardanan has died mysteriously. He, with the help of Manasa and his advocate P S Nenmara, sets out on a mission to find the culprits. Janardanan's family, who initially reluctant to help them due to fear, later reveales that, a Mr. Nambiar and his henchmen are behind this. They have now employed Janardanan's sister Geeta, who is blackmailed to work for them. She is killed by Mr. R K Nambyar when they find out she revealed their secrets to Narendran. On the final day of his parole, Narendran has to attend his award ceremony but he first finishes, Mr. RK Nambyar and his men. He then attend the ceremony and reveal that he killed for the first time but he feels justice is served now. He finally feels that there is now a meaning (Artham -Film title) in his otherwise aimless life. He then voluntarily surrenders in front of police.
Cast
[edit]- Mammootty as Ben Narendran
- Sreenivasan as Adv. P. S. Nenmara
- Saranya Ponvannan as Manasa
- Murali as R. K. Nambyar
- Jayaram as Janardanan(cameo)
- Parvathi as Geetha
- Kollam Thulasi as Jaleel
- Mamukkoya as Kunjikannan
- Philomina as house owner
- Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair as Sukumaran, Janardanan's father
- Sukumari as Janardanan's mother
- Mohan Raj (Keerikkadan Jose) as Stanley
- Jagannatha Varma as Warrier
- Oduvil Unnikrishnan as Ananthan
- Karamana Janardanan Nair as George Zachariah
- Azeez as David
- Jagannathan as bookshop owner
- Sindhu Varma
Soundtrack
[edit]Lyrics by Kaithapram.
- "Shyaamambaram Neele" (male) - K J Yesudas
- "Shyaamambaram Neele" (female) - K S Chitra
Box office
[edit]The film was one of the biggest hits of 1989. It had also marked the Malayalam debut of actress, Saranya (in her mother-tongue).[1][2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Mammootty-Sathyan Anthikkad: A Hugely Underrated Pair!". Filmibeat. 21 June 2016.
- ^ "Hittukalude Katha - Artham - Mammootty Sathyan Anthikad". metromatinee.com. 15 June 2016. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021.
External links
[edit]
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Artham
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Development and production
Writing and development
Artham originated as an adaptation of the Tamil novel Ethir Kaatru by Subha, which was published prior to 1989. Venu Nagavally was hired as the screenwriter to adapt the novel into a Malayalam-language action thriller script.[4] Director Sathyan Anthikkad envisioned blending thriller elements with themes of revenge and redemption for the film and decided early in development to cast Mammootty in the lead role of Ben Narendran.[1] The project was produced by Suriya Chandralal under the banner of Chanthu Films.Pre-production and casting
Sathyan Anthikad was brought on as director for Artham, marking a departure from his typical family dramas into the action thriller genre, while Venu Nagavally was confirmed as the screenwriter following his adaptation of the Tamil detective novel Ethir Kaatru by Subha.[1][5] Casting began with Mammootty secured for the lead role, portraying a dual character as both a novelist and an avenger, complemented by Sreenivasan as his comic relief sidekick and Murali as an ally to the antagonist. Saranya Ponvannan was cast as the female lead in her Malayalam debut, bringing a fresh presence to the ensemble after her earlier work in Tamil and Telugu cinema.[1][6] The supporting cast featured Parvathy Jayaram, a cameo by Jayaram, and seasoned performers including Mamukkoya, Philomina, Mohan Raj, Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, Sukumari, Jagannatha Varma, and Oduvil Unnikrishnan, rounding out the ensemble with a mix of character actors well-known in Malayalam films.[7] Pre-production progressed efficiently, with casting finalized ahead of principal photography.[1]Principal photography
Principal photography for Artham took place primarily in various locations across Kerala, including urban sequences in Kochi, scenic backwater shots in Alappuzha, and train-related scenes near Shornur to capture the film's tense atmosphere. Cinematographer Vipin Mohan handled the visuals, employing moody lighting techniques to enhance the thriller's suspenseful tone. The film was shot on 35mm film stock, relying on practical effects to achieve realism consistent with late-1980s production standards.[1] Principal photography wrapped up in time for the film's release later that year.Narrative and cast
Plot summary
Ben Narendran, a struggling novelist portrayed by Mammootty, attempts suicide by standing on a railway track but instead saves Janardanan, played in a cameo by Jayaram, who is also contemplating the same act.[8] Janardanan confesses to murdering a man in self-defense and fleeing; to protect him, Narendran takes the blame, surrenders to the police, and is imprisoned for the crime.[8] While in jail, Narendran channels his experiences into writing a novel that achieves bestseller status, bringing him unexpected fame and financial success.[1] Upon his release on parole, Narendran learns of Janardanan's mysterious death and begins a personal investigation, gradually uncovering a larger conspiracy orchestrated by the powerful businessman Mr. Nambiar and his associates, who were responsible for the initial murder and Janardanan's killing.[9] Driven by a quest for justice, Narendran embarks on a revenge arc, systematically confronting and eliminating the culprits involved, including key figures in the plot, culminating in a tense confrontation with Nambiar himself.[10] Key moments include vivid depictions of his jail life, a near-suicide attempt on a railway track that pivots into friendship, and the final act's revelation of the conspiracy's full extent. In the resolution, through his actions, Narendran discovers personal redemption and a renewed sense of meaning in life, ultimately surrendering to the authorities to face the consequences of his vigilante justice.[10]Cast and characters
Mammootty stars as Ben Narendran, the film's protagonist, a reclusive and award-winning novelist who undergoes a profound transformation from existential despair to resolute purpose in his quest for vengeance. His portrayal captures the character's emotional depth, evolving from a man contemplating suicide to one driven by unyielding determination.[1] Sreenivasan plays Adv. P. S. Nenmara, Ben Narendran's steadfast advocate and close ally, who aids in navigating legal challenges and underscores the theme of enduring friendship amid adversity.[1] Murali portrays R. K. Nambiar, the powerful businessman and primary antagonist orchestrating the conspiracy, whose ruthless actions drive the central conflict.[1][11] Saranya Ponvannan makes her Malayalam film debut as Manasa, the investigative journalist and Narendran's love interest, whose involvement adds a layer of emotional intimacy and support to the narrative.[6][1] The supporting cast includes Parvathy Jayaram as Geetha, a family member connected to the young fugitive Janardanan; Jayaram in a cameo appearance as Janardanan, the troubled youth whose plight initially draws Narendran into the events; Mamukkoya as Kunjikkannan, contributing light-hearted moments; and Mohan Raj as Stanley, Nambiar's ruthless goonda and enforcer in the scheme.[1][12][11]Music and soundtrack
Composition
The music for Artham was composed by Johnson, known for his evocative and melodic scores that enhance emotional depth in character-driven stories.[13][14] The soundtrack includes only one primary song, "Shyaamambaram Neele," rendered in a raaga-based style to stir feelings of introspection and yearning during pivotal moments.[15] The lyrics, penned by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, center on themes of longing, portraying the ache of distant affection through poetic imagery of skies and smiles.[16] The score was recorded using a live orchestra to ensure dynamic integration with the film's visuals, providing subtle background enhancement without overpowering the dialogue.[17] The song appears briefly in emotional monologues to underscore themes of personal turmoil.Track listing
The soundtrack of Artham adopts a minimalistic approach, featuring only two versions of a single song rather than a full album of multiple tracks.[17] The album was released on cassette by Tharangini in 1989.[18]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Shyaamambaram Neele" (male version) | K. J. Yesudas | 4:29 | Picturized on Mammootty in a reflective scene.[19][20] |
| 2 | "Shyaamambaram Neele" (female version) | K. S. Chithra | 4:33 | Female solo emotional counterpart.[21][22] |