Hubbry Logo
MakalMakalMain
Open search
Makal
Community hub
Makal
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Makal
Makal
Makal
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Makal
Directed bySathyan Anthikad
Written byIqbal Kuttippuram
Produced byCentral Pictures
Starring
CinematographyS. Kumar
Edited byK. Rajagopal
Music bySongs:
Vishnu Vijay
Score:
Rahul Raj
Production
company
Central Pictures
Release date
  • 29 April 2022 (2022-04-29)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Makal (transl. Daughter) is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikkad and written by Iqbal Kuttippuram.[1] The film stars Jayaram, Meera Jasmine, Devika Sanjay and Naslen.[2] It is produced by Central Pictures, the company that produced Anthikad's Kudumbapuranam, Kalikkalam, and Oru Indian Pranayakatha. This marks Jayaram's comeback after a three-year hiatus and is his 250th Malayalam movie. The film also marks Meera Jasmine's return to Mollywood after a six year gap.

This movie generally received mixed reviews from audience.

Plot

[edit]

The mother and daughter duo, Juliet and Aparna, have been living together for the best part of their lives, enjoying their freedom and level of understanding. After Aparna's father, Nandan, returns from the Gulf and Juliet gets a government job in another district, Nandan has to figure out how to be a father to his daughter. While the generation gap leads to a series of misunderstandings and squabbles, the entry of an unexpected stranger in their lives changes the father-daughter dynamics. The stranger's presence becomes a reason for them to connect meaningfully and live peacefully.

Cast

[edit]
  • Jayaram as Nandakumar, Appu's father and Juliet's husband
  • Meera Jasmine as Juliet (Julie), Nandakumar's wife and Appu's mother
  • Devika Sanjay as Aparna (Appu), Nandakumar's daughter
  • Naslen as Rohit (Rabindra Chattopadhyay), Appu's love interest
  • Balaji Manohar as Garuda Naik[3]
  • Innocent as Ayurveda Dr. Govindan, Nandakumar's father
  • Siddique as Bobby, Juliet's brother and Nandakumar's brother-law
  • Jayasankar Karimuttam as Lawrence
  • Dayyana Hameed as Fathima, Juliet's colleague
  • Kottayam Ramesh as Premlal, Senior Superintendent at Juliet's workplace
  • Sreedhanya as Dr. Susan, Bobby's wife
  • Ranjini George as Maggie
  • Sreeja Ajith as Rohit's mother
  • Althaf Salim as Thief Solomon
  • Sreelatha Namboothiri as mental patient
  • Meera Nair as Betty, Juliet's elder sister
  • RJ Nilja as Sangeetha, Rohit’s sister
  • Krishna Praba as dance teacher
  • Aneetha as Kokila, Garuda Naik's daughter
  • Nimisha as Garuda Naik's wife
  • Unni Nair as Madhavan Nambuthiri
  • Mani Shoranur as Kunjuttan, Nandan’s manager
  • Latha Sathish as Govindan's wife
  • Jaise Jose as supermarket manager
  • Sreenivasan as himself

Production

[edit]

The filming commenced in October 2021 in Kerala,[4] with Jayaram joining the sets on 21 October.[5] On 12 December, actor Jayaram informed via a tweet that he was in the final leg of filming.[6] The shoot was wrapped in late-December.[citation needed]

Music

[edit]

The film score is composed, orchestrated, and produced by Rahul Raj, while the songs are composed by Vishnu Vijay.

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

The film was released in theatres on 29 April 2022.[citation needed]

Home media

[edit]

The digital rights of the film were acquired by ManoramaMAX.[7] The satellite rights are owned by Mazhavil Manorama.[citation needed]

Reception

[edit]

The film received mixed reviews, praising the performances, direction, and humour but was criticised for its plot, writing, and climax.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Makal

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Makal (transl. ) is a 2022 Indian Malayalam-language family drama film directed by and written by Iqbal Kuttipuram. The story centers on a close mother-daughter bond disrupted when the father returns from working abroad, highlighting the emotional hurdles in rebuilding , particularly between . Starring as the returning father Nandakumar, as his wife , and newcomer Sanjay as their daughter Aparna, the film runs for 142 minutes and was released on April 29, 2022. The narrative delves into themes of , generational gaps, and inter-religious family dynamics as the mother takes up , leaving the father to navigate caregiving responsibilities and mend his strained relationship with his teenage . Supporting roles are played by acclaimed actors such as Naslen K. Gafoor, Innocent, , and Siddique, adding depth to the ensemble portraying everyday family life. Produced by Central Pictures, Makal marks Sathyan Anthikad's return to directing after a four-year hiatus, blending humor and sentiment in his signature style. Upon release, Makal received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances—especially Jayaram's nuanced portrayal of an absent father attempting redemption—but critiqued the screenplay for its predictability and simplistic resolution of complex emotional issues. It holds an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 on based on over 1,400 user votes, reflecting audience appreciation for its relatable take on familial reconnection amid modern work-life challenges. The film has since been dubbed in Tamil and streamed on platforms like Prime Video, extending its reach beyond audiences.

Film overview

Plot

Makal centers on the family of Nandakumar, a who has spent years working in to support his wife and their teenage daughter Aparna in . The story unfolds in their middle-class home, where Juliet and Aparna have developed a close, independent bond during Nandakumar's prolonged absence, enjoying a level of freedom and mutual understanding. Upon Nandakumar's return after leaving his job abroad, the family dynamics shift dramatically, as his reintegration into daily life disrupts the established routine. The central conflict arises from Aparna's deep toward her , stemming from his long years away, which she perceives as despite his sacrifices. This strained -daughter relationship manifests in frequent arguments and misunderstandings, exacerbated by generational gaps—Nandakumar represents traditional values and , while Aparna embodies youthful and modern perspectives. Family tensions escalate as Nandakumar attempts to assert his role as a , leading to conflicts over Aparna's schooling, social life, and even household responsibilities, while Juliet navigates her position between them. Tensions further intensify when Juliet secures a government job in another district, leaving Nandakumar to handle Aparna's care and schooling, which deepens their interactions and challenges. Throughout the narrative, the film explores efforts to rebuild familial bonds amid these challenges, highlighting themes of parental absence and its emotional toll on children, the clashes between old and new generations in a Kerala household, and the gradual path toward reconciliation. Light-hearted incidents, such as interactions with Aparna's friends and a family pet, provide moments of levity, underscoring the everyday realities of a divided yet loving family striving for harmony.

Cast

The principal roles in Makal are portrayed by as Nandakumar, the absent father working abroad whose return impacts the family; as , the caring mother managing the household; and Devika Sanjay as Aparna, the daughter occupying a pivotal position in the family dynamics. Key supporting actors include Innocent as Dr. Govindhan, a trusted figure in the family's circle; Naslen K. Gafoor as Rohit, who contributes to the interpersonal relationships among the younger characters; Siddique as Professor Boby, adding depth to the narrative through his advisory role; and Balaji Manohar as Garuda Naik, representing community elements in the story. makes a special appearance as himself, enhancing the film's authentic feel.

Production

Development

Sathyan Anthikkad drew inspiration for Makal from real-life father-daughter dynamics he observed among his friends, an idea initially suggested by screenwriter , aiming to craft a heartfelt drama centered on generational gaps and emotional reconnection. The narrative's core revolves around family separations caused by the father's migration for work abroad, reflecting widespread experiences in where overseas employment often strains familial bonds. Iqbal Kuttippuram penned the screenplay, marking his third collaboration with Anthikkad following Oru Indian Pranayakatha (2013) and (2017), with an emphasis on emotional authenticity rooted in cinema's tradition of intimate family portrayals. Anthikkad described the concept's immediate appeal, stating, "As soon as I heard it, I knew I had found my next film." The film was produced by Central Pictures, the banner behind several of Anthikkad's earlier works including Kudumbapuranam (1988), with an estimated budget of approximately ₹7 crore. began in the lead-up to , which commenced in October 2021 in , following the title announcement in December 2021. The title Makal, meaning "daughter" in , was inspired by actor 's daughter Malavika, as revealed by Jayaram during a press event.

Filming

Principal photography for Makal commenced in mid-October 2021 in , , marking the return of lead actress to the sets after a five-year hiatus. The production progressed at a brisk pace across various locations in , capturing the story's setting in and surrounding areas to portray authentic middle-class life. By early December 2021, the shoot had reached its final stages, with lead actor sharing updates on about the nearing completion. Principal filming wrapped up on December 18, 2021, spanning approximately three months. Cinematography was handled by S. Kumar, who utilized sync sound recording—a technique Anthikad adopted following his previous film—to enhance the naturalistic feel of the family interactions. This approach aligned with director Sathyan Anthikad's vision for realistic depictions of familial bonds, as conceptualized during development. Post-production followed swiftly, with completed by K. Rajagopal ahead of the film's April 2022 release.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Makal was composed by , featuring two original vocal songs that blend soft melodic elements with contemporary arrangements to complement the film's exploration of relationships. The were written by B.K. Harinarayanan, emphasizing themes of affection and reconciliation. The album was released digitally on platforms like and in April 2022, ahead of the film's theatrical premiere on April 29, 2022, allowing audiences to engage with the music early. The songs are picturized in key scenes that highlight the central father-daughter dynamic and family interactions, enhancing emotional depth without overpowering the dialogue-driven narrative. For instance, "Kanmaniye" plays during intimate family moments, underscoring tenderness and longing, while "Mayalle Maayalle" accompanies reflective sequences involving the lead characters, evoking warmth and nostalgia.
Song TitleSinger(s)DurationDescription
KanmaniyePradeep Kumar, Karthika Vaidyanathan, 4:26An emotional that captures the essence of parental and reunion, with portraying enduring affection like "Kanmaniye ennennum" (My darling forever). Featured in scenes of familial bonding and .
Mayalle Maayalle5:13A soulful solo track expressing subtle yearning and joy in relationships, integrated into plot points involving everyday family life and gatherings, such as shared meals or quiet reflections.

Background score

The background score for Makal was composed by , who also orchestrated and produced the instrumental music to support the film's family drama narrative. described the experience of scoring the film as rewarding, particularly in collaborating with director . The score complements the songs by , providing non-vocal underscoring throughout the runtime.

Release

Theatrical

Makal had its worldwide theatrical release on 29 April 2022, coinciding with the easing of restrictions that had previously limited cinema operations in . The debut marked a return to full-scale screenings for films amid recovering audiences. Distributed by Central Pictures in and through international partners for overseas markets, the film was screened on multiple theaters across the state and abroad, including limited releases in the United States on 28 April and the on 5 May. The rollout emphasized accessibility for viewers, with promotions via trailers that underscored the film's themes of familial bonds and generational connections. The (CBFC) awarded the film a U rating, making it suitable for unrestricted public exhibition.

Home media

Following its theatrical release, Makal became available for streaming on the OTT platform Manorama MAX starting August 18, 2022. The film was later added to Prime Video. Satellite rights for television broadcast were sold to , though specific premiere details were not publicly detailed at the time. No physical media releases, such as DVD or Blu-ray, have been documented for the film.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Makal received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its emotional portrayal of family dynamics while critiquing its predictable plot and lack of depth. The film holds an average rating of 5.3/10 on from 1,458 user votes, indicating a divided audience response. awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, commending the visceral moments of miscommunication and generational friction between but noting that the story veers into an overly utopian resolution with forced developments. Critics lauded Sathyan Anthikad's direction for its subtle handling of familial bonds, blending mild humor with observational slice-of-life elements that evoke warmth in scenes of reconnection. Jayaram's performance as the Gulf-returnee father Nandakumar was highlighted as heartfelt and well-executed, capturing the character's doting yet out-of-touch nature effectively. However, flaws in pacing, such as slow and dragging dialogues, along with a lack of originality in the script, were common criticisms, with the narrative accused of skimming the surface of its promising generation-gap theme without deeper exploration. The introduction of unnecessary subplots, including a forced antagonist, further diluted the focus. Reviews from The Hindu emphasized the film's underutilization of a storyline about a father struggling to connect with his teenage daughter after years abroad, stating, "Fraying and gelling of familial bonds has been one of the constant concerns throughout [Anthikad’s] career," yet it fails to delve beyond the surface. Manorama Online focused on its relevance to migrant family issues, noting Nandakumar's adjustment after 15 years in the Gulf and the emotional challenges of reconnection, with the review observing, "Certain scenes exude the warmth of filial bonding" in a feel-good entertainer that grips through its premise. Post-release social media trends mirrored this consensus, with discussions praising the heartfelt family themes alongside complaints about the predictable and preachy elements.

Box office

Makal was produced on a budget of approximately ₹7 . The film opened to moderate collections, earning an estimated ₹0.3 in net on its first day. Collections declined over the subsequent days due to mixed word-of-mouth, with the first three days totaling around ₹0.85 net. By the end of its theatrical run, Makal collected an India net of ₹1.06 , translating to an approximate gross of ₹1.25 , with negligible overseas earnings. The majority of the earnings, roughly 80-90%, came from the market, reflecting the typical regional dominance for films. Overall, the film was considered an average to below-average grosser given its , achieving a worldwide gross of about ₹1.25-2.25 depending on estimates. In comparison to director Sathyan Anthikad's previous work (2019), which earned a worldwide gross of ₹24 and was a commercial success, Makal underperformed significantly at the .

Awards and nominations

Despite its heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics, Makal did not secure any major awards or nominations following its 2022 release. The film was absent from the winners' list at the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards, which honored 2022 Malayalam releases such as Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam for Best Film and Mammootty for Best Actor. Similarly, it received no nods in the Malayalam categories at the 68th Filmfare Awards South 2023, where films like Nna Thaan Case Kodu dominated with wins for Best Film and Best Director. Meera Jasmine's performance as the central mother figure, marking her return to after a hiatus, also did not garner individual acting accolades at these ceremonies or other prominent regional events. As of 2025, no new awards have been bestowed upon the film, though its themes of parental reconnection continue to resonate in discussions of family dramas. The production's modest commercial and critical footprint likely limited its visibility in award circuits compared to higher-profile contemporaries like .

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15554616/
  2. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/review/2022/Apr/29/makal-movie-review-a-good-bad-parenting-tale-thats-too-simplistic-31178.html
  3. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Makal/0SEMWTJV96AG6VI363T4CTEW06
  4. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/makal/movie-review/91173557.cms
  5. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sathyan-anthikkads-makal-features-jayaram-and-meera-jasmine/article65363181.ece
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15554616/fullcredits/
  7. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/makal/cast-and-crew
  8. https://www.sacnilk.com/news/Makal_2022_Box_Office_Collection_Day_Wise_Worldwide
  9. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jayaram-reveals-that-this-person-inspired-sathyan-anthikad-to-title-their-next-as-makal/articleshow/90103200.cms
  10. https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/south/shooting-of-meera-jasmines-film-with-sathyan-anthikad-to-start-rolling-in-kochi-2922619.html
  11. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/watch-meera-jasmine-plays-juliet-in-sathyan-anthikads-directorial-the-national-award-winning-actress-joins-the-sets/articleshow/87058255.cms
  12. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jayaram-sathyan-anthikad-film-magal-reached-the-final-leg-of-shooting/articleshow/88238573.cms
  13. https://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/wrap-jayaram-meera-jasmine-starrer-makal/
  14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/makal-trailer-jayaram-meera-jasmine-starrer-is-a-complete-family-entertainer/articleshow/90844950.cms
  15. https://open.spotify.com/album/7mxc51LN6FgI9cxd9Oki2X
  16. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/makal/v-%2CXbkHaoYA_
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciQeMmQTWTo
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En26K0L3XOM
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15554616/soundtrack/
  20. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/music/malayalam/makal-song-kanmaniye-lyrical/videoshow/91129537.cms
  21. https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/listsongs.php?y=2022
  22. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/makal-teaser-sathyan-anthikad-aims-to-deliver-a-platter-of-happiness-with-the-jayaram-meera-jasmine-starrer/articleshow/90284308.cms
  23. https://www.instagram.com/p/CaB5DOxvoyr/
  24. https://www.lensmenreviews.com/makal-malayalam-movie-review-2022/
  25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/confirmed-sathyan-anthikads-makalto-release-in-april/articleshow/90287119.cms
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15554616/releaseinfo/
  27. https://www.mallurelease.com/2021/11/makal-movie.html
  28. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jayaram-meera-jasmine-starrer-makal-gets-a-clean-u-certificate/articleshow/90705756.cms
  29. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jayaram-meera-jasmine-starrer-makal-gets-an-ott-release-date/articleshow/93514316.cms
  30. https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2022/04/29/sathyan-anthikad-jayaram-meera-jasmine-movie-makal-review.html
  31. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/makal-movie-review-family-drama-satisfies-itself-in-just-skimming-the-surface/article65366645.ece
  32. https://www.reddit.com/r/MalayalamMovies/comments/uekqw6/whats_the_verdict_on_makal_2022/
  33. https://www.sacnilk.com/quicknews/Makal_2022_Day_4_Box_Office_Collection
  34. https://boxoffice.sacnilk.com/movie/Makal_2022
  35. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls517087266/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls098032654/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15554616/awards/
  38. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-state-film-awards-2022-nanpakal-nerathu-mayakkam-wins-best-film-mammootty-and-vincy-aloshious-win-acting-honours/article67105863.ece
  39. https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2023/malayalam/winners
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.