Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Paavada
View on Wikipedia
| Paavada | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | G. Marthandan |
| Screenplay by | Bipin Chandran |
| Story by | Bipin Chandran Shibin Francis |
| Produced by | Maniyanpilla Raju |
| Starring | Prithviraj Sukumaran Miya Anoop Menon Asha Sarath Nedumudi Venu Maniyanpilla Raju |
| Narrated by | Anil Nedumangad |
| Cinematography | Pradeep Nair |
| Edited by | Johnkutty |
| Music by |
|
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Anto Joseph Release & Tricolor Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 145 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Box office | est. ₹34 crore[2] |
Paavada (transl. Skirt) is a 2016 Indian comedy drama film directed by G. Marthandan and written by Bipin Chandran, based on the story he co-wrote with Shibin Francis. The film is about the life of two alcoholics. It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Anoop Menon in lead roles along with Miya, Asha Sarath, Nedumudi Venu and Maniyanpilla Raju in supporting roles. The film was produced by Maniyanpilla Raju. The music was composed by Aby Tom Cyriac and released under the label Muzik 247.
Paavada released on 15 January 2016. The film was a commercial success, grossing ₹35 crore (US$4.1 million) at the box office.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]The film opens with a poem by the Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz.[3] An alcoholic duo meet at a de-addiction center helps each other to arrange their lives back together with their persistent illness. Pambu Joy's married life is in a muddle due to his alcoholism. Pavada Babu's life is in pieces due to a film he produced in which Sicily, Joy's mother, was the heroine, and was directed by his close friend Chandramohan, who died soon after shooting the film. For financial gain, the film was adulterated by his friend Eldho. Eldho intends to re-release the film's 3D extended version. Both Joy and Babu fight through their alcoholism to stop the re-release of the film due to the added pain that it will cause for Babu and to Joy's mother Sicily forms the crux of the story.
Cast
[edit]- Prithviraj Sukumaran as Joy Varghese (Pambu Joy)
- Athul as Toddler Joy
- Anoop Menon as Ex dismissed Professor Babu Joseph (Paavada Babu)
- Miya George as Sinimol, Joy's Wife
- Asha Sarath as Sicily Varghese, Joy's mother
- Maniyanpilla Raju as Advocate Gunasekharan Nair, Babu's Friend
- Nedumudi Venu as Ayyappan Pillai
- Kalabhavan Shajohn as Eldho Kunnanthanam
- Sharaf U Dheen as Vilakkoothi Rajan, Joy's Friend
- Sudheer Karamana as Fr. Stephen
- Chemban Vinod Jose as Fr. Kattipparamban
- Jayakrishnan as Kallu Varkki, Joy's Father
- Manikuttan as SI Suresh
- Kunchan as Cleetus, Bar Manager
- Murali Gopy as Chandramohan
- Saikumar as Joseph, Babu's Father
- Siddique as Advocate Anantharama Iyer
- Renji Panicker as Paul Zacharia
- Anil Nedumangad as Chacko, Toddy Shop Drunker
- Lakshmi Sanal as Sajini/Saleenamma
- Maala Parvathi as Mother Superior
- Chali Pala as Advocate Kailash
- Sunil Sukhada as Thevally Manoharan
- Binu Adimaly as Police constable Sugathan
- Kalabhavan Haneef as Kapyar Varghese
- Dinesh Prabhakar as Thattukada Kunjumon
- Shaju Sreedhar as MLA's Brother-in-Law
- Purushu as Ayyappan
- Surjith Gopinath as Drunkard
- Manju Warrier as Babu's Fiancée (cameo appearance)[4]
Production
[edit]Earlier, Shobana was approached for the role of Sicily, but the actress turned down the role as she was not willing to do mother role of Prithviraj, she was replaced by Asha Sarath.[5] Actor Jayasurya has sung a song for the film, titled "Kuruthakkedinte Koodanu," composed by Aby Tom Cyriac, which describes the character of Joy (Prithviraj).[6] According to Maniyanpilla Raju, the film will have "a lot of twists".[7]
Music
[edit]| Paavada | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 2016 | |||
| Genre | Film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 10:02 | |||
| Label | Muzik 247 | |||
| Producer | Maniyan Pilla Raju | |||
| Aby Tom Cyriac chronology | ||||
| ||||
The film's songs are composed by Aby Tom Cyriac with lyrics written by B. K. Hari Narayanan. There are three songs and one is a promo song sung by Nedumudi Venu.[8] Jayasurya, K. G. Ranjith and Nedumudi Venu are the singers. The music was released through the label Muzik 247. The audio music launch was held in a low profile event at Kochi in December 2015, the money generated from which went to Chennai flood victims' relief funds.[9] Aby Tom Cyriac has sampled music from Indian ethnic genre of the early 80s and late 90s.[10]
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kuruthakkedinte Koodane" | Jayasurya | 4:11 |
| 2. | "Paavam Paavada" | Ranjith | 3:12 |
| 3. | "Eha Loka Jeevitham" | Nedumudi Venu | 2:38 |
| Total length: | 10:02 | ||
Release
[edit]Reception
[edit]Box office
[edit]Paavada grossed approximately ₹23 crore (US$2.7 million) in the opening weekend from India box office.[12] The film's final gross collection is estimated as ₹34 crore (US$4.0 million) with a share of ₹17 crore (US$2.0 million). It completed 100 days theatrical run in the state.[2]
Critical response
[edit]The Times of India rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and stated that the movie does try to explain alcoholism as a way of dealing with helplessness and how it can ruin one's credibility.[13] Rediff.com gave 3.5 out of 5: Bipin Chandran's screenplay discusses the ethical, moral and legal issues pertaining to such situations. There are elaborate court scenes that test our patience for two and a half hours. This is one of the fertile periods in Prithviraj's career and he makes it even better with this film. He has to be a breezily comic fellow in the first half that he does unpretentiously making this film yet another winner as far as his performance goes. He gets able support from Anoop Menon, Nedumudi Venu and Maniyanpilla Raju. Paavada can be called a decent effort only if we ignore the flaws.[14] Indiaglitz rated 4 out of 5 and said The story, screenplay and dialogues by Bipin Chandran deserves credit. Director Marthandan could capture the essence of the story and deliver a good narration. Background score was conventional. Editing and cinematography were good with the editing being sharp and camera angles very effective, especially the dramatic part involving Prithviraj and the fight sequences. Performances from Prithviraj, Anoop Menon and Nedumudi were outstanding. Prithviraj has proved his range with this cinema as he lives as Joy onscreen. Anoop Menon holds his own in a demanding character. Miya was adorable as Joy's wife. "Paavada" is sure to stay around for a long time for its one-liners and humour.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Pavada(2016 film) – Duration". Facebook. 13 February 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2016.
- ^ a b c Anu James (6 April 2016). "Kerala box office: Here is the collection report of "King Liar," 'Kali,' "Vettah," 'Paavada,' 'Puthiya Niyamam'". International Business Times. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
- ^ G. Ragesh (15 January 2016). "Beautiful "Paavada" woven out of quagmire". Onmanorama.
- ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith. "Anoop suggested Manju Warrier for Pavada". Times of India. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
- ^ Anu James (28 January 2016). "Maniyanpilla Raju reveals why Shobana turned down role as Prithviraj's mother in 'Paavada'". International Business Times. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- ^ Anjana George (23 December 2015). "Jayasurya's song for Prithviraj is out". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
- ^ Sanjith Sidhardhan (7 December 2015). "Prithviraj's outstanding in Pavada: Maniyanpillai". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ Anjana George (9 November 2015). "Hari Narayanan to pen songs for 'Pavada'". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ "Spotted Prithviraj during Pavada audio launch in Kochi". The Times of India. Times News Network. 17 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ Anjana George (17 November 2015). "Pavada to have ethnic background score". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ Sanjith Sidhardhan (3 January 2016). "Prithviraj and Fahadh to lock horns in Jan". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ Onmanaorama Staff (18 January 2016). "'Pavada' rules box office; "Two Countries", "Charlie" running successfully". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
- ^ "Pavada Movie Review {3.5/5}: Critic Review of Pavada by Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ "Review: Paavada is a decent effort".
- ^ "Pavada review. Pavada Malayalam movie review, story, rating".
External links
[edit]Paavada
View on GrokipediaStory and Characters
Synopsis
Paavada follows the lives of two chronic alcoholics, Pambu Joy and Prof. Pavada Babu, whose paths cross amid their battles with addiction and a haunting shared history. Joy, a carefree young man from a rural background, ekes out a living through odd jobs primarily to sustain his drinking habit, which has severely strained his marriage to Sinimol, a compassionate nurse who eventually leaves him.[3][4] Babu, a middle-aged former English professor known for his Shakespearean quotes, has lost his career, his wife, and his dignity to alcohol, often spending nights in remorseful acts like throwing stones at his ex-lover's window.[2][3] Concerned family and friends commit both men to a church-run de-addiction center, where they are roomed together and quickly form an unlikely bond through humorous exchanges, shared stories of their daily struggles, and mutual support during the initial throes of withdrawal. Their comedic interactions—ranging from bar reminiscences to failed escape attempts—highlight the film's early blend of levity and melancholy, as they navigate the center's strict regimen while grappling with cravings and relapses.[5][6][2] The plot intensifies when Joy discovers a tin box in Babu's possession containing an old film reel Babu produced years ago, now slated for re-release by a producer seeking profit. This film encapsulates a traumatic secret from their pasts: Babu produced a movie featuring Joy's mother as the lead actress, involving soft-core elements that were altered for financial gain, leading her to abandon the family after its release and contributing to the helplessness-fueled alcoholism of Joy and Babu.[7][3][8] Motivated to protect their loved ones from further pain—especially Joy's mother and Babu's lingering guilt—the duo vows to sober up fully, escape the center, and halt the re-release through legal means, including hiring a lawyer and engaging in a tense court battle.[7][6] As they endure harrowing withdrawal symptoms, multiple relapses triggered by stress, and interpersonal conflicts, subplots deepen their character arcs: Joy woos back Sinimol with gestures of change, rekindling their romance amid vulnerability, while Babu reconciles fragments of his family life with his ex-wife, confronting the emotional void alcohol filled.[2][3] Alcohol emerges as the story's primary antagonist, embodying helplessness and escape, with the protagonists' journey emphasizing friendship's redemptive power. Over its 147-minute runtime, the comedy-drama pacing shifts from lighthearted banter to thriller-like tension in the second half, resolving with their successful injunction against the re-release, personal sobriety milestones, and a fortified bond that fosters lasting growth.[1][9][6]Cast and Characters
Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays Joy Varghese, also known as Pambu Joy, a down-on-his-luck alcoholic from a poor, uneducated family near Pala who ekes out a living through odd jobs such as headload work, driving, and plumbing.[10] His character is depicted as an unrepentant boozer, irresponsible and unkempt, often excusing his heavy drinking with unresolved past trauma that has led to a muddled married life and embodies the destructive, carefree spiral of addiction.[2][5] Anoop Menon plays Prof. Babu Joseph, nicknamed Paavada Babu, a former English college professor turned serial alcoholic whose intellectual pursuits, including quoting Shakespeare while inebriated, mask a deep-seated helplessness stemming from a ruined career and lost marriage due to his drinking.[2][9] As a middle-aged barfly, Babu's sympathetic yet flawed persona highlights the theme of addiction as a response to personal failures, forming an unlikely bond that underscores loyalty and mutual support in recovery efforts.[10] Miya George essays the role of Sinimol, Joy's long-suffering wife and a nurse who met him at a blood donation camp; her winsome, bold, and grief-stricken homemaker traits represent the stabilizing force of sobriety amid familial chaos caused by addiction.[2][5][11] Asha Sarath appears as Cicily Varghese, Joy's hapless mother who abandoned her family following her involvement in a film project, portraying a woman in the twilight of life whose emotional depth contributes to the narrative's exploration of generational impacts of poor choices and regret.[12][2] This role was originally offered to Shobana, who declined due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Asha Sarath's casting.[13][14] Nedumudi Venu takes on the supporting role of Ayyappan Pillai (Pillechan), the caretaker of Babu's home, serving as a mentor-like figure often seen indulging in drink alongside Joy, adding layers to the camaraderie and shared struggles with alcoholism.[10] Maniyanpilla Raju plays Advocate Gunasekaran, a comedic producer character who provides relief through his humorous antics while tying into the film's reflections on past filmmaking endeavors that exacerbated personal downfalls.[15]Production
Development
The development of Paavada began in 2015 under the direction of G. Marthandan, marking his third feature film as director, following Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus (2013) and Acha Dhin (2015). The project was produced by Maniyanpilla Raju through his banner, with the story centering on the lives of two alcoholics navigating personal redemption in a Kerala setting. Marthandan had long sought to collaborate with Raju, who provided complete creative freedom during pre-production.[16] The screenplay was crafted by Bipin Chandran, based on an original story co-written by Bipin Chandran and Shibin Francis, blending comedy and drama to explore themes of addiction and friendship. Chandran, known for prior successes like Best Actor and 1983, delivered a script that Marthandan described as "beautiful," emphasizing character-driven narratives over formulaic tropes. Prithviraj Sukumaran, after turning down four earlier concepts from the director, immediately committed to the project upon reading the script.[17][16] Initial casting saw Prithviraj attached as the lead Joy Varghese, a carefree alcoholic, and Anoop Menon as the scholarly Babu Joseph, forming the film's core duo early in pre-production. A key female role, intended as Prithviraj's on-screen mother, was first offered to Shobana, but she declined due to concerns over portraying a maternal figure to a younger leading man, citing potential impact on her image. The part was subsequently awarded to Asha Sharath.[18][19] Pre-production spanned much of 2015, focusing on script refinements and casting finalizations before principal photography commenced later that year. The film was mounted on a modest budget estimated at ₹5.5 crore, allowing for a character-focused production without extravagant sets.[20]Filming
Principal photography for Paavada commenced on 24 August 2015 in Thodupuzha, Kerala, with the cast and crew capturing a major portion of the film there.[21] The production progressed through late September 2015, when it was in its final stages at the same location.[22] By early October 2015, lead actor Prithviraj Sukumaran had completed his portions, allowing the team to wrap principal shooting soon after.[23] Additional scenes were filmed in Fort Kochi during mid-October 2015, focusing on interior setups in local bungalows.[10] The technical aspects were handled by cinematographer Pradeep Nair, who managed the visual capture across Kerala's varied settings, and editor John Kutty, responsible for assembling the footage in post-production.[15] These efforts contributed to the film's runtime of 147 minutes, blending urban and rural Kerala landscapes to suit the narrative's themes.[15] Post-production, including editing and sound work, was finalized in early 2016 ahead of the film's theatrical release on 15 January 2016.[24]Music
Composition
The background score for Paavada was composed by Gopi Sundar, an established Malayalam music director known for his work on films like Ustad Hotel and Bangalore Days.[25] Initially, Aby Tom Cyriac, who handled the film's songs in his feature debut, was slated to compose the score as well, but he stepped down due to health concerns, leading Sundar to take over the project in late 2015.[25]Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Paavada features three songs composed by Aby Tom Cyriac, with lyrics penned by B. K. Harinarayanan, reflecting the film's themes of addiction, friendship, and emotional redemption through the protagonists' struggles with alcoholism. Released on December 19, 2015, by Muzik 247, the album runs for a total of 10 minutes and emphasizes the lead characters' carefree yet troubled lives.[26] The track listing includes:- Kuruthakedinte Koodane (duration: 4:10), sung by Jayasurya, serves as an upbeat opener depicting the drunken escapades of protagonist Joy (Prithviraj Sukumaran) and his friend Babu Joseph (Anoop Menon), capturing their joyful yet addictive bond amid heavy percussions and situational humor.[27]
- Paavam Paavada (duration: 3:12), the title track rendered by K. G. Ranjith, is a peppy number picturized on the lead duo in a lively montage that highlights their lighthearted camaraderie and the film's central motif of flawed yet endearing lives.[27][26]
- Ehalokajeevitham (duration: 2:38), a poignant promo song voiced by Nedumudi Venu, dedicates itself to the characters' emotional journeys, underscoring themes of redemption and worldly existence through simple melodies and heartfelt verses.[27][26]
