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Punnaram Cholli Cholli
Punnaram Cholli Cholli
Punnaram Cholli Cholli
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Punnaram Cholli Cholli
Directed byPriyadarshan
Screenplay bySreenivasan
Story byPriyadarshan
StarringRahman
Shankar
Zarina Wahab
Sreenivasan
Innocent
Bharat Gopy
Nedumudi Venu
Lizy
CinematographyS. Kumar
Edited byN. Gopalakrishnan
Music byJerry Amaldev
Johnson (score)
Production
company
Swayamvara Productions
Distributed byDinny Films
Release date
  • 11 January 1985 (1985-01-11)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Punnaram Cholli Cholli is a 1985 Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Sreenivasan from a story by Priyadarshan. Starring Shankar and Rahman.[1] The film was a commercial success at the box office.

Plot

[edit]

Biju is a motherless boy from a rich family. He studies in Ooty in a boarding school and spends his vacations in his father's ancestral village. His father, a busy lawyer has no time for him or his vast property. The property is looked after by Krishnankutty Nair and his assistant, Shivaraman. The duo live off the property selling the produce on the sly because Biju is too innocent to notice anything.

Vinodini, the niece of the local baker Peethambharan reaches the village to join for duty at the local bank. Biju saves her from reaching her uncle's house via a long route suggested by Shivaraman and Krishnankutty Nair. Vinodini considers Biju her younger brother and the lonely Biju becomes good friends with her.

The conniving duo, Shivaraman and Krishnankutty Nair, mislead Biju into believing that Vinodini is in love with him and desires him as her husband. They want the boy out of their way so that they can pilfer from the farm without having to look out for him. The innocent boy falls for their story. This leads to misunderstandings, disappointment, jealousy and the duo further goad him to take revenge for a perceived rejection which leads to a terrible tragedy.

Cast

[edit]

Songs

[edit]

The movie had four songs composed by Jerry Amaldev and written by O. N. V. Kurup[2]

  1. "Arayarayo Kinginiyo" - K. S. Chithra
  2. "Atha Poovum Nulli" - K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra[3]
  3. "Neerkili Neenthi Vaa" - K. S. Chithra
  4. "Vaa Kuruvi Inakkuruvi" - M. G. Sreekumar, K. S. Chithra[4]

Reception

[edit]

Punnaram Cholli Cholli was distributed by Dinny Films and was a commercial success at the box office.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Punnaram Cholli Cholli

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Punnaram Cholli Cholli is a Indian Malayalam-language romantic drama film directed by and written by from a story by , centering on a motherless named Biju who forms a platonic bond with a woman that is maliciously exploited by greedy property caretakers, leading to tragic consequences. The film stars Rahman as the young protagonist Biju, a from a wealthy family who returns to his father's ancestral village in for a vacation, where he encounters the scheming Krishnankutty () and Sivaraman (), who manage the property while siphoning off its resources. Biju's innocent attachment to Vinodini (), a local woman, is twisted by the duo into a false romantic narrative to manipulate him and secure their illicit gains, blending elements of youthful affection, deception, and heartbreak. Supporting roles feature prominent actors including Shankar, Innocent, and Lizy, with music composed by Jerry Amaldev, contributing to its nostalgic appeal in 1980s regional cinema. Released on January 11, 1985, the movie explores themes of innocence lost, familial neglect, and rural exploitation, marking an early collaboration between director and screenwriter that foreshadowed their later successful comedic ventures, though this entry leans more toward dramatic tension. It received mixed reviews upon release, with an IMDb rating of 4.7/10, but remains notable for its portrayal of cinema's evolving storytelling in the mid-1980s.

Production

Development

Punnaram Cholli Cholli originated from a story conceived by director , envisioning a romantic centered on themes of youthful innocence and deception within a rural village setting. The narrative follows a young boy forming a platonic bond with a local woman, which is exploited by corrupt caretakers of family property, blending elements of emotional attachment with critiques of familial neglect. Priyadarshan penned the original story, while screenwriter adapted it into the screenplay and dialogues, infusing satirical commentary on property mismanagement and the disregard for family responsibilities by those in charge. This collaboration marked one of the early partnerships between and Sreenivasan, who would go on to work together on several influential films in the 1980s. The film was produced under Swayamvara Productions, established as Priyadarshan's own banner for this project, reflecting his growing independence in the industry following the commercial success of his directorial debut, (1984). As Priyadarshan's second feature film, it built on his emerging reputation for blending humor, romance, and social observation in . Pre-production culminated in late 1984, with the script finalized ahead of , leading to the film's release on January 11, 1985. The venture capitalized on Priyadarshan's rising profile, enabling smoother assembly of creative and logistical elements for this intimate rural tale.

Filming

for Punnaram Cholli Cholli took place to capture the story's settings. Cinematographer S. Kumar handled the visual capture, focusing on the film's scenic and dramatic requirements. The editing was overseen by N. Gopalakrishnan, who managed the pacing for the film's 137-minute runtime, balancing its romantic and tragic sequences. The production was managed by Swayamvara Productions, with distribution handled by Dinny Films.

Cast and characters

Lead roles

Rashin Rahman played the lead role of Biju, a naive and motherless young man from a wealthy family whose vulnerability drives the film's central deception and romantic elements. In this early phase of his career, shortly after his debut in the 1983 Koodevide, Rahman portrayed Biju's emotional attachment and innocence, particularly in his platonic relationship with Vinodini that becomes tragically misinterpreted. Zarina Wahab portrayed Vinodini, a who arrives in the village and forms a sibling-like bond with Biju, unwittingly drawing her into the ensuing romantic confusion and manipulation. Wahab, already an established actress in Hindi and by 1985 with notable roles in films like (1976), brought a sense of warmth and relatability to the character, emphasizing her inadvertent role in the plot's misunderstandings. enacted Krishnankutty Nair, the scheming caretaker of Biju's family property who exploits the young man's naivety, thereby underscoring themes of familial neglect and betrayal in the narrative. As a veteran actor known for his nuanced performances in during the , including acclaimed works like (1977), Gopy's depiction highlighted the character's greed and manipulative influence on the family dynamics. Nedumudi Venu portrayed Sivaraman, Krishnankutty's co-conspirator and fellow property overseer, whose deceptive tactics amplify the film's dramatic tension by goading Biju toward misguided actions. Venu, a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema known for his versatile supporting roles in the 1980s, added depth to the character's role in the schemes of rural exploitation.

Supporting roles

Nedumudi Venu portrayed Shivaraman, Krishnankutty's co-conspirator and property overseer, whose deceptive tactics amplify the 's comedic timing while heightening dramatic stakes by goading Biju toward misguided actions. Shivaraman's adds realism to the village setting, depicting the interpersonal dynamics of and loyalty among locals. Sreenivasan appeared as Rameshan, a peripheral figure whose interactions contribute to the satirical undertones, drawing on his signature understated wit to underscore the film's exploration of deception and human . In a key advisory capacity, Rameshan's presence enhances the narrative's layered conflicts without dominating the central arc. Innocent essayed Peethambharan, Vinodini's uncle and a local , delivering through his quirky mannerisms that ground the story in authentic village life. His performance bolsters the realism of familial ties and community interactions, providing levity amid the unfolding deception. Lizy and Shankar featured in supporting capacities as village locals and family affiliates, with Lizy as a student doctor offering brief glimpses into the community's supportive yet flawed social fabric, and Shankar as Aravind, a friend-like figure who subtly reinforces the themes of and . Their roles add depth to the , emphasizing everyday realism in the rural backdrop. The pairing of and Innocent exemplifies their established comedic synergy in 1980s , where their on-screen chemistry—rooted in subtle timing and relatable quirks—elevates the supporting elements to enrich the film's satirical bite on societal pretenses.

Plot

Biju, a motherless teenager from a wealthy , attends boarding school in and returns to his father's ancestral village in for his summer vacation. His father, a prominent preoccupied with work, entrusts the management of their vast estate to Krishnankutty and Sivaraman, two unscrupulous caretakers who secretly sell off the property's produce for personal gain. During his stay, Biju encounters Vinodini, a kind-hearted new to the village, and the two form a close platonic friendship, with Vinodini treating him like a younger brother. Unaware of the caretakers' schemes, Biju confides in them about his affection for Vinodini. Seizing the opportunity to exploit Biju's innocence and secure more funds, Krishnankutty and Sivaraman fabricate a romantic narrative, convincing the naive boy that Vinodini reciprocates his feelings in a romantic sense. They manipulate him into believing she is in love with him, using this deception to extract money from him under . As the lies unravel, Biju faces profound emotional turmoil and betrayal, culminating in tragic consequences that highlight themes of innocence lost and exploitation.

Soundtrack

Songs

The soundtrack of Punnaram Cholli Cholli features four main songs, all with lyrics penned by the renowned poet O. N. V. Kurup. These tracks, composed by Jerry Amaldev, integrate seamlessly into the film's narrative, enhancing its romantic and dramatic elements through vivid picturization in scenic Ooty locations and rural village settings. "Arayarayo Kinginiyo," a playful solo sung by , introduces the budding romantic tension, capturing lighthearted moments amid the lush hills. The song's upbeat melody and Kurup's whimsical lyrics evoke a sense of youthful mischief, with visuals showcasing encounters in scenic landscapes. "Atha Poovum Nulli," rendered by and , serves as an emotional duet highlighting the deepening interactions between Biju and Vinodini, blending tender melodies with poignant lyrics that reflect their growing affection. Picturized in serene landscapes, the song underscores moments of vulnerability and connection, with Yesudas's soulful rendition complementing Chithra's emotive vocals. "Neerkili Neenthi Vaa," a solo by , provides a solitary reflection on themes of and longing, featuring introspective that delve into the character's inner turmoil. The track's melancholic tone is visualized in misty village backdrops, emphasizing isolation and emotional depth through Chithra's expressive singing. "Vaa Kuruvi Inakkuruvi," an upbeat number performed by and , energizes a lively village sequence, portraying communal joy and flirtatious banter with Kurup's rhythmic, folk-inspired lyrics. Filmed in rustic village settings, the song's infectious energy and harmony highlight celebratory moments, adding vibrancy to the film's lighter interludes.

Music composition

The music for Punnaram Cholli Cholli was composed by Jerry Amaldev, a veteran Malayalam film composer known for his work in the 1980s that fused Indian classical elements with Western orchestration to create melodic and emotionally resonant scores. Amaldev, who debuted prominently in the early 1980s after training in both Hindustani and Western music traditions, brought a signature style of romantic melodies supported by light, off-beat orchestration to the film's soundtrack, influencing its structure of four key songs that balanced lyrical intimacy with subtle dramatic swells. One tune in the soundtrack was reused from his earlier work in the 1979 film Mamatha, adapted with lyrics by O. N. V. Kurup. Amaldev's approach emphasized acoustic , such as the , to evoke a rural, feel that aligned with the film's thematic undertones of and longing, while avoiding heavy symphonic layers to maintain focus. The recording process involved collaboration with local musicians, ensuring precise harmony and chord progressions that enhanced the songs' singability without dominating the dialogue-driven scenes. The background score complemented this by delivering tense, understated cues during moments of and , utilizing sparse string arrangements and rhythmic pulses to build and emotional depth, thereby underscoring the film's of vulnerabilities while preserving its intimate tone. Overall, Amaldev's composition contributed to the atmosphere by weaving romantic with dramatic tension, allowing the music to amplify thematic resonance rather than overshadow the story's progression.

Release and reception

Box office

Punnaram Cholli Cholli was released on 11 January 1985 and distributed by Dinny Films throughout Kerala. The film achieved commercial success, emerging as a hit in the Malayalam cinema landscape of the mid-1980s. It was reported as a huge hit at the box office, benefiting from director Priyadarshan's growing prominence following his earlier works. Additionally, the movie ranked among the biggest box-office successes in the career of lead actor Bharat Gopy. In the context of releases, Punnaram Cholli Cholli stood out for its appeal to family audiences amid contemporaries like Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu, which dominated the year's top earners. Its profitability was enhanced by sustained theatrical runs in key theaters, driven partly by positive word-of-mouth. The distributor share through Dinny Films contributed significantly to its financial viability, though exact gross figures remain unpublicized in available records.

Critical response

Punnaram Cholli Cholli was a commercial success that contributed to 's rising reputation in . While it earned local acclaim in film circles, it did not receive major awards or nominations at national levels. On , the film holds a rating of 4.8/10 based on user reviews.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255526/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/844394-punnaram-cholli-cholli
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255526/fullcredits/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255526/plotsummary/
  5. https://erosnow.com/movie/watch/1059745/punnaram-cholli-cholli
  6. https://letterboxd.com/film/punnaram-cholli-cholli/
  7. https://bharatgopy.com/filmography/punnaaram-cholli-cholli-1985/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0255526/ratings/
  9. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/40-years-ago-priyadarshan-showed-malayalam-cinema-that-mohanlal-was-not-to-be-confined-to-villain-roles-9131549/
  10. https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movieslist.php?bn=1588
  11. https://directorpriyadarshan.com/movies/punnaram-cholli-cholli
  12. https://topshelfreviews.com/movies/1985/PunnaramCholliCholli.html
  13. https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/comedic-genius-innocent-indelible-treasure-malayalam-cinema-175088
  14. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/844394-punnaram-cholli-cholli?language=en-US
  15. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Punnaram-Cholli-Cholli/0GZ3L1LADGT44V22QDKN42KMQM
  16. http://www.actiononframes.com/movie/punnaram-cholli-cholli/
  17. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/punnaram-cholli-cholli/GNrILeLMX4Y_
  18. https://open.spotify.com/album/12PYKH2D1orXAAzzFVCCBG
  19. https://music.apple.com/us/album/punnaram-cholli-cholli-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1828813384
  20. https://open.spotify.com/track/1aXyedNOx7jbdC7PbTMfRd
  21. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/in-conversation-with-composer-jerry-amaldev/article26941045.ece
  22. https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/CALLING-the-tune/article14011963.ece
  23. https://testing.moviebuff.com/punnaram-cholli-cholli
  24. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls094349672/
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