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

Thomasleeha
Poster of the film
Directed byP. A. Thomas
Based onApocryphal missionary work of St. Thomas in India
Produced byP. A. Thomas
StarringMohan Sharma
Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair
Bahadoor
Music bySalil Chowdhury
Release date
  • 19 July 1975 (1975-07-19)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Thomasleeha or St. Thomas is a 1975 Indian Malayalam-language historical drama film based on the life of St. Thomas the Apostle and his missionary work in India. It was directed and produced by P. A. Thomas.[1][2]

Plot

[edit]

The film tells the story of St. Thomas the Apostle who reached the Malabar Coast in AD 52 to spread the Gospel among the Jews and locals who are today known as Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis. He eventually established the Ezharappallikal or Seven and Half Churches in Kerala. These churches are at Kodungallur, Palayoor, Kottakkavu (Paravur), Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kollam and Thiruvithamcode (half church). He became a martyr in AD 72, at St. Thomas Mount near Mylapore, Chennai.

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]

The music was composed by Salil Chowdhary and Sebastian Joseph.

No. Song Singers Lyrics Length (m:ss)
1 "Dhoomthana" Vani Jayaram Vayalar
2 "Dukhithare Peedithare" K. J. Yesudas, Chorus Vayalar
3 "Malayattoor Malayumkeri" K. P. Brahmanandan, Selma George, Zero Babu, Ramani Kedamangalam Sadanandan
4 "Vrischikappenne" K. J. Yesudas, Sabitha Chowdhary Vayalar

References

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

Thomasleeha

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomasleeha is a 1975 Indian Malayalam-language historical drama film directed, produced, and co-written by P. A. Thomas, depicting the life of and his evangelistic efforts in , , beginning in 52 AD. The film narrates how St. Thomas arrived on the to propagate among local Jewish communities and indigenous populations, establishing seven and a half churches known as the Ezharappallikal at sites including , Palayoor, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilackal, , and the half church at Thiruvithamcode. It culminates in his martyrdom in 72 AD at St. Thomas Mount near , highlighting the origins of the , or Nasranis, in the region. P. A. Thomas, who also served as alongside Father Syriac, drew from historical and religious traditions to craft the narrative, emphasizing activities and cultural interactions in ancient . The cast features in the lead role as St. Thomas, supported by prominent actors such as , , , , , , Murali, , Umesh, Ushakumari, and . With a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes, the film blends dramatic storytelling with elements of faith and history. The soundtrack, composed by the renowned in collaboration with Sebastian Joseph, includes lyrics by and Kedamangalam Sadanandan, featuring songs performed by , K. P. Brahmanandan, Ramani, Sabitha Chowdhary, and others, such as "Vrischikappenne" and "Malayattoor Malayum Kayari." Released on July 19, 1975, Thomasleeha received a modest reception, reflected in its IMDb user rating of 5.1 out of 10 based on limited votes, and it remains a notable entry in for its religious theme and period depiction.

Background and Development

Historical Context

According to longstanding traditions preserved by the of , the apostle Thomas arrived in around 52 AD, landing at the ancient port of (modern-day ) on the via a sea route from the , likely from Arabia or the . This journey aligned with established maritime trade networks connecting the Roman world to southern , where Jewish merchant communities had settled since at least the , providing an initial point of contact for his mission. Early textual references, such as the 3rd-century apocryphal , describe Thomas's evangelistic travels to "" under the auspices of a Parthian king, though these accounts primarily depict a northern Indo-Parthian context rather than the southern Malabar region; later traditions adapted this narrative to affirm his presence in . Thomas's evangelization efforts focused on diverse groups, including Jewish settlers, elites, and local traders and fishermen, whom he converted through preaching and reported miracles, emphasizing an ascetic form of . Over approximately two decades, he established seven and a half churches—known as Ezhara Palli or Ezharappallikal—across , serving as foundational communities rather than grand edifices, often marked by simple stone crosses. These included sites at (where he baptized around 40 and a local ruler's family), (converting about 1,400 people), Niranam, (Chayal), Kokkamangalam (1,600 conversions), Kottakkavu, and Palayur, with the "half church" traditionally at Thiruvithamcode, referring to a smaller or partial community; he also ordained priests and deacons from prominent local families to lead these groups. Archaeological evidence supporting early Christian presence includes 1st-century Roman coins and Greco-Roman amphorae unearthed near , indicating active and cultural exchange that facilitated such missions. By 72 AD, Thomas had traveled eastward along trade routes to the , where he met his martyrdom in (near modern ) on July 3, allegedly speared to death by local religious opponents while praying at Little Mount. His body was interred nearby, with relics including a spear fragment and blood-soaked preserved in the , which became a pilgrimage site. Portuguese explorers, arriving in the late , documented and venerated this upon its rediscovery in 1521, constructing a by 1525 and integrating it into colonial accounts that corroborated the local Nasrani traditions. The legacy of Thomas's mission endures in the (Nasranis), an indigenous Syriac-rite community in that traces its apostolic origins directly to him, maintaining unique liturgical practices and social structures tied to his converts' descendants. These traditions, preserved in oral songs like the Ramban Pattu (17th century) and supported by early Church Fathers such as (4th century), affirm the community's continuity from the , with ties to the through Persian bishops until the Portuguese era. Despite debates over the Acts of Thomas's geographic specificity, the enduring presence of these churches and relics provides tangible links to his purported foundational role in Indian Christianity.

Pre-Production

The inception of Thomasleeha occurred in the early 1970s when director P.A. Thomas, a multifaceted figure in , conceived the project as a follow-up to his earlier biblical film (1973), drawing inspiration from the apocryphal traditions of St. Thomas the Apostle's missionary activities in . Thomas, who had a background in theater and scriptwriting, aimed to bring this historical narrative to audiences through a locally resonant lens. The scriptwriting process was led by P.A. Thomas, with contributions from Father Syriac on the story, centered on adapting the legendary life of St. Thomas—particularly his arrival on the in 52 AD, the founding of the seven and a half churches (Ezharappallikal), and his martyrdom in 72 AD—into a cohesive that highlighted the roots of . This adaptation emphasized cultural and religious elements specific to Kerala's Christian heritage, transforming ancient lore into a narrative suitable for 1970s . Funding for the film came directly from P.A. Thomas as producer, resulting in a modest budget aligned with the resource-constrained nature of many independent productions during the , a period marked by innovative but low-cost explorations of social and historical subjects. The team undertook into Kerala's Christian , relying on traditional accounts of St. Thomas's influence to ensure fidelity to the region's religious traditions. Initial casting efforts focused on identifying actors adept at period roles, navigating the challenges of assembling talent for a biblical-era story within the limited pool of Malayalam performers experienced in historical genres.

Plot and Themes

Synopsis

Thomasleeha is a 1975 Malayalam that depicts the missionary journey of St. Thomas the Apostle in ancient , beginning with his arrival by ship on the of in AD 52. Upon landing near , the protagonist encounters established Jewish communities and local populations, initiating his efforts to share Christian teachings among these groups, who would later form the , or Nasranis. The narrative progresses through St. Thomas's preaching activities, leading to conversions, while establishing the Ezharappallikal, or Seven and a Half Churches, at sites including , Palayoor, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilackal, , and the half church at Thiruvithamcode. These efforts build communities of followers across . The film highlights key sequential events in St. Thomas's journey to the Tamil regions, where he establishes further communities before a climactic martyrdom scene at St. Thomas Mount near in AD 72. It spans a runtime of approximately 2 hours and .

Key Themes

Thomasleeha explores the theme of and through its portrayal of St. Thomas as a dedicated who arrives in ancient to peacefully spread among established Jewish and local communities, emphasizing conversion as an act of spiritual enlightenment rather than coercion. The film depicts Thomas's efforts to establish seven and a half churches, symbolizing the foundational spread of the faith in , drawing from traditional accounts of his work in 52 AD. This narrative underscores as a divine imperative. Central to the film's motifs is and , presenting St. Thomas's ultimate death in 72 AD as a profound act of devotion that parallels Christian theological ideals of . His at , depicted as a by a while in , highlights the personal cost of amid opposition, resonating with Kerala's syncretic traditions where venerate him as a foundational . The story draws parallels to broader Christian narratives, portraying his as enabling the enduring legacy of the faith in despite cultural clashes. Interfaith dialogue emerges as a key element, illustrating interactions between , , and nascent in ancient , where Thomas engages Jewish settlers and Hindu locals through respectful discourse and shared spiritual inquiries. The film shows conversions across social strata, including Brahmins and others, fostering a vision of harmonious religious coexistence that mirrors the historical integration of Thomas Christians into Kerala's multicultural fabric. This portrayal highlights themes of mutual understanding, with Thomas adapting his teachings to local contexts without erasing existing beliefs. Symbolism enriches the film's thematic depth, with the peacock representing immortality and divine beauty, linked to Thomas's legacy in Kerala where it adorns church iconography and evokes the apostle's transformative presence. Sea voyages serve as metaphors for divine calling, illustrating Thomas's perilous journey from the Middle East to Kerala's shores as an act of unwavering obedience to his mission. These elements collectively reinforce the film's message of faith's enduring power amid cultural transitions.

Cast and Production

Principal Cast

Mohan Sharma portrayed the lead role of St. Thomas the Apostle in Thomasleeha, depicting the missionary's arrival in in 52 AD, his efforts to spread among local communities, and his eventual martyrdom, drawing from apocryphal accounts of his Indian journey. Sharma's characterization echoed the biblical "," with interactions with local figures to heighten narrative tension. Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair played a prominent supporting role, representing resistance to the new faith. appeared in a supporting role. Other ensemble members included , , and , portraying figures inspired by St. Thomas's activities. The principal cast, as credited in production records, featured:
ActorRole
St. Thomas the Apostle
Supporting role
Supporting role
Supporting role
Supporting role
Supporting role
Supporting role
MuraliSupporting role
Supporting role
UmeshSupporting role
UshakumariSupporting role
Supporting role
Supporting role
Nair drew on his extensive experience in over 200 films portraying authoritative figures.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal photography for Thomasleeha took place primarily in , including coastal areas of the , and additional scenes near in to depict the martyrdom sequences, leveraging natural landscapes for authenticity. Director P.A. Thomas focused on period accuracy in the production. The production faced budget constraints typical of mid-1970s , resulting in minimal and a heavy reliance on practical locations rather than constructed sets. In , blended the historical narrative with the stylistic conventions of contemporary films. The film was dubbed into Tamil and for wider distribution.

Music and Soundtrack

Composition

, in collaboration with Sebastian Joseph, composed the for the 1975 film Thomasleeha, with Chowdhury handling the background score and most songs. Renowned for prioritizing ahead of lyrics and integrating Western classical harmony—drawn from influences like and Beethoven—with Indian traditional and folk elements rooted in his (IPTA) experiences, Chowdhury's style lent a unique depth to the film's biblical narrative on St. . This fusion of Eastern and Western traditions, often featuring innovative orchestration, enhanced the epic's dramatic and thematic layers without relying on conventional film song structures alone. The score reflects Chowdhury's broader practice of using to advance narrative and social themes, aligning with the film's exploration of evangelism and cultural encounter.

Notable Songs

The soundtrack of Thomasleeha includes four major songs, penned by (for three songs) and Kedamangalam Sadanandan (for one), and composed by (for three) and Sebastian Joseph (for one), who blended classical Indian ragas with Kerala folk influences to suit the film's historical and devotional context. These numbers feature prominent playback singers of the era, including and , and serve as integral plot devices, enhancing emotional depth through synchronized montages, dances, and choral elements that evoke ancient cultural motifs. " Malayum Kayari" (lyrics: Kedamangalam Sadanandan; music: Sebastian Joseph) stands out as a devotional , rendered by K.P. Brahmanandan with a chorus featuring Selma , Ramani, and Zero Babu, capturing the spiritual fervor of and in Kerala's landscape. It plays a key narrative role during sequences depicting St. Thomas's arrival and missionary journeys, underscoring themes of divine calling through its rhythmic evocation of traditional bhajans. "Vrischikappenne" (lyrics: ; music: ), a reflective by and Sabitha Chowdhury, provides a lyrical interlude on seasonal beauty and human emotion, with playback synchronized to gentle montage visuals that highlight interpersonal bonds in the story. The song's melody draws from raga-based structures reminiscent of ancient South Indian tunes, adding a poetic layer to the film's exploratory tone. "Dukhithare Peedithare" (lyrics: ; music: ) is a poignant invocation sung by supported by chorus, narratively positioning St. Thomas as a comforter to the afflicted, integrated into preaching and conversion scenes via harmonious choral swells that amplify the apostle's message of solace. Completing the selection, "Dhoomthana" (also known as "Dhoom Dhoom Tana Thana"; lyrics: ; music: ), performed by , injects lively folk rhythms into cultural interludes, with its upbeat tempo and adaptive beats syncing to dance sequences that reflect period festivities. The tracks, with an approximate total runtime of 18 minutes, were released as a standalone album by in 1975, preserving the songs' cultural resonance beyond the film's runtime.

Release and Reception

Distribution and Premiere

Thomasleeha was released on July 19, 1975, in theaters across , marking its theatrical debut as a regional production. The film was distributed by Thirumeni Pictures, handling its rollout primarily within the state to target local audiences interested in its historical and religious narrative. Given its focus on the life of St. Thomas the Apostle, the release emphasized screenings in Kerala's major cities, though specific premiere events or widespread campaigns are not well-documented in contemporary records.

Critical and Audience Response

Upon its release in 1975, Thomasleeha received mixed reviews from contemporary press. Critics appreciated the effort to portray the 1st-century setting through period costumes and locations but noted that the religious focus sometimes overshadowed dramatic elements. Audience reception was mixed, with the devotional theme resonating in some communities but alienating viewers seeking mainstream entertainment, resulting in moderate attendance. At the , Thomasleeha achieved modest performance amid competition from commercial hits like Chuvanna Sandhyakal. The film's limited appeal to broader demographics contributed to its restrained financial results, though it recovered costs through targeted screenings. The film has a modern IMDb user rating of 5.1 out of 10 based on limited votes (as of November 2025).

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Influence on

Thomasleeha marked a significant milestone in the development of biblical and historical dramas within , serving as a pioneering effort to adapt religious epics rooted in Christian history to the regional screen. Directed and produced by P.A. Thomas, the 1975 film built upon his earlier venture, (1973), which was the first production to chronicle the Christ and was subsequently dubbed in Tamil and for wider reach. By narrating St. Thomas the Apostle's arrival in in 52 AD, his evangelization among local Jewish and indigenous communities, and his eventual martyrdom in 72 AD, Thomasleeha introduced grand-scale historical storytelling that drew from global cinematic traditions while localizing them for audiences. The film's portrayal of Christian themes featured the representation of Kerala Nasrani (Saint Thomas Christian) culture, depicting the historical and communal significance of the apostle Thomas—revered by 's Christians as the founder of their faith—and the origins of the Nasrani community, including their syncretic traditions blending Jewish, local, and early Christian elements. The narrative's emphasis on St. Thomas's integration into 's ancient society underscored the community's deep-rooted presence. The film's enduring legacy extends to its role in Indian media centered on St. Thomas's missionary journey. Its detailed recreation of the apostle's legacy contributed to interest in the subject, including church-backed productions such as the film initiative by the (announced with a planned 2009 release) to document St. Thomas's life and evangelization in the Malabar region, though no confirmed completion or release of this project has been documented. Such efforts highlight the narrative's importance in preserving and disseminating Christian historical accounts through cinema.

Modern Relevance

In the 2010s, Thomasleeha experienced a resurgence through digital means, with full versions of the film uploaded to YouTube starting around 2013, allowing contemporary audiences to access this 1975 historical drama easily online. These uploads, including high-definition remasters in later years, have particularly appealed to the Kerala Christian diaspora in regions like the Arab Gulf states, where the film's depiction of St. Thomas's missionary work resonates with cultural and religious heritage. The availability on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video further extends its reach, though without subtitles in multiple languages. A DVD release of the film has also contributed to its home media presence, praised for its quality in preserving the original visuals and Salil Chowdhury's . This digital and physical restoration effort has sustained interest beyond its initial run, making Thomasleeha a touchstone for exploring Kerala's ancient Christian traditions in modern viewing contexts. Academically, Thomasleeha is referenced in studies of 1970s and the portrayal of in Indian visual culture, including theses on visual publics and . It appears in compilations of historical films used in courses, highlighting its role in depicting inter-community interactions during St. Thomas's era. Such scholarly attention underscores the film's enduring value in theology courses on Indian , where it illustrates the integration of faith narratives into regional cinema.

References

  1. https://indiancine.ma/RFH
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thomashleeha
  3. http://salilda.com/filmsongs/malfilms.html
  4. https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=608
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0282201/
  6. https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/actsthomas.html
  7. https://www.keralatourism.org/christianity/seven-half-churches/7
  8. https://cnewa.org/magazine/in-the-footsteps-of-st-thomas-33453/
  9. https://baselius.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/MRPSUMMARY.pdf
  10. https://www.rvasia.org/church-asia/1950th-anniversary-martyrdom-st-thomas-apostle
  11. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-director-producer-pa-thomas-wore-many-hats-in-the-malayalam-film-industry-of-the-1950s-60s-and-70s/article26111231.ece
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0282201/fullcredits/
  13. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/renaissance-of-malayalam-films-in-the-1970s-2cd28c4f
  14. https://malankaralibrary.com/ImageUpload/d759bc8dad4e6fcb65214866340dd41c.pdf
  15. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-christianity-came-to-india-kerala-180958117/
  16. https://www.facebook.com/groups/441548824093985/posts/915840476664815/
  17. https://chandrakantha.com/bios/salil-chowdhury/
  18. https://salilda.com/filmsongs/malayalam/thomasleeha.html
  19. https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/listsongs.php?m=608
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6y8bclpOY8
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTfZ0Z5veos
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHOJOn4sT_w
  23. https://gaana.com/album/thomasleeha
  24. https://en.msidb.org/m.php?3326
  25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jesus-to-st-thomas-movies-to-watch-on-holy-week/photostory/99316249.cms
  26. https://www.christiancentury.org/mollywood-produces-films-portraying-christians-normal-part-south-indian-landscape
  27. http://www.fides.org/en/news/15649-ASIA_INDIA_The_Church_in_India_making_a_film_on_the_life_of_Saint_Thomas_the_Apostle
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwglqPI5zxM
  29. https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Thomasleeha/0R5OIIRY5S28ZUHJY46V5P1GVD
  30. http://igmlnet.uohyd.ac.in:8000/hi-res/hcu_images/TH11322.pdf
  31. https://sourcebooks.web.fordham.edu/ancient/asbookmovies.asp
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.