Difference between revisions of "Ananthabhadram" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox_Film |
 
| name = Ananthabhadram
 
| image = AnanthabhadramPoster.jpg
 
| caption = Poster ''(with alternative spelling)''
 
| director = [[Santhosh Sivan]]
 
| writer = Sunil Parameswar
 
| starring = [[Kavya Madhavan]]<br/> [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] <br/> [[Manoj K Jayan]]<br/> [[Riya Sen]]<br/> [[Kalabhavan Mani]]<br/> [[Biju Menon]]<br/> [[Revathi]]<br/> [[Cochin Haneefa]]
 
| producer = Manian Pillai Raju<br/> Ajaya Chandran Nair <br/> Reghu Chandran Nair (Sri Bhadra Pictures)
 
| distributor = Vishaka Release
 
| music = [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]]
 
| cinematography = Santhosh Sivan
 
| editing = Sreekar Prasad
 
| released = 4 November 2005
 
| runtime = 130 minutes
 
| language = [[Malayalam]]
 
| country = {{flagicon|India}} [[Cinema of India|India]]
 
| budget =
 
| website = http://www.anandabhadram.com/
 
| amg_id =
 
| imdb_id = 0487011
 
}}
 
'''''Ananthabhadram''''' (also spelled ''Anandabhadram''; in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]: അനന്തഭദ്രം ) - a [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]] [[film]] released in [[2005 in film|2005]] about [[ghost]]s, [[Spirit#Metaphysical and metaphorical uses|spirits]], and [[black magic]], based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Sunil Parameswaran.<ref name="novel">{{cite news | title =  Of facts and fantasy | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/08/stories/2005070803010400.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> The file represents the first Malayalam venture of [[Cinema of India|Indian]] [[film director|director]] [[Santosh Sivan]]<ref>[http://www.chennaionline.com/film/Moviereviews/2005/12anandabhadram.asp Ananthabhadram on Chennai Online]</ref> as well as of Bengali model/actress [[Riya Sen]].<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Riya Sen in Ananthabhadram | publisher = That's Malayalam | url = http://thatsmalayalam.oneindia.in/movie/news/2005/03/031205riyasen.html | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> The paintings of [[Raja Ravi Varma]], [[Theyyam]] and [[Kathakali]] dance movements, and [[Kalaripayattu]] inspired ''Ananthabhadram''.
 
  
''Ananthabhadram'' won five awards in the [[Kerala State Film Awards]] 2005, enjoying a commercial success as well. The venture constituted the first Malayalam feature screened using a [[C band|satellite feed]] instead of conventional [[film format|prints]];<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Ananthabhadram screened using satellite technology | publisher = My Kerala | url = http://www.my-kerala.com/n/a/arc10-2005.shtml | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> aimed at an international market and released as a [[Ramadan]] special, dubbed in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (as ''Sivapuram''), and [[English language|English]].<ref name="mystery">{{cite news | title = All set for the new season | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Mesmerising mystery | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/04/stories/2005110401910100.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref>
 
 
==Production==
 
The release of ''Ananthabhadram'' in India followed that of horror movie ''[[Chandramukhi]]'', starring Rajnikant, a remake of the [[Malayalam]] film ''[[Manichitrathazhu]]''.<ref> [http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/07/08/stories/2005070800840100.htm Horror is the current flavour from the Hindu] </ref> ''Anathabhadram'' had been slated for [[Sabu Cyril]] as director and actress [[Meera Jasmine]] in the lead,<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title =  Sabu Cyril turns director | publisher = Kairalee | url = http://www.kairalee.com/php/adisp.php?i=257 | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref name="lens">{{cite news | title = In love with the lens | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/09/stories/2004060904350300.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref> but Shivan stepped in to replace Cyril when delays hit the production, first to a strike in the Malayalam film industry June 2004, and then because Cyril became busy with [[Shankar]]'s film ''[[Anniyan]]''.<ref>{{cite news | title =  Malayalam film industry begins indefinite strike | language = English | publisher = The Hindu Business Line | date = 2004-25-06 | url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/26/stories/2004062601941900.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title =  The reel world of Sabu Cyril | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-17-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/17/stories/2006021700930100.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Santosh Sivan to direct spooky film | publisher = Rediff Movies| url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/07ss.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-17}}</ref> Cyril's assistant Sunil Babu art directed the film for Shivan.<ref>{{cite news | title =  Mesmerising mystery | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2005-23-09 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-17}}</ref>
 
 
Like his earlier directorial ventures ''[[Asoka (film)|Asoka]]'' and ''[[The Terrorist]]'' (a.k.a. ''Malli''), Sivan worked as the [[cinematographer]] for ''Anathabhadram''. Kavya Madhavan replaced Meera as the female lead and gave a performance that established her as the top heroine of the Malayalam Film Industry that year, aided by both commercial success and critical acclaim.<ref name="boom"/> Prithviraj Sukumaran as the male lead also had his biggest success of 2005, out of the five films that year.<ref name="boom">{{cite news | last= Pillai| first = Shreedhar| title = Boom year for Mollywood | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2005-12-30 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123001380100.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-20}}</ref> [[Manoj K Jayan]] had been scripted with a ''[[sannyasin]]'' look with long hair in the proposed Sabu Cyril version, but sported a more contemporary look in the version that eventually filmed, winning much critical accolades.<ref>{{cite news | last= George| first = Vijay | title = Portrayal of tones of grey | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2005-18-11 | url = http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/11/18/stories/2005111800690100.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-17}}</ref> To get the right score for the film Sivan rejected [[Vidyasagar (music director)|Vidyasagar]]'s work and appointed [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]], who went on to win awards for the film's tracks -  including the celebrated number ''Pinakkamano''<ref>[http://www.keralapals.com/reviews/Anandabhadram-review-r-135/ Anandabhadram review on Kerala Pals]</ref><ref>[http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/8092/2/ Anandabhadram preview at Music India Online]</ref> - and do the score for ''Sivapuram'', the Telegu version of the film.<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/review/8765.html India Glitz Review of Sivapuram Soundtrack]</ref>
 
 
===Inspirations===
 
[[Image:Ananthabhadram Riya.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kathakali]] movements, magic spells, and special effects set the tone when Digambaran ([[Manoj K Jayan]]) abducts Bhama (Riya Sen).]] When asked about his inspiration for the film, Sivan said he "derived a great deal of inspiration from our arts. We have a rich visual culture and even in Ananthabhadram, I have used certain aspects from Theyyam dancers and Kathakali to create the wizard Digambaran's image. The colour, long nails, kohl-lined eyes and so on were inspired from Theyyam and Kathakali."<ref name="flashback">{{cite news | title = In flashback mode | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111901040100.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> The sequence between Manoj K Jayan using Riya Sen as a channel for black magic, choreographed by [[Aparna Sindoor]], the dance director of the film, uses Kathakali movements in particular,<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Interview: Straight talk with Santhosh Sivan | publisher = Music India Online | url = http://www.musicindiaonline.com/ar/i/movie_name/8092/3/director/1445/ | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref name="mystery">{{cite news | title = Mesmerising mystery | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/09/23/stories/2005092301510100.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> which has been an inspiration for major Indian films<ref>{{cite news | title =  Indian Dance | language = English | publisher = BBC | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2982378 | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> like director [[Shaji Karun]]'s ''[[Vanaprastham]]'' (1999)<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Vanaprastham | publisher = Keral | url = http://www.keral.com/celebrities/shajikarun/films.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-31}}</ref> and director [[Adoor Gopalakrishnan]]'s ''[[Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair]]'' (2005).<ref>{{cite news | title = Kathakali comes alive on screen | language = English | publisher = Deccan Herald | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Jul32005/finearts113624200572.asp | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref>
 
 
The film also uses Kalaripayattu, the traditional [[martial art]] of [[South India]], for the fight sequences between Digambaran and Chemban choreographed by action director Arash,<ref name="lens">{{cite news | title = In love with the lens | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/09/stories/2004060904350300.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Ananthabhadram | publisher = BizHat | url = http://movies.bizhat.com/review_ananthabhadram.php | accessdate = 2007-04-17}}</ref> following the footsteps of [[Films on Kalarippayattu|Kalari-based movies]] like ''[[Palattu Koman]]'' (1962), ''[[Thacholi Othenan]]'' (1964), ''[[Kannappanunni]]'' (1977) and ''[[Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha]]'' (1989),<ref>[http://varnachitram.com/2006/07/10/payyamveli-chanthu-early-preview/ Payyamveli Chanthu: Early Preview]</ref> as well as famous martial art film actor [[Jackie Chan]]'s ''[[The Myth (film)|The Myth]]''.<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Jackie Chan and the art of Kalaripayattu | publisher = Rediff Movies| url = http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/07myth.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = Gopakumar| first =R| title = Jackie Chan touch gives kalaripayattu a fillip | publisher = Deccan Herald| url = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug152004/n5.asp | accessdate = 2007-04-20}}</ref> The film represents the second time the director has used Kalari (as known in popular coinage) in his films, the first time being in ''Asoka''.
 
 
<div class="floatright">
 
<gallery align="center">
 
Image:Ravi Varma-Woman in thought.jpg|[[Raja Ravi Varma]]'s painting "Woman in thought"
 
Image:Ananthabhadram Kavya.jpg|[[Kavya Madhavan]] in the "Pinakkanamano" song sequence
 
</gallery></div>
 
 
The director used three paintings of Raja Ravi Varma - ''[[Damayanti]] and the swan'', ''Lady in thought'' and ''Girl carrying milk tray'' - as inspiration to picturize the song ''Pinakkamano'' (acted by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kavya Madhavan; sung by [[M. G. Sreekumar]] and [[Manjari]]).<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Raja Ravi Varma's art makes song number one favourite | publisher = Now Running | url = http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=4867 | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Newsmaker: Raja Ravi Varma | publisher = Varnachitram | url = http://varnachitram.com/2005/12/30/newsmaker-raja-ravi-varma/ | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Ananthabhadram | language = English | publisher = Deccan Herald | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/nov202005/movies16434120051119.asp | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> Sivan says, "Yes, it is a tribute to Raja Ravi Varma, who is so intrinsically etched in every Malayali's mind."<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Newsmaker: Raja Ravi Varma | publisher = Varnachitram | url = http://varnachitram.com/2005/12/30/newsmaker-raja-ravi-varma/ | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Ravi Varmas come alive | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111900920300.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> That song came in the wake of a renewed interest in Varma's work in Indian showbiz, as evidenced in Indian pop star [[Phalguni Pathak]]'s music video for the song ''Meri Chunar Ud Ud Jaaye'' (1998, acted by [[Trisha Krishnan]]) which emulated Varma's ''[[Shakuntala]]''<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title =  Women in Raja Ravi Varma Mold | publisher = Boloji | url = http://www.boloji.com/women/07011.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-31}}</ref> and Shaji Karun's declared film to be made on the artist's life which would feature [[Madhuri Dixit]] (actress of ''[[Gaja Gamini]]'', a film by painter [[M.F. Hussain]]).<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Madhuri being sought to play a painter’s muse | publisher = Apun Ke Choice| url = http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20060604-2.html | accessdate = 2007-03-31}}</ref>,<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = The return of Madhuri Dixit | publisher = Rediff News| url = http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/08shaji.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title =  Shaji N Karun to make a Hindi film | publisher = Rediff Movies| url = http://ia.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/05spice.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-31}}</ref> since the auction of the 19th-century painters work had been auctioned at [[Christie's]] and [[Sotheby's]] in late 1990s.<ref>[http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/ArtArchitecture/History/NonWestern/~~/cHI9MTAmcGY9MCZzcz1wdWJkYXRlLmFzYyZzZj1jb21pbmdzb29uJnNkPWFzYyZ2aWV3PXVzYSZjaT0wMTk1NjU5NzE2 ''Raja Ravi Varma: Portrait of an Artist'', Oxford University Press, May 5, 2006]</ref><ref>{{cite book| last =Chandran| first =Kilimanoor|title =Ravi Varmayum Chitrakalayum| publisher =Department of Culture| date =1998| location =Kerala| id =  }}</ref>
 
 
==Plot==
 
{| align="right" style="margin: 0 0.5em 0.5em 1em;  width: 240px; background: #f9f9f9;  border: 1px #aaaaaa solid;  border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 85%;"
 
! style="font-size:140%; background: #ccccff;"| '''Soundtrack'''
 
|-
 
|[[Image:Ananthabhadram CD.jpg|240px]]
 
|-
 
|
 
;Song titles ''(singer)''
 
* Malamalalooya ''([[Kalabhavan Mani]])''
 
* Thiranurayum ''([[K. J. Yesudas]])''
 
* Shivamallikaavil ''([[K. S. Chithra]])''
 
* Pinakkamaano (''[[M. G. Sreekumar]]'', ''[[Manjari Babu]]'')
 
* Minnayam Minnum ''(K.S. Chithra)''
 
* Vasanthamundo ''(M.G. Radhakrishnan)''
 
;Creators
 
* Writer: [[Girish Puthencherry]]
 
* Composer: [[M.G. Radhakrishnan]]
 
|-
 
|
 
;Source
 
[http://imdb.com/title/tt0487011/soundtrack Anandabhadram soundtrack] at [[Internet Movie Database]]
 
|}
 
The story of ''Ananthabhadram'' depicts a [[fairy tale]]. Set in rural Kerala, black magicians, [[martial arts]] experts, [[magician (fantasy)|sorcerers]] and [[seduction|seductresses]] dominate the tale. Sivan said "it was the story of Ananthabhadram that captivated me. The stories my grandmother used to tell me used to take me to a world of mystery. It was the same feeling when I heard this story and I have tried to capture that in my film."<ref name="flashback">{{cite news | title = In flashback mode | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/11/19/stories/2005111901040100.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> Parameswaran says, "The fables that my grandmother narrated to me when I was a kid was there at the back of mind and that has been a source of my stories."<ref name="novel">{{cite news | title = Of facts and fantasy | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/07/08/stories/2005070803010400.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref>
 
 
The movie opens with little Ananthan hearing a tale from his mother ([[Revathi]]). She tells him that his family in the ancient village of Shivapuram comes from a line of powerful magicians. The family has the responsibility of protecting ''nagamanikyam'' (a jewel on the serpent's head), which lies in a secret place in the house guarded by snakes, including a tiny snake called Kunjootan.
 
 
The real story begins when Ananthan (Prithviraj Sukumaran) returns to his ancestral village of Sivapuram from the United States to light the lamps at ''Shivakavu'', a dark and mysterious temple of [[Shiva]], obeying the long-standing wish of his dead mother. On his way home he meets Maravi Mathai ([[Cochin Hanifa]]), the story's [[comic relief]], on the train. The local black magician Digambaran (Manoj K Jayan) opposes the lighting on the grounds of local superstitions to get his hands on the ''nagamanikyam'', and disbeliever Ananthan meets the [[supernatural]] for the first time in his life.
 
 
Chemban (Kalabhavan Mani), the blind martial arts expert, stands in Digambaran's way; the evil black magician manages to remove Chemban from his way, and leaves a trail of blood in his wake. Digambaran lures Chemban's sister and his lover Bhama (Riya Sen) in a series of sensuous and evil magical rites that feature a wide paraphernalia of the exotic, including Kathakali movements, traditional [[Magic (paranormal)|magic spells]], [[special effects]], and make-up artist Pattanam Rasheed's black-and-red face paints.
 
 
Meanwhile, Ananthan's cousin Bhadra (Kavya Madhavan) falls for him and his light-hearted flirting, eventually leading to a commitment of love between them. In his effort to fit into the local environment, Ananthan wins the villagers' hearts by his easy kind manners; breached only when the magician takes over his mind for a short while. Bhadra faces the dilemma of choosing between Ananthan's love and becoming a [[Devi]] (goddess) in a mystical ritual of self-offering.
 
 
In the end, Ananthan and Bhadra escape Digambaran's sinister tricks and unravel his conspiracy in front of the villagers, who always believed him a benevolent mystic. The fight to the end sees Digambaran destroyed and Ananthan restoring the ''nagamanikyam''.
 
 
==Reception==
 
In a year when most Malayalam films failed to recover costs, ''Ananthabhadram'' represented one of the few commercial successes, along with ''[[Rajamanickam]]'', ''[[Chanthupottu]]'', ''[[Naran]]'', ''[[Thommanum Makkalum]]''  and ''[[Udayananu Tharam]]''.<ref>{{cite news | title =  Santosh on a roll | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2005-11-24 | url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/11/24/stories/2005112400380100.htm | accessdate = 2007-04-20}}</ref><ref>[http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14055617 2005- An analysis from Sify]</ref> ''Pinakkamano'' became the top hit among Malayalam film songs in 2005.<ref>[http://www.nowrunning.com/news/news.asp?it=4867 Raja Ravi Varma's art makes song number one favorite from Now Running]</ref> The film inspired director KJ Bose's ''Tanthra'' (2006) featuring actors [[Siddique]] and [[Shweta Menon]].
 
 
''Ananthabhadram'' won five awards in the Kerala State Film Awards for 2005, including Best Cinematgraphy (Santosh Sivan), Best Music Direction (MG Radhakrishnan), Best Editing (Sreekar Prasad), Best Art Direction (Sunil Babu) and Best Makeup (Pattanam Rasheed).<ref>{{cite news | title = Thanmatra, Ananthabhadram bag five State film awards each | language = English | publisher = The Hindu | date = 2006-08-02 | url = http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/08/stories/2006020820990100.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-28}}</ref> It won five awards in the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards 2005, including Best Film, Best Director (Santhosh Sivan), Best Actor (Manoj K Jayan), and Best Cinematography (Santhosh Sivan).<ref>{{cite web | last = | first = | title = Kerala Film Critics Association 2005 Awards | publisher = Alternative Film Guide | url = http://www.altfg.com/awards/2005/kerala.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-29}}</ref> Sunil Babu, the art director, won critical acclaim for his work for the film.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/11/11/stories/2005111101430300.htm  Casting a spell from the Hindu]</ref>
 
 
==Notes==
 
{{reflist|2}}
 
 
==References==
 
* Grummitt, Karsten, and Katharine Wright. Bollywood India's Film Industry. Leicester, U.K.: Dodona Research, 2001. ISBN 9781872025179.
 
* Dudrah, Rajinder Kumar. Bollywood Sociology Goes to the Movies. New Delhi: Sage, 2006. ISBN 9780761934608.
 
* Bose, Mihir. Bollywood A History. Stroud, Gloucestershire [England]: Tempus Pub, 2006. ISBN 9780752428352.
 
 
 
==External Links==
 
 
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaMK6O8tbBw YouTube: Pinakkamano - Ananthabhadram]. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
 
* [http://imdb.com/title/tt0487011/usercomments MDb user comments for Anandabhadram (2005)]. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
 
* [http://vellithira.wordpress.com/2005/11/02/ananthabhadram/ Ananthabhadram]. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
 
 
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Revision as of 03:48, 4 February 2009