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Murappennu is a 1965 Malayalam-language drama film directed by A. Vincent and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. The film features an ensemble cast including Prem Nazir, K. P. Ummer, Madhu, P. J. Antony, Jyothilakshmi, Sharada and Adoor Bhasi playing the pivotal roles. The film revolves around a joint family and the romantic relationships between the cousins of the family.[1]

Murappennu
Directed by	A. Vincent
Written by	M. T. Vasudevan Nair
Based on	Snehathinte Mukhangal
Produced by	Shobhana Parameswaran Nair
Starring	Prem Nazir K. P. Ummer Madhu P. J. Antony Jyothi Lakshmi Sharada Adoor Bhasi
Cinematography	A. Venkat
Edited by	G. Venkitaraman
Music by	B. A. Chidambaranath
Production companies	Satya Studios, Madras
Release date	24 December 1965 (1965-12-24)
Running time	176 minutes
Country	India
Language	Malayalam

The film was produced and distributed by Shobhana Parameswaran Nair under the banner of Roopavani Films. It marked the entry of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, the noted Malayalam novelist to Malayalam cinema. The film's story is based on Snehathinte Mukhangal, a short story by Nair himself. He wrote the screenplay, at the behest of the producer.[2] Murappennu became the first Malayalam film to be shot predominantly outdoors; Malayalam films were primarily filmed in Satya or Udaya Studios. Its soundtrack album and background score were composed by Chidambaranath, with cinematography by A. Venkat.

Murappennu was released on 24 December 1965, during the Christmas holiday period. The film was released to high expectations, the film received critical praise for Nair's script, Chidambaranath's music and the performances of Nazir, Madhu and Sharada.[3] It was also commercially successful, with a 175-day theatrical run, becoming a silver jubilee hit.[4] It won the Certificate of Merit for the Third Best Feature Film at the 13th National Film Awards. The film was the first part of Nair's trilogy of political melodramas – the other two being P. Bhaskaran's Iruttinte Athmavu (1967) and Vincent's Asuravithu (1968).[5]

Cast

• Prem Nazir as Balan
• K. P. Ummer as Aniyan
• Madhu as Kesavankutty
• Sharada as Bhagirathi
• Jyothi Lakshmi as Kochammini
• P. J. Antony as Kunjikrishna Menon
• Sukumari as Mrs.Menon
• Shanta Devi as Madhavi Amma
• Kunjandi as Kuttappa Menon
• Adoor Bhasi
• Murali as Chandran
• S. P. Pillai
• Nellikode Bhaskaran as Veerankutty
• Nilambur Balan as Chathan
• Baby Vrinda as Minikkutty, Menon's grand daughter

Soundtrack

The songs became popular and is regarded as one of the best works by Chidambaranath.[6][7] Three of its songs, "Karayunno Puzha Chirikkunno" (by K. J. Yesudas), "Kaliyaakki Enne Kaliyaakki" (by S. Janaki) and "Kadavathu Thoniyadukkumbol" (by S. Janaki and Santha P. Nair) became evergreen hits.[4] "Kadavathu Thoniyadukkumbol" was inspired by "Janoo Janoo Ri Kaahe Khanke Tora Kangana" (composer: S D Burman, singers: Geeta Dutt & Asha Bhonsle, film: Insan Jaag Utha (1959), which itself was based on a "chhed chhaad" style folk song.[4] The song "Karayunno Puzha Chirikkunno" was described by The Hindu as one of the greatest melodies of all time in Malayalam cinema.[8]

Box office

The film was a commercial success. It celebrated its silver Jubilee across many centers in Kerela.[9]

Legacy

The Hindu described Murappennu as "a well-made film with a compelling plot" and as "one of the most significant films in the history of Malayalam cinema".[3][10] M. T. Vasudevan Nair's script, which made use of Valluvanadan dialect, which was well appreciated. It is accepted to be one of the finest of M. T. Vasudevan Nair's works. Later, M. T. and A. Vincent went on to create some of the memorable films in Malayalam film history.[4] The film is also known for the powerful performance of Prem Nazir as Balan, the lead character of the film.[3]

References

External links

• Murappennu at IMDb

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