Aaha (2021 film)
Aaha is a 2021 Malayalam-language sports drama film directed by Bibin Paul Samuel. Produced by Prem Abraham under the banner Zsa Zsa Productions, Aaha marks Bibin's directorial debut.[1] Starring Indrajith Sukumaran in the lead, also featuring Manoj K. Jayan, Amith Chakalakkal, Ashwin Kkumar and Santhy Balachandran.[2]
| Aaha | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Bibin Paul Samuel |
| Written by | Tobit Chirayath |
| Produced by | Prem Abraham |
| Starring | Indrajith Sukumaran Manoj K. Jayan Amith Chakalakkal Ashwin Kkumar Santhy Balachandran |
| Cinematography | Rahul Balachandran |
| Music by | Sayanora Philip Shiyad Kabeer |
Production company | Zsazsa Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 146 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
Tobit Chirayath scripted the film. The film was produced by Prem Abraham under the banner Zsa Zsa Productions and the music was composed by Sayanora Philip and Shiyad Kabeer.[3]
Premise
The film is inspired from a very popular tug of war team of the 1980s and 1990s: Aaha Neeloor, who were on the top of their game for about fifteen years. The story revolves around rustic characters who do manual work such as rubber tapping and catering by day. By night, however, these people are superstars because of the tug of war games.[4]
Cast
- Indrajith Sukumaran as Kochu
- Manoj K. Jayan as Geevarghese / Geevichan Aashan
- Amith Chakalakkal as Ani
- Ashwin Kkumar as Chenkan
- Santhy Balachandran as Mary
- Jayashankar Karimuttam
- Sidhartha Siva
- Arun Kumar Pavumba as Jaison
- Solomon Sangchoju as Binayak
- Anup Pandalam
- Nitin Thomas as Pakkan Biju
- Vidhya Vijayakumar as Anu
- Megha Thomas as Grace
- Shiva Raaj as Polla
- Aswathlal as Siju
- Akhil Manoj as Sreenath
Production
The principal photography of the film began 2019 and completed in 62 days in over 84 locations, about 160 crew members and around 6000 artists.[2][1] The filming was completed in January 2020.[5]
Music
The songs were composed by Sayanora Philip for the lyrics written by herself and Jubith Naradath.
| Track | Song | Lyricist | Singer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thandodinja Tharama | Sayanora Philip | Vijay Yesudas, Sayanora Philip |
| 2 | Kadamkadhayai | Jubith Namradath | Arjun Ashokan, Sayanora Philip |
| 3 | Ee Ulakil | Traditional Knanaya Folk Song | Others |
| 4 | Ea manam thodum | Titto P Thankachen | Rhithwik S Chand |
Release
Aaha was scheduled to release on 4 June 2021, but was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic in India.[6] On 12 November 2021, the makers officially announced that it will be released on 19 November 2021.[7]
Filmmakers have indicated their desire to release the film theatrically despite the delay due to COVID-19 shutdowns, in lieu of releasing to an OTT platform.[8]
References
- "Indrajith Sukumaran's 'Aaha' wrapped up". The News Minute. 23 January 2020.
- "Aaha is a film offering hope for troubled times - Times of India". The Times of India. 26 July 2020.
- Nair Anand, Shilpa (22 March 2021). "Singer Sayanora Philip on composing music for 'Aaha' and what it means to her". The Hindu.
- "Indrajith's Aaha inspired by Kerala's greatest tug-of-war team - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
- "It's a wrap for Indrajith's 'Aaha'". The New Indian Express. 23 January 2020.
- Sukumaran, Indrajith (25 March 2021). "Aaha release date announced". Facebook.
- "Kerala's Biggest Sports Drama". Instagram. 4 October 2021. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021.
- Sidhardhan, Sanjith (24 September 2021). "Exclusive! Makers of Indrajith's Aaha keen on theatrical release to attract tug-of-war fans". OTTplay. Retrieved 3 October 2021.