Aakasha Gopuram

Aakasha Gopuram (transl. Castle in the Air) is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by K. P. Kumaran. It is a cinematic adaptation of Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen's 1892 play The Master Builder.

Aakasha Gopuram
Theatrical release poster
Directed byK. P. Kumaran
Screenplay byK. P. Kumaran
Based onThe Master Builder
by Henrik Ibsen
Produced by
  • Tutu J. Sharma
  • Taizoon F. Khorakiwala
  • Manu S. Kumaran
Starring
CinematographySantosh Thundiyil
Edited byB. Ajithkumar
Music byJohn Altman
Production
company
Medient & Tarlac
Release date
  • August 22, 2008 (2008-08-22)[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

The film stars Mohanlal, Nithya Menen, Bharath Gopi, Manoj K. Jayan, Sreenivasan, Geetu Mohandas, and Shwetha Menon.[2] Santosh Thundiyil handled the cinematography of the film, while British composer John Altman composed the music. The lyrics were written by Rajeev Alunkal.

The film received positive response from critics and Music was praised by the audience.[3][4][5][6][7]

Plot

Akasha Gopuram is set among the Indian immigrant community in London and tells the story of Albert Samson, a middle-aged architect who has clawed his way to prominence.

His single-minded focus on his job, however, has hardened him and prevented him and his wife Alice from having a meaningful family life. The costs of Samson's ambition are also symbolized in his assistant, Abraham Thomas, Samson's own former employer whom he treated badly to reach the top. Thomas, now dying, wants his son Alex to have more independence in the firm. Samson, however, fears that he will be eclipsed by a younger generation of architects, and refuses to allow Alex either to design original houses or to leave the firm and strike out on his own.

Into this tense situation, enter Hilda Varghese, a vivacious young woman who idolized Samson ten years ago when, in the early stages of his career, he built a large church in her hometown and climbed to the top of its tower during its dedication ceremony. At that time Samson had promised "a kingdom" to Hilda, then a girl of twelve; now, Hilda who earnestly believes his word has come to collect her kingdom.

As Samson struggles with the destructive consequences of his pursuit of glory and his growing fear that he has lost his creative powers, the mysterious Hilda helps him gain a glimpse of his former self.

Producer Manu S. Kumaran (left) and director K. P. Kumaran, addressing the press on the film, at IFFI (2008)

Cast

Casting

The film marked official Malayalam and acting debut for actress Nithya Menen. About her casting in the film Nithya Menon, in an interview with Rediff said, "It happened very strangely and was almost like destiny. I was in the middle of my 12th exams when I had appeared on the cover of a tourism book. Mohanlal saw the picture and I got a call from the film's director. He talked to me and I was selected for the role. Everything happened very quickly."[8]

Release

It had a premiere in Kochi.[9] It was selected for the Indian Panorama section at the International Film Festival of India.[10]

References
  1. "AakashaGopuram". Facebook. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
  2. "Mohanlal released Akashagopuram DVD". NewKerala. 27 April 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  3. "Now, Malayalam cinema goes international". The Times of India. 27 April 2008. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
  4. "rediff.com: The Top Malayalam Films, 2008".
  5. "Mohanlal unveils Aakashagopuram DVD in Dubai". www.sify.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2019. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  6. "Malayalam cinema goes international with 'Aakasha Gopuram'". 22 August 2008.
  7. "John Altman | Outlook India Magazine". 5 February 2022.
  8. "'I love to do intelligent films like Kerala Cafe'". Rediff. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  9. "Mohanlal pitted against Jackie Chan".
  10. "IFFI screens the best of Malayalam movies - Behindwoods.com - Malayalam films Indian Panorama International Film Festival of India IFFI November 22nd December 2nd Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Oru Pennum Randu Aanum MG Sasi's Adayalangal KP Kumaran's Aakashagopuram Jayraj's Gulmohar Priyanandanan's Pulijanmam Mohanan's Kadhaparayumbol TV Chandran's Vilaapangalkkappuram tamil movie news images picture gallery images".
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