Ennum Eppozhum
Ennum Eppozhum (transl. Forever and always) is a 2015 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Ranjan Pramod based on a story by Raveendran. It was produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the production company Aashirvad Cinemas.[2] It stars Mohanlal and Manju Warrier, alongside a supporting cast including Innocent, Reenu Mathews, Jacob Gregory, Lena and Renji Panicker. It also marked the reunion of Mohanlal and Manju Warrier after 17 years.[3][4] Ennum Eppozhum was released across India on 27 March 2015 and met with mixed reviews from critics. The film was a commercial success though at the box office.[5][6][7][8] The song "Malarvaka Kombathu" won Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer for P. Jayachandran.
Ennum Eppozhum | |
---|---|
Directed by | Sathyan Anthikad |
Screenplay by | Ranjan Pramod |
Story by | Raveendran |
Produced by | Antony Perumbavoor |
Starring | Mohanlal Manju Warrier Innocent Lena Reenu Mathews Jacob Gregory |
Cinematography | Neil D' Cunha |
Edited by | K. Rajagopal |
Music by | Vidyasagar |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments (Kerala) Four Brother's Release (India) MAS Film and Entertainment Ltd & Ashirvad UK (Europe Release) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 147 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Malayalam |
Box office | ₹12 crore (US$1.5 million)[1](Kerala) |
Synopsis
Ennum Eppozhum tells the story of two people - Vineeth N Pillai a senior reporter of Vanitharatnam magazine, who is a sloth and lacks inspiration in his work and Deepa, a junior family court lawyer who is eager to do pro bono cases and for the goodwill of the society. Vineeth is holding on to this job due to his mother's rapport with the magazine management. Vineeth's new boss Kalyani wants to throw out Vineeth from his position due to his negligence in duty. He has to interview Deepa for the new edition of the magazine. But he not even able to present the need of an appointment with her due to Deepa's schedule and other commitments. Finally, Vineeth becomes close with Deepa and with her child and friends through a series of humiliating events. Out of pressure, he throws his resignation at Kalyani but is later reinstated in his post by her mother. Kalyani becomes attracted to Vineeth, but it leaves in the air without much response. Deepa lands in a trouble and Vineeth helps her and the resulting events are narrated through the film.
Cast
- Mohanlal as Vineeth N. Pillai, a lazy senior correspondent of women's magazine "Vanitharathnam"
- Manju Warrier as Adv. Deepa, a junior lawyer who has a headstrong perception and attitude towards life and a classical dancer
- Innocent as Kariachan, a retired postmaster
- Lena as Farah, a close friend of Deepa and a boutique owner
- Reenu Mathews as Kalyani, newly appointed editor in chief of Vanitharathnam
- Jacob Gregory as Mathan, a dim-witted photographer who accompanies Vineeth in his assignment
- Minon John as Ganapathy, Mathan's assistant
- Renji Panicker as a Builder
- Usha S Karunagapally as Rosy Mol, Kariachan's wife, who has worked in a radio station
- Baby Adhvaitha as Miya
- Kalpana as Bindhu Ninan
- Santhosh Keezhattoor as Jaleel, Taxi driver
- Chali Pala as Georgettan
- Dileesh Pothan as Deepa's client's Son
- Sreeya Ramesh as Dr. Usha, Wife of Deepa's Ex-husband
- Kozhikode Sarada as Deepa's client
- Disney James as Vytila Byju, Gangster who helps Deepa's client
- Ajith as Advocate
- Babu Annur as Peon
- Baiju V.K. as Advocate Sundararajan
- Antony as Senior Advocate of Deepa
- Kochouseph Chittilappilly as himself
- Jayaprakash Kuzhoor as Judge
- Pradeep Kottayam as Canteen supplier
- Divya M Nair
Production
Development
Sathyan Anthikad announced that his next film after Oru Indian Pranayakadha will be a Mohanlal starrer for Aashirvad Cinemas. Since Snehaveedu (2011), Mohanlal and Sathyan are collaborating after a gap of 4 years. Antony Perumbavoor has been the producer of all their movies since Rasathanthram.[9] Initially it was reported to be the comeback film of Sathyan Anthikad-Sreenivasan-Mohanlal team. Sathyan later denied the reports and said that he is planning a different project for Aashirvad Cinemas, even though a project with Mohanlal-Sreenivasan project is also in pipeline.[10]
After Snehaveedu, Sathyan made it clear that he will not be again writing scripts for his own films. Since 2006, he has been writing his own scripts, which led to criticism that he has been rehashing his earlier hits.[11] In March, Sathyan Anthikad announced that Ranjan Pramod will be scripting the film based on actor Raveendran's story. Ennum Eppozhum be the third film for Sathyan written by Ranjan after Manassinakkare (2003) and Achuvinte Amma (2005). Ranjan has earlier scripted Mohanlal starred Naran (2005) and Photographer (2006) (which as also his directorial debut). Sameer Thahir was initially announced as the cinematographer, who was later replaced by Neil D'Cunha of Philips and the Monkey Pen (2013) fame. Vidyasagar and Rafeeq Ahammed returned as the music composer and lyricist respectively after Oru Indian Pranayakadha.
Writing the script Ranjan said, "It is a challenge for any writer to pen a script to accommodate two brilliant actors like Mohanlal and Manju with such huge fan followings." It was Antony Perumbavoor who called Ranjan to script the film. Earlier, Aashirvad Cinemas had an agreement with Ranjan to make a film with Manju, which did not materialize. So Antony asked him whether he would be able to write a script for her and Mohanlal. So Ranjan had to postpone a film that he was planning to direct for scripting the film.[12]
Casting
In August, Manju Warrier was confirmed to play the female lead as Adv. Deepa. This is her first film with Mohanlal after her comeback. Reenu Mathews was roped in to play the role of Kalyani. She joined the sets in the second schedule in January.[13] Innocent plays the role of Kariachan, a retired postmaster while Lena plays Farah, Deepa's best friend cum a boutique owner. Jacob Gregory of ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2013) fame plays the role of videographer Maathan who assists Vineeth in his assignments.[14] Drama artist Usha S. Karunagapally plays the role of Kariachan's wife Rosy, a radio announcer while Baby Adhwika was chosen for the role of Deepa's daughter Miya.
Filming
The film was originally scheduled to start filming on 31 October 2014, and Mohanlal was said to join on the next day.[15] The filming commenced on 1 November 2014 at Kochi.[16] The film took a schedule break on 15 November when Mohanlal went for his Antarctica trip.[17][18] The second schedule commenced on 4 December. By the end of January 2015, the shooting got completed and entered into post-production stage.[19] Sathyan Anthikkad who is known for naming his films only during its filming or in the post-production stage, officially announced the title Ennum Eppozhum on 8 February.[20][21]
Release
The film released on 27 March 2015, in 215 centers all over India (89 centers in Kerala), making it the biggest release for a Sathyan Anthikad cinema.[22] MAS Film and Entertainment distributed the film in Europe, while Achu and Achu's Creations in Australia, and New Zealand, Singapore Coliseum in Singapore and Celluloid Japan in Japan.
Home media
The Blu-ray, DVD and VCD of Ennum Eppozhum was released by Central Home Entertainment.[23]
Reception
Critical response
The film mostly received mixed reviews.[24][25]
Malayala Manorama rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and said "The highlight of the film is its director-actors combo". "Ennum Eppozhum is for you, if you belong to that set of people who believe that films should be as light as possible since life is unbearably heavy".[26] Gulf News wrote "Ennum Eppozhum is a clean family drama. Ennum Eppozhum makes no lofty pretensions but narrates a simple story that could be yours, or your neighbour’s or maybe the woman up the alley".[27] The Hindu stated, "Ennum Eppozhum is a family drama that sans the drama. Ennum Eppozhum is buoyed by its star cast and a host of light moments though not particularly funny. This is the second in series aimed at bringing back star power of Manju Warrier. Its romance is treated with subtlety and without challenging conservative beliefs, making one drive to open conclusions and ‘drivel confusion’."[28]
Box office
Ennum Eppozhum opened well at the box office.[29] According to the Film Producers Association of Kerala, the film is a "Hit" even though it could not meet the high expectations of the audience. It was added that the film "would break even and certainly bring profits to the producer". The association also said that the report card for the first quarter of 2015 looked bleak except for the success of Oru Vadakkan Selfie and Ennum Eppozhum.[30] However, Suresh Shenoy stated that the Vishu festival season of 2015 had "turned out to be a dampener except for the continuing rush for Oru Vadakkan Selfie".[31] The film is one of the profitable Malayalam films in the first half of 2015.[7][32] As per June 2015, the film grossed ₹12 crore (US$1.5 million) from Kerala box office.[1]
Awards
- Best Male Singer - P. Jayachandran (Malarvaka Kombathu)
- Nominated - Best Music Direction - Vidyasagar
- Most promising new singer - K. S. Harisankar (Nilaavum Maayunnu) [33][34]
- Nominated - Best Music Direction - Vidyasagar
- Multifaceted Personality of the Year - Innocent
- Best Film - Nominated
- Best Actor - Mohanlal - Nominated
- Best Actress - Manju Warrier - Nominated (shared with Rani Padmini)
Soundtrack
Ennum Eppozhum | ||||
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Soundtrack album by | ||||
Released | 15 March 2015 | |||
Recorded | Varsha Vallaki Studios | |||
Genre | Feature Film Soundtrack | |||
Length | 17:42 | |||
Language | Malayalam | |||
Label | Satyam Audios | |||
Producer | Vidyasagar | |||
Vidyasagar chronology | ||||
|
All lyrics are written by Rafeeq Ahammed; all music is composed by Vidyasagar
No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Malarvaka Kombathu" | P. Jayachandran, Rajalakshmy | 4:48 |
2. | "Nilavum Mayunnnu" | K. S. Harisankar | 4:19 |
3. | "Dhithiki Dhithiki" | Binni Krishnakumar | 4:32 |
4. | "Pularipoo Penne" | Vijay Yesudas | 3:58 |
Total length: | 17:42 |
The song Dhithiki Dhithiki had Manju Warrier doing a classical dance. The song was composed in the raga Maand/Maund. The song Pularipoo Penne is based on "Adarale Pilla" from Madhavayya Gari Manavadu.
References
- Chandrakanth Viswanath (29 June 2015). "Resurgent Film Industry Poised to Flourish". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
- "Mohanlal-Manju-Sathyan movie 'Ennum Eppozhum'". Mathrubhumi. 8 February 2015. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015.
- "Cast and Crew". Filmibeat.com. 11 November 2014.
- P. K. Ajith Kumar (6 August 2014). "Mohanlal, Manju to team up". The Hindu.
- "Box office report: 'Premam', 'OVS' rule 2015 first half". Malayala Manorama. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- Akhila Menon (30 June 2015). "6 Box Office Hits Of Malayalam Cinema 2015". Filmibeat.com. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- Onmanorama Desk (30 June 2015). "Box office report: 'Premam', 'OVS' rule 2015 first half". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
- Harichandran Puripeddi (1 July 2015). "Content over star power: Story of south cinema in first half of 2015". Hindustan Times. Chennai. Archived from the original on 1 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- Bangalore Mirror Bureau (6 August 2014). "Manju Warrier's next with Mohanlal". Bangalore Mirror.
- Raj Vikram (27 February 2014). "No Mohanlal Manju Warrier movie says Sathyan Anthikkad". Metro Matinee.
- Moviebuzz (31 October 2011). "Sathyan to go for another scriptwriter". Sify. Archived from the original on 5 August 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- P. K. Ajith Kumar (6 August 2014). "Mohanlal, Manju to team up". The Hindu.
- Nicy V. P. (9 January 2015). "Reenu Mathews Joins Mohanlal on the Sets of Sathyan Anthikkad Movie". International Business Times.
- indiaglitz (10 January 2015). "Mohanlal - Gregory team in Sathyan Anthikkad film". indiaglitz.com.
- Karthikeyan, Shruti (23 October 2014). "Mohanlal - Manju project to go on floors on October 31". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
- NR (1 November 2014). "Satyan Anthikkad-Mohanlal-Manju Warier film to start shoot on Kerala Day". nowrunning.com.
- SJ (21 November 2014). "Mohanlal takes a break for a trip to Antarctica". nowrunning.com.
- moviebuzz (10 November 2014). "Mohanlal is ready for his trip to Antarctica". Sify. Archived from the original on 11 November 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- moviebuzz (30 January 2015). "Dileep and Manju Warrier go ahead with divorce proceedings". Sify. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- Correspondent (9 February 2015). "Sathyan Anthikkad's Mohanlal-Manju movie gets its title". Manoramaonline.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- Mathrubhumi (8 February 2015). "Mohanlal-Manju-Sathyan movie 'Ennum Eppozhum'". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- indiaglitz (19 February 2015). "Ennum Eppozhum for March 27". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- "Ennum Eppozhum". Mymoviemail.com.
- "'Ennum Eppozhum' Review: Live Audience Response". IBTimes.
- "Ennum Eppozhum Audience Review". Filmibeat. 30 March 2015.
- G. Ragesh (27 March 2015). "Always, for fans and families". Malayala Manorama.
- Mythili Ramachandran (8 April 2015). "Review: 'Ennum Eppozhum' a clean family drama". Gulf News.
- Rasmi Binoy (3 April 2015). "Ennum Eppozhum: A family drama sans the drama". The Hindu.
- Nicy V.P. (28 March 2015). "Malayalam Box Office Collection: 'Oru Vadakkan Selfie', 'Ennum Eppozhum' Gets Grand Start, '100 Days of Love' Continues Good Run in Theatres".
- G. Krishnakumar (5 April 2015). "Selfie clicks, becomes year's first super-hit".
- G. Krishnakumar (2 April 2015). "It's father versus son at box office this weekend".
- Akhila Menon (30 June 2015). "6 Box Office Hits Of Malayalam Cinema 2015". Filmibeat.com. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- S Nair, Saranya (22 February 2016). "Music is in his Genes". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
- James, Anu (18 November 2015). "Asiavision movie awards 2015: 'Ennu Ninte Moideen', 'Pathemari, 'Premam' win maximum awards". International Business Times. Retrieved 7 October 2016.