Ittymaani: Made in China

The duo Jibi and Joju made their directorial debut with Ittymaani: Made in China, produced by Aashirvad Cinemas. Previously they had worked as assistant and associate directors in Malayalam films. It was while working in Vellimoonga (2014) that they decided to work together as a director duo. They came up with the subject of Ittymaani: Made in China in January 2016. Actors were undecided while conceiving the story. They approached Mohanlal when they had the chance to meet him in May 2016 while working as chief associate directors on his film Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol.[4][5] It was on that set that they first told him about Ittymaani: Made in China and the full story was narrated to him during the final dubbing work of Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol.[6] Jibi and Joju briefed the screenplay to Mohanlal in January 2017 and told him beforehand that it was not written with him in mind and may require rework. Mohanlal too felt that when heard and suggested changes.[7]

They reworked the screenplay in five months and met him again at the sets of Velipadinte Pusthakam, but Mohanlal recommended them to cast someone else for the role as the film will delay if waited for him as he had committed multiple big-budget projects at that time. But Jibi and Joju had set their mind to proceed only if Mohanlal was available. Hence, Mohanlal directed them to discuss the matter with producer Antony Perumbavoor. Antony liked the reworked screenplay and called for a final meeting in October 2018. Mohanlal approved the screenplay and the project was green-lit when Antony decided to produce the film.[7] The film was officially announced by Mohanlal through his social media handles on 22 October 2018.[8] Initially, Jibi and Joju approached some screenwriters to write the screenplay, but they declined as the project was not approved at that time. Later the duo decided to write it themselves.[9] Mohanlal suggested changes to include a message in the story and sanctioned the screenplay after several drafts.[10]

The pooja ceremony of the film was held at Kochi on 24 April 2019 followed by the start of principal photography.[11] Characters speak Thrissur slang in the film.[12][13] Part of the film was shot at St. Stanislaus Forane Church, Mala, where Mohanlal, Salim Kumar, Aristo Suresh and Johny Antony performed the traditional Kerala Christian woman's dance Margamkali along with 512 artistes between the ages of 3 and 65. It is featured as part of a church fund raiser for constructing houses in the film. Prasanna Sujit was the film's dance choreographer, but the Margamkali was choreographed by actress Swasika.[14] Filming underwent in Ernakulam and Alappuzha locales in June 2019.[15] Four days filming was conducted in China in July 2019. Ittymaani's father's portions were filmed there. One of the stills released from the set featured him along with Tai Chi fighters as part of a song sequence.[16] Ittymaani's childhood was filmed in China and the look of old China was needed for that. Hence, the scenes were filmed in studios in China.[17] Filming was concluded in that month and entered post-production.[18]

Ittymaani: Made in China grossed ₹2.05 crore in the opening day in Kerala.[22] In the overseas opening weekend (6 – 8 September), the film earned US$378,727 from 47 screens in the United Arab Emirates,[24] US$59,371 (₹42.57 lakh) from 40 screens in the United States, £35,137 (₹30.93 lakh) from 91 screens in the United Kingdom, A$60,317 (₹29.64 lakh) from 22 screens in Australia, and NZ$10,751 (₹4.96 lakh) from 4 screens in New Zealand.[25] In two weeks, it grossed £61,269 (₹54.59 lakh) in the UK, A$81,375 (₹40 lakh) in Australia, and NZ$20,545 (₹9.39 lakh) in New Zealand,[26] $513,544 in the UAE and $9,100 in Portugal.[24] In four weeks, it earned US$105,092 (₹74.28 lakh) in the US and €3,545 (₹2.74 lakh) in Germany.[27]

Upon release, the film received generally mixed reviews from critics.[28][29][30] G. Ragesh of Malayala Manorama rated 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Ittymaani Made in China has an interesting plot that appeals to audience all over the world".[31] Sangeetha Lakshmi of Mathrubhumi wrote that the film is a "feel good family entertainer".[32] Writing for Indian Express Malayalam, Dhanya K. Vilayil wrote that Ittymaani: Made in China is a festival celebration movie, with all the right ingredients for the fans to celebrate.[33] Behindwoods.com critic wrote: "'Ittymaani: Made in China' is entertaining with Mohanlal - KPAC Lalitha's endearing performances and humorous moments", and rated 2.75 out of 5.[34] Rating 2.5 out of 5, The New Indian Express stated that the film is "all about loving your parents" and it "has one of the most daring interval blocks in recent memory".[35]

However, writing for Huffington Post, Neelima Menon said, "At a time when Malayalam cinema has come a long way in terms of craft, concepts, technology and ideas, a film like Ittimani is a huge step back—more so when you have a superstar like Mohanlal anchoring it".[36] Vidya Nair of Deccan Chronicle rated 2 out of 5 and wrote: "a weak attempt to narrate a good subject that might only survive due to the performances of some ace actors."[37] Deepa Antony of The Times of India also rated 2 out of 5 and wrote: "'Ittymani :Made in China' is a weak story and a weaker script that even the Mohanlal cannot save."[38] The Indian Express rated 1.5 out of 5 and wrote that "the script has no originality or fresh ideas, it is Mohanlal who gives everything to make even a dull scene tolerable."[39] The Hindu critic felt that the "latter half, where the social message gets delivered, is almost like an unending television soap".[40]