Ranjith (director) explained

Ranjith Balakrishnan
Yearsactive:1987–present

Ranjith Balakrishnan is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor who works in Malayalam cinema. Ranjith made his directorial debut in 2001 with Ravanaprabhu, the sequel to Devaasuram. His films Thirakkatha and Indian Rupee won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam in 2008 and 2011 respectively.[1] He is also the current chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.[2]

Career

1987 to 1992: Early career

Ranjith's entry into Mollywood was accidental, he was inspired by his friend, the late film producer and director Alex I. Kadavil, in whose residence he had stayed for his debut in the film industry. In 1987, he made his debut as a writer in Oru Maymasa Pulariyil, produced by Alex I. Kadavil and directed by V. R. Gopinath.[3] In 1988, Ranjith made his formal entry into the film world by writing the story for Orkkapurathu, an adventure film directed by Kamal, with Mohanlal in the lead role. The immediate success of Orkkapurathu brought Ranjith several opportunities to work in films. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ranjith wrote scripts for several small budget films, mainly for Kamal, including Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal (1989), Pradeshika Varthakal (1989) and Pookkalam Varavayi (1991).

Another director with whom Ranjith worked during this period was Viji Thampi. This team released Witness (1988), Nanma Niranjavan Sreenivasan (1990), Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam (1989) and Kaalalpada (1990), all with Jayaram in the lead role. In 1992, he wrote Neelagiri for I. V. Sasi, which underperformed at the box office. This was followed by Johnnie Walker, directed by Jayaraj, which was noted for its different filmmaking style and was a commercial success at the box office.[4] [5]

1993 to 2000: Breakthrough

1993 was significant in Ranjith's career: Devasuram, his film based on the life of his father-figure, Mullassery Rajagopal,[6] turned out to be a huge box office hit. With Mohanlal in the lead and directed by I.V. Sasi, Devasuram was both critically and commercially acclaimed; Mohanlal's performance was lauded and it opened a new genre of feudal stories in Malayalam cinema. Within two months of the release of Devasuram, Ranjith's next movie, Maya Mayuram (directed by Sibi Malayil and again starring Mohanlal) was released, but was not as successful. According to Ranjith, Maya Mayuram is one of his best films and its failure affected him greatly. Ranjith mentioned in an interview that several directors passed on the opportunity to make Maya Mayuram, and it was Mohanlal who convinced Sibi Malayil to get involved.

After writing Yadavam (directed by Jomon and starring Suresh Gopi), Ranjith worked with Shaji Kailas for Rudraksham, again starring Suresh Gopi, who was at the peak of his career. This film generated significant hype in the market as Shaji Kailas-Suresh Gopi was a hot selling team at the time, but the loose script and clichéd humorless dialogues led to Rudraksham becoming a flop. His next piece of work, Rajaputhran, directed by Shajun Karyal, again with Suresh Gopi in the lead, became a superhit.[7]

In 1997, Ranjith teamed up again with Shaji Kailas for Asuravamsham, starring Manoj K Jayan and Biju Menon; the film yielded an average commercial response. Towards the end of 1997, Ranjith penned Aaraam Thampuran, which went to become one of the biggest hits of his career. This film was also a turning point in the career of Mohanlal, and with it Ranjith gained a reputation as a commercially viable scriptwriter. Then came Kaikudanna Nilavu, in 1998, directed by Kamal, starring Jayaram, yet another average grosser. In 1998 Ranjith scripted Summer in Bethlehem, directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Suresh Gopi and Jayaram, a super hit.[8] In 1999, Ranjith and Shaji Kailas produced the film Ustaad, directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Mohanlal.

The year 2000 began with the release of Narasimham, directed by Shaji Kailas. With Mohanlal playing the lead role, this film became one of the biggest hits ever in the history of Malayalam cinema at the time.[9] [10] Yet again in 2000, together with Director Shaji, Ranjith repeated history: his Onam release Valliettan starring Mammooty was a commercial success. This was his last script for Shaji Kailas[11] and with this film Ranjith became the most successful scriptwriter of the time.

2001 to 2009: Directorial debut and further success

In 2001, Ranjith made his directorial debut with Ravanaprabhu, the sequel to Devasuram.[12] With Mohanlal appearing in dual roles as father and son, this film turned out to be another blockbuster.[13] The success of his directorial debut led Rashtra Deepika to name Ranjith the Man of the year. In 2002 Ranjith came back with another successful film, Nandanam, starring Navya Nair and a new face, Prithviraj Sukumaran.[14] Ranjith produced this film along with his friend, actor Siddique. Nandanam, revolving around an innocent girl, her love for Lord Sri Krishna and her beau, was an entirely different and unexpected theme from Ranjith at the time. Despite the film not having a big star cast, fights, or punchy dialogues and being shelved after some pre-production activities it became a hit.[15]

In 2003 Ranjith directed Mizhi Randilum, starring Dileep and Kavya Madhavan, another family drama, which failed to impress the masses, but was critically acclaimed. In the same year Ranjith scripted Ammakilikood, directed by Padmakumar with Prithviraj in the lead role, which also got the cold shoulder from the public. In 2004 Ranjith teamed up with Mammooty for Black, which was a complete commercial entertainer targeting the fans of Mammootty.[16] [17] Chandrolsavam, starring Mohanlal, followed in 2005.[18] Ranjith believes that it was not a bad film. He said, "Mohanlal fans expected too much. I don't think it was a bad film. Many who watched it on DVD called to say they were surprised it did not do well. Fans come in with pre-conceived notions on how the actor will be in the movie and the kind of story it will be, hence they could not grasp the poetic element in the film."[19]

In 2006, he scripted and directed Prajapathi, starring Mammootty, was also blasted by critics,[20] and was another disastrous movie.[21] His next venture was an offbeat film Kaiyoppu. Though a flop at the box office, Kaiyoppu brought critical appreciation from far corners and that compelled Ranjith to work with plots and themes without any commercial ingredients. Notably, its lead actor Mammootty received no payment to act in the film as the script impressed him so much.[22]

In 2007, Ranjith teamed up with Joshiy for the big budget film Nasrani starring Mammootty.[23] [24] [25] [26] His next directorial feature was the musical-comedy Rock & Roll, starring Mohanlal.[27] [28] In 2008 Ranjith directed Thirakkatha, based on actress Srividya's life,[29] which won the National Award for the Best Malayalam Feature Film. Starring Anoop Menon and Priyamani, the movie featured Prithviraj and Samvrutha Sunil in important supporting roles. The movie was able to bring out the best in the actors.[30] [31] In 2009 Ranjith directed and wrote the script for Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha, which was critically acclaimed.[32] Ranjith also introduced about thirty Malayalam stage artists through this film.[33] In the same year he came up with another unique creation, Kerala Cafe — a fusion of ten different short films by ten directors. The different segments in the movie were conceived and connected based on the concept of Yatra, or journey.[34]

2010 onwards

In 2010 Ranjith wrote the story for the film Penpattanam, directed by V. M. Vinu. He then scripted and directed, Pranchiyettan and the Saint, starring Mammootty, which was also widely accepted by movie fans and the people of Kerala. It became the most popular film of the year and was also a commercial success. Pranchiyettan and the Saint is now considered one of the best comedy films in Malayalam cinema and has over the years attained a cult status. During this time, Ranjith also received a highly coveted appointment as the School Director for Cochin Media School.[35] He also appeared as judge in "Mammootty the Best Actor Award – II", an acting talent-hunt reality show aired on the television channel Asianet.[36] In 2011, Ranjith scripted and directed a critically acclaimed satirical film Indian Rupee starring Prithviraj, which was well received by the critics and also a commercial success. His next film, Spirit, primarily focused on the increasing habits of alcoholism in Kerala. Starring Mohanlal in the lead role, the film was critically acclaimed and a box office success. He then produced and scripted for G. S. Vijayan's Mammootty-starring Bavuttiyude Namathil in 2012, which was an average at the box office. His next film with Mammootty, Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty, underperformed at the box office.

Njaan, based on the novel K T N Kottoor: Ezhuthum Jeevithavum by T P Rajeevan and featuring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, was released on 19 September 2014. He also produced Munnariyippu starring Mammootty in the lead role. The film became one of the highest grossers of the year.[37] In 2015 he directed Loham, starring Mohanlal, which received mixed reactions from critics.[38]

Filmography

List of film credits
YearFilmCredited as
DirectorProducerScreenwriterStoryActorRole/Notes
1987EzhuthappurangalRamanandan
Oru Maymasa Pulariyil
1988Witness
Orkkappurathu
1989Kaalal PadaViolinist
Pradeshika Vaarthakal
Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal
1990Shubhayathra
Pavakkoothu
Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan
Marupuram
Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam
1991Georgootty C/O Georgootty
Pookkalam Varavayi
Neelagiri
1992Johnnie Walker
1993Devasuram
Maya Mayuram
Yadavam
1994Rudraksham
1996Rajaputhran
1997Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu
Asuravamsam
Aaraam Thampuran
1998Summer in Bethlehem
1999Ustaad
2000Valyettan
Narasimham
2001Ravanaprabhu
2002Nandanam
2003Mizhi Randilum
Ammakilikkoodu
2004Black
2005Chandrolsavam
2006Prajapathi
2007Kaiyoppu
Nasrani
Rock & Roll
2008ThirakkathaDirector Aby Kuruvilla
GulmoharInduchoodan
2009Kerala CafeSegment:Prologue
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha
2010Penpattanam
Best ActorHimself
Pranchiyettan and The Saint
2011Bhakthajanangalude Sradhakku
Indian Rupee
2012Spirit
Jawan of VellimalaDr. Shivaprasad
Bavuttiyude Namathil
2013Annayum RasoolumUsman
Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty
2014Munnariyippu
Njan
2015Ayal Njanalla
Loham
2016Leela
2017Puthan Panam
2018Koode Aloshy
Drama[39]
2019UndaC. I. Mathews Anthony
2020Ayyappanum KoshiyumKurien John
King Fish
2021Nayattu
OneVijaya Mohan
2022Mukundan Unni AssociatesAdv.Gangadharan
Twenty One GmsDr.John Samuel
KotthuSadanandan
2024Nadikar[40] Koshy
Thalavan[41] Home Minister T.K.Raghavan
Secret[42]
Manorathangal[43] Segment:Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu

Awards

National Film Awards

Kerala State Film Awards

Kerala Film Critics Awards

Asianet Film Awards

Filmfare Awards South

Other Awards:

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2010/jan/r2010012302.pdf "56th National Film Awards"
  2. News: Film director Ranjith Balakrishnan to head Kerala State Chalachitra Academy . 13 January 2022 . The Times of India . en.
  3. News: Germinating story ideas . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035512/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/02/20/stories/2010022060570300.htm. dead. 29 June 2011 . 20 February 2010 . The Hindu. 2 March 2011.
  4. https://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2017/past-to-present-mammootty-s-johnnie-walker/articlecontent-pf215961-266944.html "Past To Present: Mammootty's Johnnie Walker!"
  5. Lakshmi Vijayan (12 September 2016). "ജോണി വാക്കര്‍ അന്നും ഇന്നും ഒരു നൊമ്പരം: ജയരാജ്". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
  6. News: An award in the name of a music lover . https://web.archive.org/web/20071201103638/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/08/stories/2007090850960200.htm. dead. 1 December 2007 . 8 September 2007. 2 March 2011 . . Ranjith had told me that he was planning to make a film on Raju (Devasuram).
  7. News: Destiny's child . https://web.archive.org/web/20070825055157/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/11/stories/2006081100560300.htm. dead. 25 August 2007 . 11 August 2006. 2 March 2011 . . This is not Shajoon's first hit. Thachiledathu Chundan, released in 1999, with Mammootty in the lead role, was his first hit..
  8. News: Focusing on social issues . https://archive.today/20130125062755/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2003062600640200.htm&date=2003/06/26/&prd=thlf&. dead. 25 January 2013 . 26 June 2003 . The Hindu. 3 February 2011.
  9. Web site: Greasepaint, and beyond . R. Krishnakumar . . . 22 July 2000. 2 March 2011. 29 June 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035203/http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl1715/17151210.htm. dead.
  10. Web site: Narasimham – Malayalam's biggest ever grosser . . 26 January 2000. 2 March 2011.
  11. News: Portrayal of tones of grey . . 18 November 2005. 3 February 2011 . Valyettan, which went on to become a big hit. https://web.archive.org/web/20070503171152/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2005111800690100.htm&date=2005%2F11%2F18%2F&prd=fr&. 3 May 2007. dead.
  12. News: Painting a portrait of love – Section: The Shooting of Ravana Prabhu . https://web.archive.org/web/20080224164037/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/07/18/stories/0418211o.htm . 24 February 2008 . . 18 July 2001 . 3 February 2011 . dead.
  13. News: Journey of music . . 19 July 2008. 3 February 2011 . Ravana Prabhu is one of the biggest hits of Malayalam cinema. https://web.archive.org/web/20090603080439/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2008/07/19/stories/2008071953340700.htm. 3 June 2009. dead.
  14. News: Youngsters leave a mark . https://archive.today/20130125065619/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/lf/2003/01/04/stories/2003010400930200.htm . 25 January 2013 . . 4 January 2003 . 2 March 2011 . dead.
  15. News: Sitting Pretty . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629034949/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/01/09/stories/2010010953950800.htm. dead. 29 June 2011 . Prema Manmadhan . . 9 January 2010.
  16. News: Year 2004 — a flashback . https://web.archive.org/web/20100826122941/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101620100.htm . 26 August 2010 . . 31 December 2004 . 2 March 2011 . dead.
  17. http://www.sify.com/movies/malayalam-cinema-analysis-2004-news-malayalam-kkfvAKceaea.html "Malayalam cinema- Analysis 2004!"
  18. News: Boom year for mollywood . 30 December 2005 . The Hindu. 3 February 2011 . Chandrolsavam flopped owing to lack of content. https://web.archive.org/web/20080926132835/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123001380100.htm. 26 September 2008. dead .
  19. News: Daring to be different . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035529/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/06/23/stories/2006062300980300.htm. dead. 29 June 2011 . 23 June 2006 . The Hindu. 2 March 2011.
  20. http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/11/stories/2006071103600200.htm "Done in by a poor story"
  21. http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/ful...hp?id=14235940 "Prajapathi bombs"
  22. http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/12/16/stories/2006121602400403.htm "Offbeat Films"
  23. http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/34093.html Bumper initials for Nasrani
  24. http://www.movies-malayalam.com/2012/01/nazrani.html#!/2012/01/nazrani.html malayalam movies: Nazrani
  25. http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/movies/nasrani.html Nasrani – Malayalam Movie Reviews, Trailers, Wallpapers, Photos, Cast & Crew, Story & Synopsis – Filmibeat
  26. Web site: Treat in store for film buffs . https://web.archive.org/web/20071101043710/http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/30/stories/2007103050700200.htm. dead. 1 November 2007 . 30 October 2007 . The Hindu. 2 March 2011.
  27. Web site: Rock N Roll Review . . 25 January 2008. 3 February 2011. 7 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140407074705/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/reviews/2008/rock-n-roll-review-250108.html. dead.
  28. Web site: Mohanlal in Malaysia . . 27 November 2007 . 3 February 2011 . dead . https://archive.today/20120708205215/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/mohan-lal-malaysia-271107.html . 8 July 2012.
  29. News: Dream makers . https://web.archive.org/web/20080922145701/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/09/19/stories/2008091950680100.htm. dead. 22 September 2008 . 19 September 2008 . The Hindu. 3 February 2011.
  30. http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/18/stories/2008091850910200.htm "Attempting a different kind of cinema"
  31. http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/34681/Thirakkatha-doing-at-box-office.html "Thirakkatha doing well at box office"
  32. News: Unveiling a mystery . 3 December 2009 . The Hindu. 3 February 2011.
  33. News: The gems of Paleri Manikyam . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035135/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/12/18/stories/2009121851060200.htm. dead. 29 June 2011 . P. K. Ajith Kumar . The Hindu. 18 December 2009 . Chennai, India . 3 February 2011.
  34. http://www.keralacafe.in/index.html "Kerala Cafe – official"
  35. Web site: Cochin Media School: About . Cochin Media School . 10 March 2011 . 29 May 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100529205618/http://www.cochinmediaschool.com/about.html . dead.
  36. News: The 'reality factor' in acting . 18 May 2020 . NewIndianExpress.
  37. Web site: 'Njan' unleashes Dulquer's 'serious' face . https://web.archive.org/web/20140920103815/http://www.sify.com/movies/njan-unleashes-dulquer-s-serious-face-news-malayalam-ojtk2Begbdeie.html . dead . 20 September 2014 . 19 September 2014 . Sify.
  38. Web site: Mammootty vs Mohanlal: How well did the Malayalam superstars perform in the year 2015 . 24 December 2015 . International Business Times.
  39. Web site: Smith . Alan . Mohanlal meets Margaret Preedy . Kent Online. 29 May 2018 . 29 May 2018.
  40. News: 'Nadikar,' starring Tovino Thomas and Soubin Shahir, gets a release date . 4 February 2024 . . en.
  41. Web site: Features . C. E. . 2024-05-08 . Biju Menon-Asif Ali starrer Thalavan gets a release date . 2024-05-08 . Cinema Express . en.
  42. Web site: Features . C. E. . 2024-07-10 . SN Swamy's directorial debut Secret gets a release date . 2024-07-11 . Cinema Express . en.
  43. News: കടുഗണ്ണാവ ഒരു യാത്രാക്കുറിപ്പ്; എംടിയും രഞ്ജിത്തും മമ്മൂട്ടിയും ഒന്നിക്കുന്നു . 22 July 2022 . . ml.
  44. Web site: Kerala State Film Awards 2009 Declaration . . 2 March 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110713144225/http://www.keralafilm.com/pdf/2010/sfa_09_award_declaration.pdf . 13 July 2011.
  45. Web site: Kerala State Film Awards 2001 . . 2 March 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110713144220/http://www.keralafilm.com/sfa01.htm . 13 July 2011.
  46. News: Critics award: 'Gaddama' adjudged best film . . 26 February 2011. 2 March 2011.
  47. http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=78278 "Atlas Film Critics' Award 2009 announced"
  48. http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/mohanlal-sukumari-atlas-film-critics-020209.html "Atlas Film awards for Lal and Sukumari"
  49. http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/28833.html "Film Critics' Award for Mammootty, Padmapriya"
  50. . The Hindu. 1 February 2004. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  51. . The Hindu. 29 January 2003. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
  52. http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/243038/ "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ"
  53. http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/243038/ "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ"
  54. Web site: Mammootty, Mohanlal bag Asianet film awards yet again . . . 1 January 2011 . 2 March 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161640/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20110165150&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional&nid=76304 . 14 July 2011.
  55. News: Pazhassi Raja selected as best film . https://web.archive.org/web/20100106052709/http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/04/stories/2010010450860200.htm. dead. 6 January 2010 . 4 January 2010 . . The Hindu. 2 March 2011.
  56. News: Star-studded show marks award nite . https://web.archive.org/web/20040703104945/http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/08/stories/2004030808370400.htm. dead. 3 July 2004 . 8 March 2004 . The Hindu. 2 March 2011.
  57. Web site: Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South.
  58. News: The glitter, the gloss, the razzmatazz . https://web.archive.org/web/20121105194656/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/chennai/29732898_1_lifetime-achievement-award-telugu-film-director-award. dead. 5 November 2012 . 3 July 2011 . The Times of India. 3 July 2011.
  59. Web site: A Sparkling Triumph -The 56th Filmfare South Awards » Bollywood Spice . 23 February 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100110092435/http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/3173-a-sparkling-triumph-8211-the-56th-filmfare-south-awards.html . 10 January 2010.
  60. News: The Kochi Times Film Awards 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233019/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-23/news-and-interviews/32369964_1_video-mohanlal-kavya-madhavan. dead. 4 October 2013 . . 23 June 2012.
  61. Web site: Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award 2011 . Yentha.com. 8 January 2011. 29 October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111029011553/http://www.yentha.com/news/view/1/14136. dead.
  62. http://www.keralatv.in/2010/02/vanitha-film-awards-2009-announced/ "Vanitha Film Awards announced"
  63. News: Award ceremony . https://web.archive.org/web/20110629035553/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/01/16/stories/2010011655001100.htm. dead. 29 June 2011 . 16 January 2010 . The Hindu. 2 March 2011.
  64. Web site: Amrita Film Awards 2009 . 20 February 2009 . . 2 March 2011 . dead . https://archive.today/20120709160217/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/amrita-film-awards-2009-200209.html . 9 July 2012.
  65. News: Padmarajan awards for Ranjith, Meera . 14 May 2009 . The Hindu.
  66. News: Briefly: Award for Ranjith . 5 March 2005 . The Hindu. 2 March 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20070710234908/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/03/05/stories/2005030508840400.htm. 10 July 2007. dead.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Ranjith (director)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.