Thankamani (film) explained

Thankamani
Director:Ratheesh Reghunandan
Starring:Dileep
Neeta Pillai
Manoj K Jayan
Cinematography:Manoj Pillai
Editing:Shyam Sasidharan
Music:William Francis
Distributor:Dream Big Films
Country:India
Language:Malayalam

Thankamani (also known as Thankamani: The Bleeding Village) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language period crime thriller film written and directed by Ratheesh Reghunandan and produced by R. B. Choudary under Super Good Films and Raaffi Mathirra under Iffaar Media. The film stars Dileep, with an ensemble cast of Manoj K. Jayan, Neetha Pillai, Pranitha Subhash, Malavika Menon, Ajmal Ameer, Siddique, Sudev Nair, Azees Nedumangad, John Vijay, Sampath Ram and Major Ravi. The film is based on a real-life incident that occurred in Thankamany in October 1986.[1]

The film was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title D 148, being the 148th film of Dileep. The official title, Thankamani, was announced in September 2023. Principal photography began in January 2023 in Kottayam and wrapped up in August 2023. The filming took place in Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Koottickal, Poonjar, Kuttikkanam, Peermade, and Kattappana. The musical score was composed by William Francis, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Manoj Pillai and Shyam Sasidharan. The film was theatrically released on 7 March 2024.[2] The film was panned by both critics and audiences, and emerged as a Box-office bomb.

Premise

In Idukki's Thankamani, the narrative centers on Abel Joshua Mathan, a Gulf returnee. Abel is spending a holiday at home when the infamous Thankamani incident occurs. His family becomes embroiled in it, and so does the plot's resolution. Even though he loses his wife, Anitha, in the incident, he decides to fight the people responsible.

Production

Development

Thankamani marks the first collaboration of Ratheesh Reghunandan, who previously directed Udal (2022), with Dileep.[3] It is produced by R. B. Choudary under the banner Super Good Films, in association with Iffaar Media of Raaffi Mathirra.[4] It will be the 97th production of Super Good Films and the 18th production of Iffaar Media.[5] The film was tentatively titled D 148, as it is the 148th film of Dileep.[6] The film was officially announced on 27 January 2023 in Kochi with a pooja ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza hotel.[7] [8] Joshiy inaugurated the function by lighting the Nilavilakku, while Jiiva performed the switch-on, and producer Raaffi Mathirra gave the first clap.[9] The official title Thankamani was announced on 4 September 2023.[10] In order to shoot the action sequences, the makers have hired action directors like Siva, Supreme Sundar, Rajashekhar and Mafia Sasi.[11] [12]

Casting

After her previous appearance in Paappan (2022), Neeta Pillai signed to play the female lead.[13] [14] Pranitha Subhash, who is making her debut in Malayalam cinema, was cast to play another female lead.[15]

Filming

Principal photography commenced with the first schedule on 28 January 2023 at CMS College Kottayam, and reportedly, around 500 junior artists were involved.[16] [17] Dileep joined the shoot in the first week of February.[18] Erattupetta, Kanjirappally, Koottickal, Poonjar, Kuttikkanam and Peermade were other prominent filming locations.[19] The first schedule was completed on 8 March 2023 after a 40-day shoot.[20] The crew began the second schedule on 8 May 2023 in Kattappana and nearby locations.[21] With the help of art director Manu Jagath, a set was constructed on of land near Kattappana to shoot some important scenes, involving a thousand junior artists for 15 days.[22] The shooting wrapped up on 17 August 2023 in Kattappana.[23] [24]

Reception

Thankamani received highly negative reviews from both critics and audiences with criticism for the screenplay, direction, making, and Dileep's performance. The Indian Express rated 1 out of 5 stars and wrote: "Dileep’s performance in the film is particularly dismal, even worse than his previous work in Bandra."[25] The Times of India rated 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Ratheesh Reghunandan's film based on real-life incident fails to impress".[26] Hindustan Times wrote "Dileep's film is a major let-down, dilutes real-life tragedy with needless romance".[27] Onmanorama wrote "Dileep walks a tightrope between daring, melodrama" [28] Times Now rated 3 out of 5 and wrote "a decent premise let down by poor screenplay".[29] It emerged as a box office bomb.[30]

Controversies

The teaser of the film, which was released on 2023 December, depicts women being sexually assaulted inside a police station. V R Biju argues that such scenes will paint Thankamani in a bad light. Showing such scenes will isolate the village from mainstream society, the petitioner argued.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 21 October 2023 . First look of Dileep's Thankamani out . . en . 22 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231022142057/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/oct/21/first-look-of-dileeps-thankamani-out-48837.html . live .
  2. News: 2024-02-26 . Dileep starrer 'Thankamani's first single titled 'Kaathileeran'; release date announced! . 2024-03-07 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  3. News: 24 January 2023 . 'D 148': Dileep to team up with 'Udal' director for his next . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 15 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230815230157/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/d-148-dileep-to-team-up-with-udal-director-for-his-next/articleshow/97271483.cms . live .
  4. Web site: 6 September 2023 . Dileep's latest film 'Thankamani' based on true incidents wraps up shoot . Onmanorama . 24 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230924134722/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/09/06/thankamani-dileep-movie-ratheesh-raghunandan-true-incidents-in-kerala.html . live .
  5. Web site: 23 January 2023 . ദിലീപും 'ഉടലി'ന്റെ സംവിധായകനും ഒന്നിക്കുന്നു; നിർമാണം രണ്ട് പ്രമുഖ ബാനറുകൾ ചേർന്ന് . Mathrubhumi . ml . 4 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230204064222/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/dileep-and-director-of-udal-movie-joins-for-a-new-movie-1.8246504 . live .
  6. News: 1 September 2023 . 'D148': Makers to launch the title of Dileep starrer on THIS day! . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 22 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231022142559/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/d148-makers-to-launch-the-title-of-dileep-starrer-on-this-day/articleshow/103288562.cms . live .
  7. News: 27 January 2023 . Dileep starrer 'D 148' begins with a pooja function; see pics . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 7 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230207214339/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/dileep-starrer-d-148-begins-with-a-pooja-function-see-pics/articleshow/97375119.cms . live .
  8. Web site: 27 January 2023 . ദിലീപിന്റെ ബിഗ് ബജറ്റ് ചിത്രം; സിച്ച് ഓൺ നിർവഹിച്ച് ജീവ . Manorama Online . ml . 31 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230331070911/https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-news/2023/01/27/dileep-148-movie-launch-event.html . live .
  9. Web site: Nirmal . 27 January 2023 . 'ഉടല്‍' സംവിധായകന്‍റെ ദിലീപ് ചിത്രം; പ്രണിത സുഭാഷ് മലയാളത്തിലേക്ക് . Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd . ml . 22 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231022142619/https://www.asianetnews.com/entertainment-news/d-148-dileep-movie-directed-by-ratheesh-raghunandan-pranitha-subhash-in-malayalam-rp56co . live .
  10. News: 5 September 2023 . Dileep-Ratheesh Reghunandan's film titled 'Thankamani', title poster out! . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 5 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230905134706/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/dileep-ratheesh-reghunandans-film-titled-thankamani-title-poster-out/articleshow/103388410.cms . live .
  11. Web site: 7 October 2023 . Four Popular Action Directors Roped In For Dileep-starrer Malayalam Film Thankamani: Reports . News18 . en . 15 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231015152413/https://www.news18.com/movies/four-popular-action-directors-roped-in-for-dileep-starrer-malayalam-film-thankamani-reports-8607172.html . live .
  12. Web site: 7 October 2023 . Top South News: Dileep's Thankamani Enlists 4 Action Directors, Vijay Raghavendra's Heartfelt Tribute To Spandana . Times Now . en . 14 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231014094339/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/top-south-news-dileep-thankamani-enlists-4-action-directors-vijay-raghavendra-heartfelt-tribute-to-spandana-article-104241983 . live .
  13. Web site: Madhu . Vignesh . 25 January 2023 . Neeta Pillai to play the female lead in Dileep's next? . . en . 3 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203163748/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/jan/25/neeta-pillai-to-play-the-female-lead-in-dileeps-next-39230.html . live .
  14. Web site: Sidhardhan . Sanjith . 24 January 2023 . Dileep's next with Udal director titled Thankammani? Neeta Pillai joins team as female lead . OTTPlay . en . 3 February 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203004848/https://www.ottplay.com/news/dileeps-next-with-udal-director-titled-thankammani-neeta-pillai-joins-team-as-female-lead/f3cd310b63843 . live .
  15. Web site: Madhu . Vignesh . 28 January 2023 . Pranitha Subhash debuts in Malayalam with Dileep's next . . en . 2 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230402094321/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/jan/28/pranitha-subhash-debuts-in-malayalam-with-dileeps-next-39375.html . live .
  16. Web site: 18 August 2023 . ശേഷം സ്‌ക്രീനിൽ; ദിലീപ്, രതീഷ് രഘുനന്ദൻ ചിത്രം 'D148' ചിത്രീകരണം പൂർത്തിയായി . News18 Malayalam . ml . 22 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230822193329/https://malayalam.news18.com/news/film/movies-dileep-ratheesh-raghunandan-movie-d148-starts-wrapped-up-mm-620487.html . live .
  17. Web site: 18 August 2023 . Dileep Completes Shooting For Ratheesh Reghunandan's Next Project . News18 . en . 24 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824155206/https://www.news18.com/movies/dileep-completes-shooting-for-ratheesh-reghunandans-next-project-8541094.html . live .
  18. News: 7 February 2023 . Dileep joins the set of 'D148'; see pic . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 30 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230330051945/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/dileep-joins-the-set-of-d148-see-pic/articleshow/97682536.cms . live .
  19. Web site: 12 May 2023 . വൻ മുതൽമുടക്കിൽ ഡി 148, സെറ്റിൽ ദിലീപ് ജോയിൻ ചെയ്തു . Mathrubhumi . ml . 5 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230905070018/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/dileep-joined-in-his-148th-movie-ratheesh-raghunandanan-and-dileep-movie-d-148-shooting-1.8552261 . live .
  20. Web site: Sidhardhan . Sanjith . 14 March 2023 . Pranitha Subhash, Dileep wrap up first schedule of their big budget film, helmed by Udal director . OTTPlay . en . 31 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230331152752/https://www.ottplay.com/news/pranitha-subhash-dileep-wrap-up-first-schedule-of-their-big-budget-film-helmed-by-udal-director/509a7f461a910 . live .
  21. Web site: 15 May 2023 . Second Schedule of Dileep-starrer D148 Begins In Kattappana . News18 . en . 15 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230815100118/https://www.news18.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/second-schedule-of-dileep-starrer-d148-begins-in-kattappana-7822717.html . live .
  22. News: 12 May 2023 . Second schedule of Dileep starrer 'D148' goes on floors in Kattappana . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 26 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230526030342/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/second-schedule-of-dileep-starrer-d148-goes-on-floors-in-kattappana/articleshow/100190671.cms . live .
  23. Web site: 18 August 2023 . D 148: Dileep's next with Ratheesh Reghunandan wrapped up . . en . 25 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230825014912/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2023/aug/18/d-148-dileepsnext-withratheesh-reghunandan-wrapped-up-46737.html . live .
  24. News: 18 August 2023 . It's a wrap for Dileep starrer 'D148' . The Times of India . 0971-8257 . 24 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230824163124/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/its-a-wrap-for-dileep-starrer-d148/articleshow/102836887.cms . live .
  25. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thankamani-movie-review-dileep-film-offers-a-subpar-fictional-take-on-a-real-life-incident-of-police-monstrosity-9200783/
  26. News: 7 March 2024 . Ratheesh Reghunandan's film based on real-life incident fails to impress . The Times of India.
  27. News: 7 March 2024 . Dileep's film is a major let-down, dilutes real-life tragedy with needless romance. .
  28. News: 7 March 2024 . Dileep walks a tightrope between daring, melodrama. .
  29. News: 7 March 2024 . A Decent Premise Let Down By Poor Screenplay. .
  30. News: 14 March 2024 . 'Thankamani' box office collection day 6: Dileep starrer goes downhill on Tuesday. The Times of India.