Pazhassi Raja (2009 Film)

Pazhassi Raja (2009 Film)

Pazhassi Raja is a 2009 Malayalam historical drama film based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a Hindu king who fought against the British in the 18th century. The film was directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and produced by Gokulam Gopalan. It stars an ensemble cast consisting of Mammootty in the title lead role, and Manoj K. Jayan, Kanika Subramaniam, Sarath Kumar, Padmapriya, Thilakan, Peter Handley, Harry Key, Linda Arsenio and Jagathi Sreekumar in supporting roles. The music score and soundtrack were created by Ilaiyaraaja, while its sound design is by Resul Pookutty. The political situation of the time is portrayed from an Indian viewpoint in the film, and the locals are treated sympathetically.

The film was featured in international film festivals of Kerala and Mumbai besides many festivals across the world including the prestigious Fukuoka International Film Festival. The film won National Film Award for Best Background Score, Best Audiography and Special Jury Award (for Padmapriya). It received numerous other accolades including eight Kerala State Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards South.

Pazhassi Raja was produced at a cost of 27 crore (US$4.9 million) and was the costliest film made in Malayalam until then. Originally filmed in Malayalam, Pazhassi Raja was dubbed in Tamil and Hindi. The film released on 16 October 2009 across Kerala with 130 prints. Upon release, it enjoyed critical acclaim and huge box-office success. The film grossed close to 49 crore (US$9.0 million) and is currently the highest-grossing film in the history of Malayalam cinema.