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* Balaji
* Balaji
* Pradeep Chandran
* Pradeep Chandran

==Themes==
===Genre===
The film has kicked off a new genre in Malayalam — family thriller, a genre which combines the elements of a family drama and [[thriller (genre)|thriller]].<ref name=Interview1/> The film takes off as a typical family drama. The first half of the film is intentionally slow-paced and shows to the audience the lighter moments in the family of Georgekutty.<ref name="The Hindu Review"/> This half combines the elements of [[drama film|drama]] and [[comedy film|comedy]] genres. The audience gets completely absorbed in the twist of events that begin to unfold from the end of the first half. The second half is more like a thriller and is about how the family, despite the vengeful villainy of a corrupt cop, stands its ground even as the law takes its course.<ref name="The Hindu Review"/> When asked whether this change in narrative style post-interval was intentional, Jeethu Joseph replied: "I really don't understand when people say the first half lacked pace. A story or a film has its own way of progression and it does travel in a zig-zag away, capturing all the ups and downs of our lives. Right from the start if you accelerate the pace, soooner or later, the story-telling will lose its steam."<ref name=Interview1/> The film uses some 'sexist dialogues' in the first half which were playing to a certain 'new generation' audience. The director says: "I firmly believe such conversations are part of our lives. I don't want to elaborate, but it also throws an insight into each character featured in the sequences. Yes, frankly, I was a bit worried how the family audience would react to those scenes. But then I read out that part of the script to a select group of women and they nodded their heads in approval. So..."<ref name=Interview1/>

However, the director calls the film a 'family drama'. "We usually brand a film as a thriller, simply because there is some mystery in the narrative or the story unfolds through an investigation. But I don’t subscribe to this. Although there are some twists in the tale and some suspense as well, Drishyam is essentially the story of a family," says Jeethu.<ref>Vijay George (December 20, 2013). [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/one-for-the-family/article5479778.ece "One for the family"]. Retrieved December 26, 2013.</ref>

===Narrative style===
The film uses [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] as its narrative mode. Jeethu Joseph says: "At the concept level, I toyed with many narratives, wondering how I would start the film or should I use the flashback mode. But once everything was on paper, I was very clear about the way the story should unfurl. I guess this was the best way the story could have been narrated."<ref name=Interview1/>


==Production==
==Production==
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===Reviews===
===Reviews===
[[Sify.com]]'s reviewer gave the verdict "Excellent" and stated, "It is not often that you sit in a theatre with bated breath, never wanting to miss a moment of the film on screen. Writer director Jeethu Joseph's ''Drishyam'' is one such film, a gripping tale that leaves you spellbound with its skillful craft."<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/drishyam-review-malayalam-15045570.html "Movie Review: Drishyam"]. Sify.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Veeyen of Nowrunning.com rated the film 3/5 and commented, "In ''Drishyam'' Jeethu attempts a stunning mix of the real with the imaginary, and the result is an unpredictable cinematic artichoke that takes you by surprise at every turn."<ref>[http://nowrunning.com/movie/13828/malayalam/drishyam/4502/review.htm "Drishyam Review"]. Nowrunning.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Rating the film 3.5/5, Paresh C Palicha of [[Rediff.com]] said, "Drishyam can be credited for bringing Mohanlal back to form and pushing director Jeethu Joseph into the big league as he has made a cracker of a thriller."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-drishyam-is-mohanlals-film/20131220.htm "Review: Drishyam is Mohanlal's film"]. [[Rediff.com]]. December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Jabir Mushthari of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote: "It takes craft, intelligence, and the superior acumen of a genuine storyteller to pull off a film in such an engaging manner." He also noted that the film's "thread and treatment are new to Malayalam cinema in many ways" and its "principles go against the set rules film goers here are familiar with".<ref name="The Hindu Review">Jabir Mushthari (December 22, 2013). [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/a-bold-fresh-and-thoroughly-engaging-outing/article5488450.ece "A bold, fresh, and thoroughly engaging outing"]. ''[[The Hindu]]''. Retrieved December 25, 2013.</ref> Shibu B S of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' wrote : "For his latest outing 'Drishyam', Jeethu attempts a splendid mix of emotions, relationships, suspense and thrill. End result: a spectacular cinematic experience."<ref>Shibu B S (December 22, 2013). [http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/A-Spectacular-Cine-Experience/2013/12/22/article1959027.ece "A Spectacular Cine Experience"]. ''[[The New Indian Express]]''. Retrieved December 26, 2013.</ref> Dalton L of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' gave the film a 3-star rating, writing, "The limelight belongs entirely to Mohanlal. Like the versatile greats of Hollywood, this actor possesses such a vast repertoire that he isn't required to always attempt the radically new to stamp his towering persona."<ref>Dalton L (December 22, 2013). [http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131222/entertainment-movie-reviews/article/malayalam-movie-review-drishyam "Malayalam Movie Review: 'Drishyam'"]. ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]''. Retrieved December 22, 2013.</ref> Mythily Ramachandran wrote in her review for ''[[Gulf News]]'': "Drishyam is an unforgettable picture, shorn of irrational fight sequences and mindless dance numbers."<ref>Mythily Ramachandran. January 1, 2014. [http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/tabloid/film-review-drishyam-has-the-mohanlal-we-love-1.1272918 "Film review: Drishyam has the Mohanlal we love"]. ''[[Gulf News]]''. Retrieved January 4, 2014.</ref> Aswin J Kumar of ''[[The Times of India]]'' said, "Drishyam is an elegantly crafted piece of film which Lal and Joseph can proudly hold close to their hearts."<ref>Aswin J Kumar (December 22, 2013). [http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/movie-reviews/drishyam/movie-review/27751094.cms "Drishyam"]. ''[[The Times of India]]''. Retrieved December 22, 2013.</ref> Unni R. Nair wrote in his review for Kerala9.com: "The care with which the script is done, the finesse with which the direction part is executed and the characterization and performance plus the thoughtful placing of the songs makes 'Drishyam' worth real appreciation. That the film has almost zero-'filmy' humour is also worth noting. It's the logical manner in which the story unfolds and the very convincing manner in which the characters behave makes it impressive." The critic rated the film three in a scale of five.<ref>Unni R. Nair (December 20, 2013). [http://kerala9.com/movie/drishyam/review.ece "A Spectacular Cine Experience"]. Kerala9.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013.</ref> Indiaglitz.com's reviewer rated the film 8/10 and stated: "''Drishyam'' is undoubtedly cladded with exceptional story telling combined with bravura performances. An undoubtedly exceptional film as far the content is concerned, the movie is a must watch for all the audiences of family and thriller movies."<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/18187.html "Drishyam- This 'Drishyam' is an excellent watch"]. Indiaglitz.com. December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Subhash Sabu of Yentha.com concluded his review saying, "A well knit thriller, which can keep you on the edge of your seats for most of the time. Easily one of the best films to have released in Malayalam this year. Very rarely you will get to see a thriller of such sheer brilliance."<ref>Subhash Sabu (December 23, 2013). [http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/drishyam-a-well-knit-thriller-malayalam-film-review "Drishyam - A Well-Knit Thriller (Malayalam): Film Review"]. Yentha.com. Retrieved December 23, 2013.</ref>
[[Sify.com]]'s reviewer gave the verdict "Excellent" and stated, "It is not often that you sit in a theatre with bated breath, never wanting to miss a moment of the film on screen. Writer director Jeethu Joseph's ''Drishyam'' is one such film, a gripping tale that leaves you spellbound with its skillful craft."<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/drishyam-review-malayalam-15045570.html "Movie Review: Drishyam"]. Sify.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Veeyen of Nowrunning.com rated the film 3/5 and commented, "In ''Drishyam'' Jeethu attempts a stunning mix of the real with the imaginary, and the result is an unpredictable cinematic artichoke that takes you by surprise at every turn."<ref>[http://nowrunning.com/movie/13828/malayalam/drishyam/4502/review.htm "Drishyam Review"]. Nowrunning.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Rating the film 3.5/5, Paresh C Palicha of [[Rediff.com]] said, "Drishyam can be credited for bringing Mohanlal back to form and pushing director Jeethu Joseph into the big league as he has made a cracker of a thriller."<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-drishyam-is-mohanlals-film/20131220.htm "Review: Drishyam is Mohanlal's film"]. [[Rediff.com]]. December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Jabir Mushthari of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote: "It takes craft, intelligence, and the superior acumen of a genuine storyteller to pull off a film in such an engaging manner." He also noted that the film's "thread and treatment are new to Malayalam cinema in many ways" and its "principles go against the set rules film goers here are familiar with".<ref name="The Hindu Review">Jabir Mushthari (December 22, 2013). [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/a-bold-fresh-and-thoroughly-engaging-outing/article5488450.ece "A bold, fresh, and thoroughly engaging outing"]. ''[[The Hindu]]''. Retrieved December 25, 2013.</ref> Shibu B S of ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' wrote : "For his latest outing 'Drishyam', Jeethu attempts a splendid mix of emotions, relationships, suspense and thrill. End result: a spectacular cinematic experience."<ref>Shibu B S (December 22, 2013). [http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/A-Spectacular-Cine-Experience/2013/12/22/article1959027.ece "A Spectacular Cine Experience"]. ''[[The New Indian Express]]''. Retrieved December 26, 2013.</ref> Dalton L of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' gave the film a 3-star rating, writing, "The limelight belongs entirely to Mohanlal. Like the versatile greats of Hollywood, this actor possesses such a vast repertoire that he isn't required to always attempt the radically new to stamp his towering persona."<ref>Dalton L (December 22, 2013). [http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131222/entertainment-movie-reviews/article/malayalam-movie-review-drishyam "Malayalam Movie Review: 'Drishyam'"]. ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]''. Retrieved December 22, 2013.</ref> Mythily Ramachandran wrote in her review for ''[[Gulf News]]'': "Drishyam is an unforgettable picture, shorn of irrational fight sequences and mindless dance numbers."<ref>Mythily Ramachandran. January 1, 2014. [http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/tabloid/film-review-drishyam-has-the-mohanlal-we-love-1.1272918 "Film review: Drishyam has the Mohanlal we love"]. ''[[Gulf News]]''. Retrieved January 4, 2014.</ref> Aswin J Kumar of ''[[The Times of India]]'' said, "Drishyam is an elegantly crafted piece of film which Lal and Joseph can proudly hold close to their hearts."<ref>Aswin J Kumar (December 22, 2013). [http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/movie-reviews/drishyam/movie-review/27751094.cms "Drishyam"]. ''[[The Times of India]]''. Retrieved December 22, 2013.</ref> Unni R. Nair wrote in his review for Kerala9.com: "The care with which the script is done, the finesse with which the direction part is executed and the characterization and performance plus the thoughtful placing of the songs makes 'Drishyam' worth real appreciation. That the film has almost zero-'filmy' humour is also worth noting. It's the logical manner in which the story unfolds and the very convincing manner in which the characters behave makes it impressive." The critic rated the film three in a scale of five.<ref>Unni R. Nair (December 20, 2013). [http://kerala9.com/movie/drishyam/review.ece "A Spectacular Cine Experience"]. Kerala9.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013.</ref> Indiaglitz.com's reviewer rated the film 8/10 and stated: "''Drishyam'' is undoubtedly cladded with exceptional story telling combined with bravura performances. An undoubtedly exceptional film as far the content is concerned, the movie is a must watch for all the audiences of family and thriller movies."<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/review/18187.html "Drishyam- This 'Drishyam' is an excellent watch"]. Indiaglitz.com. December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> Subhash Sabu of Yentha.com concluded his review saying, "A well knit thriller, which can keep you on the edge of your seats for most of the time. Easily one of the best films to have released in Malayalam this year. Very rarely you will get to see a thriller of such sheer brilliance."<ref>Subhash Sabu (December 23, 2013). [http://www.yentha.com/news/view/4/drishyam-a-well-knit-thriller-malayalam-film-review "Drishyam - A Well-Knit Thriller (Malayalam): Film Review"]. Yentha.com. Retrieved December 23, 2013.</ref>

However, noted critic Gautaman Bhaskaran was not fully impressed with the film and wrote in ''[[Hindustan Times]]'': "Scripted more or less in a convincing manner and mounted with finesse, writer-director Joseph fleshes out his characters. However, Drishyam often seems like a radio play, long dialogues mar its cinematic qualities, and like many other helmers, Joseph too does not know where to end his film. Cinema need not be so explanatory; certainly this is not how contemporary movies are made.<ref name="Gautaman Bhaskaran">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/mohanlal-s-aam-aadmi-is-a-surprise-hit-in-drishyam/article1-1170864.aspx |title=Mohanlal's aam aadmi is a surprise hit in Drishyam | newspaper=Hindustan Times | author=Gautaman Bhaskaran | date=9 January 2014 |accessdate=12 January 2014}}</ref>


===Criticism===
===Criticism===
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===Box office===
===Box office===
The film grossed {{INR}}6.70 crore in its first eight days<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/417444/ | title=Drishyam crossed 7 crores | work=[[Mathrubhumi]] | date=27 December 2013 | accessdate=31 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.southcinearena.com/2013/12/drishyam-creating-history-at-box-office-collection/ | title=Drishyam creating history at box office collection | publisher=Southcinearena.com | date=28 December 2013 | accessdate=31 December 2013}}</ref> and had earned over {{INRConvert|35|c}} after 50 days of its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohanlals-drishyam-celebrates-50-days-strikes-gold-at-box-office/450455-71-175.html |title=Mohanlal's 'Drishyam' celebrates 50 days, strikes gold at box office - IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=2014-02-07 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/drishyam-celebrates-50-days-strikes-gold-at-box-office_150407.html |title=`Drishyam` celebrates 50 days, strikes gold at box-office |publisher=Zeenews.india.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref> ''Drishyam'' is the first Malayalam film to cross {{INR}}1 crore mark in [[United States|USA]] and [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cineshore.com/boxofficeupdates/drishyam-creates-history-in-usa-and-uk | title=Drishyam creates history in USA and UK | publisher=[[Cine Shore]] | accessdate=11 February 2014}}</ref>
The film grossed {{INR}}6.70 crore in its first eight days<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/417444/ | title=Drishyam crossed 7 crores | work=[[Mathrubhumi]] | date=27 December 2013 | accessdate=31 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.southcinearena.com/2013/12/drishyam-creating-history-at-box-office-collection/ | title=Drishyam creating history at box office collection | publisher=Southcinearena.com | date=28 December 2013 | accessdate=31 December 2013}}</ref> and had earned over {{INRConvert|35|c}} after 50 days of its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohanlals-drishyam-celebrates-50-days-strikes-gold-at-box-office/450455-71-175.html |title=Mohanlal's 'Drishyam' celebrates 50 days, strikes gold at box office - IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=2014-02-07 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/drishyam-celebrates-50-days-strikes-gold-at-box-office_150407.html |title=`Drishyam` celebrates 50 days, strikes gold at box-office |publisher=Zeenews.india.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref> Drishyam is the first Malayalam film to cross {{INR}}1 crore mark in [[United States|USA]] and [[United Kingdom|UK]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cineshore.com/boxofficeupdates/drishyam-creates-history-in-usa-and-uk | title=Drishyam creates history in USA and UK | publisher=[[Cine Shore]] | accessdate=11 February 2014}}</ref>


In less than one month following its release, ''Drishyam'' became the highest grossing film in the history of Malayalam cinema.<ref>{{cite web|author=Updated Friday, April 11, 2014 06:10 PM IST |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=15984375&programId= |title=Home |publisher=Manorama Online |date=2014-04-04 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/balachander-lauds-drishyam-salutes-mohanlal/article1-1174906.aspx |title=Balachander lauds Drishyam, salutes Mohanlal |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2014-01-20 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=By Ians - Chennai |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Balachander-Lauds-Drishyam-Salutes-Mohanlal/2014/01/20/article2009907.ece |title=Balachander Lauds 'Drishyam', Salutes Mohanlal |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=2014-01-20 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Friday, April 11, 2014 | 06:10 PM IST |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/balachander-lauds-drishyam-salutes-mohanlal-114012000178_1.html |title=Balachander lauds 'Drishyam', salutes Mohanlal |publisher=Business Standard |date=2014-01-20 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref> The film's satellite rights were bought by [[Asianet]] for a record amount of {{INRConvert|6.5|c}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/101915.html | title=Malayalam cinema sets a new record | publisher=Indiaglitz.com | date=January 4, 2014 | accessdate=January 6, 2014}}</ref> It holds the record of having acquired the biggest ever satellite amount in Malayalam cinema.<ref name=satellite>{{cite web | url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/news/2014/mohanlal-movie-drishyam-satellite-rights-sold-for-rs-6-5-crores-129023.html | title=Mohanlal's Drishyam Sold For Rs 6.5 Crores! | publisher=Oneindia.in | date=January 8, 2014 | accessdate=January 13, 2014}}</ref> The film's Hindi, Tamil and Telugu rights were sold for {{INRConvert|1.55|c}}.<ref name="Gautaman Bhaskaran"/>
In less than one month following its release, ''Drishyam'' became the highest grossing film in the history of Malayalam cinema.<ref>{{cite web|author=Updated Friday, April 11, 2014 06:10 PM IST |url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=15984375&programId= |title=Home |publisher=Manorama Online |date=2014-04-04 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/balachander-lauds-drishyam-salutes-mohanlal/article1-1174906.aspx |title=Balachander lauds Drishyam, salutes Mohanlal |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2014-01-20 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=By Ians - Chennai |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Balachander-Lauds-Drishyam-Salutes-Mohanlal/2014/01/20/article2009907.ece |title=Balachander Lauds 'Drishyam', Salutes Mohanlal |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=2014-01-20 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Friday, April 11, 2014 | 06:10 PM IST |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/balachander-lauds-drishyam-salutes-mohanlal-114012000178_1.html |title=Balachander lauds 'Drishyam', salutes Mohanlal |publisher=Business Standard |date=2014-01-20 |accessdate=2014-04-11}}</ref> The film's satellite rights were bought by [[Asianet]] for a record amount of {{INRConvert|6.5|c}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/101915.html | title=Malayalam cinema sets a new record | publisher=Indiaglitz.com | date=January 4, 2014 | accessdate=January 6, 2014}}</ref> It holds the record of having acquired the biggest ever satellite amount in Malayalam cinema.<ref name=satellite>{{cite web | url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/news/2014/mohanlal-movie-drishyam-satellite-rights-sold-for-rs-6-5-crores-129023.html | title=Mohanlal's Drishyam Sold For Rs 6.5 Crores! | publisher=Oneindia.in | date=January 8, 2014 | accessdate=January 13, 2014}}</ref>


''Drishyam'' completed 100 days in 60 theatres in Kerala and rest of India. The domestic gross of the film is around {{INR}}37 crore from Kerala theaters alone. Further, the film grossed around {{INR}}10 crore from rest of India. The collection from the overseas markets amounts to more than {{INR}}4 crores.<ref name="sify.com"/>
''Drishyam'' completed 100 days in 60 theatres in Kerala and rest of India. The domestic gross of the film is around {{INR}}37 crore from Kerala theaters alone. Further, the film grossed around {{INR}}10 crore from rest of India. The collection from the overseas markets amounts to more than {{INR}}4 crores.<ref name="sify.com"/>

Revision as of 06:15, 12 April 2014

Drishyam
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJeethu Joseph
Written byJeethu Joseph
Produced byAntony Perumbavoor
StarringMohanlal
Meena
Ansiba
Esther
Kalabhavan Shajon
Siddique
Asha Sarath
CinematographySujith Vaassudev
Edited byAyoob Khan
Music byAnil Johnson
Vinu Thomas
Production
company
Distributed byMaxlab
Release date
  • 19 December 2013 (2013-12-19)
Running time
164 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Budget₹4.60 crore (US$550,000) [1]
Box office₹51 crore (US$6.1 million)[2]

Drishyam (Malayalam: ദൃശ്യം, English translation: Visuals) is a 2013 Indian Malayalam drama–thriller film written and directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Mohanlal and Meena.[3] The film was produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the banner Aashirvad Cinemas. Mohanlal appears as a common farmer while Meena plays his wife. The film's music was composed by Anil Johnson and Vinu Thomas. The cinematography was performed by Sujith Vassudev. The film was shot in Thodupuzha and nearby locations.[4]

This was the first Malayalam film to complete 10,000 shows within 26 days and also became the highest grossing film in the history of Malayalam cinema with collections from India and overseas within 31 days.[5] Drishyam is also the first Malayalam film to collect ₹50 crore (US$6.0 million) from its theatrical box office collections, remake rights, satellite and television rights.[6][7]

Plot

Georgekutty (Mohanlal), an orphan who had dropped out of school after the fourth grade. He has come up in life by tilling his land. Now he is a businessman running a cable TV service in a rural area. He is married to Rani (Meena) and they have two daughters, Anju (Ansiba), a Plus Two student, and Anu (Esther), a student of class sixth.[clarification needed] Georgekutty is stingy and does not like to spend money on anything beyond the basic necessities. His only interest apart from his family is watching films. He spends most of his time in front of the TV in his small office. He is so obsessed with movies that he makes every major decision in life by subconsciously taking an example from some film he has seen.

Toward the middle of the film, Georgekutty’s teenaged daughter gets photographed in the bathroom at a nature camp by a hidden cell phone. The culprit, Varun (Roshan Basheer) is the son of police inspector general Geetha Prabhakar (Asha Sarath). Varun is accidentally killed by Rani and her daughter when he comes to blackmail them. They hide his body in a compost pit, which is witnessed by Anu. Rani tells Georgekutty about the incident and he devises a way to save his family from the law. He removes the broken cell phone and disposes of Varun's car, which is seen by Constable Sahadevan (Kalabhavan Shajon), who has a grudge against Georgekutty. Georgekutty takes them out on a trip to Thodupuzha to pray in a church, watch a movie and eat at a restaurant. Geetha, realising that her son has gone missing starts an investigation.

After a preliminary investigation, Geetha calls Georgekutty and family for questioning. Georgekutty had predicted that this would happen and taught his family how to change their alibi at the time of murder. When questioned individually, they replied the same thing and they had also shown the bill of the restaurant,the movie ticket and the bus journeys' tickets as proof of their alibi. Geetha questions the owners of the establishments they have been to and their statements prove Georgekutty's alibi. Geetha realises that on the day of the incident, Georgekutty had taken the tickets and the bill, made acquaintance with the owners and had gone for the trip with his family the next day, thus proving his alibi and making the owners unwittingly tell the lie.

Geetha arrests Georgekutty and family and Sahadevan uses brute force to beat the truth out of them. Eventually, Anu gives in and reveals the place where the body is buried. After digging the compost pit,they find the carcass of a calf, indicating that Georgekutty had moved the body. Anu reports to the media and complains against Sahadevan. The constable is suspended and Geetha resigns from her post. Geetha and her husband meet Georgekutty to ask forgiveness for their rude and violent behavior. But Georgekutty indirectly tells them that he had got rid of 'the uninvited guest'. Georgekutty, now in remand, signs a register at the newly constructed local police station. As he leaves, a flashback shows him leaving the incomplete police station with a shovel in hand, indicating that he has hidden Varun's body in the foundations of the police station itself.

Cast

Production

Writing

Jeethu has always wanted to do a project with Mohanlal and jumped at the chance after completing Memories.[8] A thread similar to that of Drishyam has been with the director since the early nineties. When the director overheard a conversation about the plight of two families involved in a legal battle, the idea got a boost.[9] Jeethu had penned the story of Drishyam even before Memories.[10] He says, "I started working on the subject some two years back. But I wanted to stick to the planned order and hence postponed the project till I finished Memories".[11] The script was initially planned to be filmed by another director but since that director could not find a producer, Jeethu took back the script and decided to direct it himself.[12] Drishyam is completely different from the director's previous films. He says, "Different films require different treatment. I toiled hard while filming Memories as the film was full of twists and turns and the handling of the subject mattered a lot. But Drishyam is a complete script-oriented film that does not require any special effort. We shot the film sticking completely to the script, and the shooting was completed effortlessly."[13]

Casting and filming

Drishyam is the first movie since the 2005 release of Chandrolsavam to feature both Meena and Mohanlal.[13] Jeethu had earlier planned Simran to enact Rani's role but the actress was busy with her TV show. It was reported that Jeethu had also approached many actresses, including Priyamani, but none of them showed interest to play the role.[14] According to the director, actor Mammootty was instrumental in roping in actress Meena (she was on the sets of his film Balyakala Sakhi) for Drishyam.[9] After the release of the film, Oneindia.in reported that the director had earlier approached Mammootty to play the lead in Drishyam but when Mammootty had date clashes, he opted for Mohanlal. The report cited the director as saying that no changes were made in the script when Mohanlal agreed.[15] However, the director, in an interview with The New Indian Express, stated that he wrote the screenplay with Mohanlal in mind and the character was tailor-made for Mohanlal.[13] However, in another interview with the The New Indian Express published in September 2013, the director said: "It was always my dream to do a film with the amazing actor [Mohanlal]. ActorKalabhavan Shajon, who was previously been in the industry as a comedian and the sidekick of the lead actors, was chosen for the main antagonistic role. The director says, "I had two-three actors in mind, but at last decided to pick Shajon.[9] I was very clear that I did not want anyone who has played negative characters so far to do the role. Shajon was a total revelation." Roshan Basheer, who debuted through Plus Two a couple of years before, was chosen after conducting a screen test.[16] Actor Prithviraj was rumoured to play a cameo role in Drishyam but eventually this did not happen.[8]

Drishyam commenced production in the first week of October 2013.[17] The film was shot exclusively at Thodupuzha in Kerala.[4] Drishyam was initially planned to be filmed in 52 days but the principal production got completed in 44 days.[9][18]

Reception

Reviews

Sify.com's reviewer gave the verdict "Excellent" and stated, "It is not often that you sit in a theatre with bated breath, never wanting to miss a moment of the film on screen. Writer director Jeethu Joseph's Drishyam is one such film, a gripping tale that leaves you spellbound with its skillful craft."[19] Veeyen of Nowrunning.com rated the film 3/5 and commented, "In Drishyam Jeethu attempts a stunning mix of the real with the imaginary, and the result is an unpredictable cinematic artichoke that takes you by surprise at every turn."[20] Rating the film 3.5/5, Paresh C Palicha of Rediff.com said, "Drishyam can be credited for bringing Mohanlal back to form and pushing director Jeethu Joseph into the big league as he has made a cracker of a thriller."[21] Jabir Mushthari of The Hindu wrote: "It takes craft, intelligence, and the superior acumen of a genuine storyteller to pull off a film in such an engaging manner." He also noted that the film's "thread and treatment are new to Malayalam cinema in many ways" and its "principles go against the set rules film goers here are familiar with".[22] Shibu B S of The New Indian Express wrote : "For his latest outing 'Drishyam', Jeethu attempts a splendid mix of emotions, relationships, suspense and thrill. End result: a spectacular cinematic experience."[23] Dalton L of Deccan Chronicle gave the film a 3-star rating, writing, "The limelight belongs entirely to Mohanlal. Like the versatile greats of Hollywood, this actor possesses such a vast repertoire that he isn't required to always attempt the radically new to stamp his towering persona."[24] Mythily Ramachandran wrote in her review for Gulf News: "Drishyam is an unforgettable picture, shorn of irrational fight sequences and mindless dance numbers."[25] Aswin J Kumar of The Times of India said, "Drishyam is an elegantly crafted piece of film which Lal and Joseph can proudly hold close to their hearts."[26] Unni R. Nair wrote in his review for Kerala9.com: "The care with which the script is done, the finesse with which the direction part is executed and the characterization and performance plus the thoughtful placing of the songs makes 'Drishyam' worth real appreciation. That the film has almost zero-'filmy' humour is also worth noting. It's the logical manner in which the story unfolds and the very convincing manner in which the characters behave makes it impressive." The critic rated the film three in a scale of five.[27] Indiaglitz.com's reviewer rated the film 8/10 and stated: "Drishyam is undoubtedly cladded with exceptional story telling combined with bravura performances. An undoubtedly exceptional film as far the content is concerned, the movie is a must watch for all the audiences of family and thriller movies."[28] Subhash Sabu of Yentha.com concluded his review saying, "A well knit thriller, which can keep you on the edge of your seats for most of the time. Easily one of the best films to have released in Malayalam this year. Very rarely you will get to see a thriller of such sheer brilliance."[29]

Criticism

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Senkumar, who had previously expressed concern that Drishyam might provoke crime, claimed that two people accused of murdering a woman from Nilambur, Kerala in February 2014, admitted that their methods for disposing of the victim's body and mobile phone SIM card were influenced by Drishyam.[30][31]

Box office

The film grossed ₹6.70 crore in its first eight days[32][33] and had earned over ₹35 crore (US$4.2 million) after 50 days of its release.[34][35] Drishyam is the first Malayalam film to cross ₹1 crore mark in USA and UK.[36]

In less than one month following its release, Drishyam became the highest grossing film in the history of Malayalam cinema.[37][38][39][40] The film's satellite rights were bought by Asianet for a record amount of ₹6.5 crore (US$780,000).[41] It holds the record of having acquired the biggest ever satellite amount in Malayalam cinema.[42]

Drishyam completed 100 days in 60 theatres in Kerala and rest of India. The domestic gross of the film is around ₹37 crore from Kerala theaters alone. Further, the film grossed around ₹10 crore from rest of India. The collection from the overseas markets amounts to more than ₹4 crores.[2]

Accusation of plagiarism

There have been[weasel words] accusations that the film's plot is inspired by 2008 Japanese film Suspect X which is an adaptation of the novel The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. Some[who?] pointed out that the film's first half has similarities to the 1996 film Before and After, which is based on the 1992 novel of the same title by American writer Rosellen Brown. However, Jeethu rejected these allegations in an interview given to Malayala Manorama. When asked about the similarities with Suspect X, Jeethu said, "Both films revolve around a murder and cover up. I haven’t seen Suspect X, though I have asked for a DVD of it. From what I heard, Drishyam doesn't have many similarities with it. Triangle love stories have been the theme of many films, but can we say these films plots were all lifted."[43][44]

Remakes

Drishyam is being remade into several Indian languages.[45]

Year Film Language Cast Director Notes
2014 Tamil Version Tamil Kamal Haasan Jeethu Joseph Pre Production going on[46]
2014 Kannada Version Kannada V. Ravichandran, Navya Nair P. Vasu Shooting started, Music by Illayaraja[47]
2014 Telugu Version Telugu Venkatesh, Meena, Nadiya Moidu Sripriya Shooting going on.[48]

Awards

Kerala Film Critics Association Awards[49]
  • Best Film
  • Best Director - Jeethu Joseph
  • Best Actor - Mohanlal
  • Best Art Director - Sabu Ram
  • Best Male Playback Singer - Najim Arshad
Vanitha Film Awards[50]
  • Best Film
  • Best Director - Jeethu Joseph
  • Best Screenplay - Jeethu Joseph
  • Best Villain - Kalabhavan Shajohn
Asianet Film Awards
  • Best Film
  • Best Character Actress - Meena
  • Best Supporting Actor - Siddique
  • Best Supporting Actress - Asha Sarath
  • Best Actor in a Negative Role - Kalabhavan Shajohn
Nana Film Awards[51]
  • Best Film
  • Best Director - Jeethu Joseph
  • Best Actor - Mohanlal
  • Best Cinematographer - Sujith Vaassudev
  • Best Child Artist - Esther

Soundtrack

Untitled

The film features a soundtrack composed by Anil Johnson and Vinu Thomas with lyrics penned by Santhosh Varma. The background score was composed by Anil Johnson.

Track Song Artist(s) Composer Duration
1 "Maarivil" Najim Arshad Vinu Thomas 4.09
2 "Nizhale" (Broadcast version) Vijay Yesudas Anil Johnson 6.05
3 "Nizhale" (Film version) Anoop G Krishnan Anil Johnson 6.05

See also

References

  1. ^ "Malayalam cinema year-end report 2013". Cine Shore. 17 January 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  2. ^ a b http://www.sify.com/movies/drishyam-celebrates-100-days-news-malayalam-od2ssOhafif.html
  3. ^ "Jeethu's Mohanlal film is 'Drishyam'". Sify.com. August 25, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Vijay George (November 21, 2013). "On Location: Drishyam - The family guy’s predicament". The Hindu. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  5. ^ "Drishyam creates history in collection records". Mathrubhumi. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  6. ^ "Drishyam creates history!". Media One TV. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  7. ^ "Drishyam enters ₹50 crore club". Asianet. 19 January 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Malayalam Film News: Prithviraj Rumoured to be Part of Jeethu Joseph's Mohanlal-Starrer 'Drishyam'". International Business Times. October 23, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d Rajaneesh Vilakudy (December 24, 2013). "Mohanlal’s Xmas release has Kerala hooked". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  10. ^ Deepa Gauri (September 26, 2013). "Maximum risk". Khaleej Times. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  11. ^ Sivalakshmi Roshith (September 5, 2013). "Rural Snapshots". The New Indian Express. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  12. ^ Mythily Ramachandran (December 26, 2013). "'Drishyam' speaks of a family’s fortitude". Gulf News. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  13. ^ a b c Parvathy Nambidi (December 19, 2013). "Drishyam: On a Family Outing". The New Indian Express. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  14. ^ "Simran Disappoints Mohanlal!". Oneindia.in. August 7, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  15. ^ "Mohanlal Replaced Mammootty In Drishyam, Says Jeethu Joseph". Oneindia.in. December 18, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  16. ^ Serin Sam (December 24, 2013). "An all-new experience for Roshan Basheer". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  17. ^ "'Drishyam' to start soon". Sify.com. September 26, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  18. ^ "'Drishyam' complete in 45 days". Indiaglitz.com. November 27, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  19. ^ "Movie Review: Drishyam". Sify.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  20. ^ "Drishyam Review". Nowrunning.com. December 19, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  21. ^ "Review: Drishyam is Mohanlal's film". Rediff.com. December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  22. ^ Jabir Mushthari (December 22, 2013). "A bold, fresh, and thoroughly engaging outing". The Hindu. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
  23. ^ Shibu B S (December 22, 2013). "A Spectacular Cine Experience". The New Indian Express. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  24. ^ Dalton L (December 22, 2013). "Malayalam Movie Review: 'Drishyam'". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
  25. ^ Mythily Ramachandran. January 1, 2014. "Film review: Drishyam has the Mohanlal we love". Gulf News. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  26. ^ Aswin J Kumar (December 22, 2013). "Drishyam". The Times of India. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
  27. ^ Unni R. Nair (December 20, 2013). "A Spectacular Cine Experience". Kerala9.com. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  28. ^ "Drishyam- This 'Drishyam' is an excellent watch". Indiaglitz.com. December 20, 2013. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  29. ^ Subhash Sabu (December 23, 2013). "Drishyam - A Well-Knit Thriller (Malayalam): Film Review". Yentha.com. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  30. ^ Prakash, Asha (13 February 2014). "Worst fears of police come true: Criminals were inspired by Drishyam!". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Times of India - Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  31. ^ Seshagiri, Sangeetha (16 February 2014). "Nilambur Murder Case: Mohanlal-Starrer 'Drishyam' Inspired Accused to Cover-up Crime?". ibtimes.co.in. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  32. ^ "Drishyam crossed 7 crores". Mathrubhumi. 27 December 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  33. ^ "Drishyam creating history at box office collection". Southcinearena.com. 28 December 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  34. ^ "Mohanlal's 'Drishyam' celebrates 50 days, strikes gold at box office - IBNLive". Ibnlive.in.com. 2014-02-07. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
  35. ^ "`Drishyam` celebrates 50 days, strikes gold at box-office". Zeenews.india.com. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
  36. ^ "Drishyam creates history in USA and UK". Cine Shore. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  37. ^ Updated Friday, April 11, 2014 06:10 PM IST (2014-04-04). "Home". Manorama Online. Retrieved 2014-04-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ "Balachander lauds Drishyam, salutes Mohanlal". Hindustan Times. 2014-01-20. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
  39. ^ By Ians - Chennai (2014-01-20). "Balachander Lauds 'Drishyam', Salutes Mohanlal". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
  40. ^ Friday, April 11, 2014 (2014-01-20). "Balachander lauds 'Drishyam', salutes Mohanlal". Business Standard. Retrieved 2014-04-11. {{cite web}}: Text "06:10 PM IST" ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ "Malayalam cinema sets a new record". Indiaglitz.com. January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2014.
  42. ^ "Mohanlal's Drishyam Sold For Rs 6.5 Crores!". Oneindia.in. January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  43. ^ "Drishyam is not a lift: Jeethu Joseph". Malayala Manorama. January 18, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  44. ^ jeethu-joseph-wrong-message "Drishyam is not a copycat film: Jeethu Joseph". The Times of India . January 18, 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  45. ^ "Ilayaraja's Music For Drishyam Remake". Sandesh. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  46. ^ "Kamal Haasan to act in Drishyam's Tamil remake". Shiba Kurian. 1 Feb 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  47. ^ "'Drishyam' To Kannada". Sandesh. 5 Feb 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  48. ^ "Drishyam's Telugu remake launched". 21 Feb 2014. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
  49. ^ "Film critics award". Raj Vikram. metromatinee.com. 29 January 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  50. ^ "Vanitha Film Awards 2014". keralatv.in. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  51. ^ "Nana Film Awards 2013". Nana. Retrieved December 29, 2013
Reviews (Malayalam)
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