Aaram Thamburan

Mohanlal's most glorified character, one of the most celebrated films in Malayalam, considered a classic and relives in peoples mind through countless imitations and pop culture references. Through all this, sure it is enjoyable with memorable one liners, great songs and stylish visuals that can only be seen in Malayalam films. But all that doesn't change the fact that it is a completely ridiculous film with a ludicrous plot and laughably on your face cheesy dialogues. How it works is how unabashedly it is a fanfare for actor Mohanlal. It is a complete ode to him with characters always praising him while he does all the impossible tasks. Another problem that I find in most old Malayalam films is the idiotic use of background music. Though I did enjoy parts of it most of it is so cringe but the iconic scenes that are always being referenced are good to watch out of context.The success of this film churned out a lot of similar films which started the dark period in Malayalam cinema where everything faltered and the industry was losing all the hope and newcomers changed the industry for good, thinking these as classics is not going to help the industry if it doesn't harm any more.

Aaraam Thampuran (1997) : Brief Review -

A monstrous commercial blockbuster that changed many proportions of action entertainner in Malayalam Cinema. It's an out-an-out massy action flick that Mohanlal rarely made and was received well too. The story isn't that original, it copies 70s formula from Bollywood and South Cinema to present the same story with new proportions. I am not saying that it was the only action flick done by Mohanlal but the proportions of presenting the film were definitely genre-defining for Malayalam Cinema and maybe somewhat for Indian Cinema too. Jagannathan, a mafia don in Bombay moves to Kanimangalam village. He wins the love of the locals, but finds trouble with a feudal lord, Appan Thamburan, after he decided to resume a traditional festival banned by Appan. This storyline was simply picked from 70s masala action flicks which were trendsetter in that time. Mohanlal had already done Classic Films which had action elements such as 'Kireedam' and 'Spadikam' but these were not front-loaded action sagas. These films didn't provide that heroic image to Mohanlal as in both the films he committed fights out of frustration. Aaram Thampuran gives him that massy heroic image of larger than life character on screen. He plays his part as if he was destined to be hailed as a Lord in the film as well in Masses. That framework, those pause during action scenes, smooth yet pure romance, dialoguebaazi and generous image of the protagonist everything comes out so well that you don't get a chance to take your eyes off it for long runtime of 175 minutes. Shaji Kailas made a film that was ahead of time for this genre. Those same typically massy entertainers of Mahesh Babu, Vijay, Allu Arjun and Salman Khan you enjoy Today are Kids born to Aaraam Thampuran. My final words- A Timeless Mass Mania!

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Malayalaali never forgets the hero of the movie Jagannathan. Bombay's top guy who comes back years after coming to his hometown to commit suicide by suing his father. The film develops through the crisis that he faces in the name of the owner who bought the man who bought him on his behalf and when the decision is made to hold a sideline.

There have been many regular mass films, but a mass film that is also classy is hard to achieve. I believe Shaji Kailas films have never done a job of being classy, primarily because of over reliance on English dialogues that you need a dictionary to understand. I mean lines like Its Slavery!!!! Its Castration!!!!! His films also feel very loud and uncomfortable to watch. Valyettan and Narasimham are good examples. But this film perfectly handles the mass in a way that makes you want to get up from your chair and scream. The dialogues, which are almost all in malayalam, are amazing, and the film's focus on classical music and traditions also helps make it more classy. The performances of Lalettan, Narendra Prasad, Oduvil Unnikrishnan and Manju Warrier are standouts. Other characters are just good enough to fit into the world. I felt Kalabhavan Mani overdid his comedy scenes, which is why I can't give it 10. The Harimuraliraavam song is good but it feels unnecessary to spend more than 10 minutes on this song, which also gives us unneeded information about Jaganathan's past that we really don't need to know. Still the best of Shaji Kailas in my opinion. It is a slow mass film so beware.

Aaraam thamburaan changed the face of action movies in malayalam cinema of that time.It excels in every part.May it be acting,music,location,camera,casting,story,screenplay this movie will blow you away with its brilliance. It has a rock solid story & screenplay written by Ranjith, who penned other great movies combined with excellent direction by Shaji kailas.

Mohanlal is the highlight of this movie. He delivers an outstanding performance. His diversity can be experienced from this movie. His majestic presence itself boosts the viewers to another level.

Another highlight of this movie is the role of 'Kulappulli Appan' done by late Narendra prasad. It remains a classic villain portrayal in malayalam cinema.Manju warrier, one of the most talented actress Indian cinema has ever seen, puts up a clinical performance.Late, Oduvil unnikrishnan also stands out with his brilliant acting.Music by late Raveendran master is classic. All the songs in the movie are evergreen hits.

Overall this movie is a must see if you love Indian cinema.I give it a 9/10.