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.

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.

For someone like me who has been widely and wildly influenced by classic as well as modern Malayalam cinema, Aaram Thamburan felt like a trite little story. A mysterious man, played charmingly by Mohanlal, arrives at a village with some ulterior motives and gains control of a historically important heirloom house. His strong and condescending ways to influence the naive yet devout villagers come off as something an evil lord would pull off, and Mohanlal does that with every single cell in his body. No doubt that the character is as charismatic as the actor who plays it, because the problem likes in the staleness and predictability of the story. Perhaps watching it in 2018, more than 20 years since its conception, may have caused this experience, but I honestly could not connect with the character. His ways are never in conjunction with his motives and that was the biggest issue for me. The periphery, however, is lit with some great performances and production. Manju Warrier may have crossed the line of overacting, but I think the blame is on director Shaji Kailas for sugarcoating her character. Supporting cast, most notably Narendra Prasad, do a very good job at keeping the viewer hooked, even if they are irritated by the 'thamburan'. With the eclectic song "Harimuraleeravam" sung with natural finesse, and a compelling soundtrack that uplifts certain sequences in the 160-minute long drama, Aaram Thamburan can very well be described as a film that you need to watch but not for enjoyment. The influence that it has on Malayalam pop culture is enough to consider it, but don't bite me if you get bored a bit. TN.

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.

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.