Devasuram
Encyclopedia
Devaasuram is a 1993 Malayalam film directed by I. V. Sasi
and written by Ranjith. The rivalry between Mangalassery Neelakantan (Mohanlal
) and Mundakkal Shekaran (Napoleon) is the main theme of the film. It was one of the most successful Malayalam films of all time and the story, dialogues, and characters have achieved cult status. It was followed by a sequel Ravanaprabhu
(2001). The Film was a blockbuster hit and ran for more than 250 days. Mohanlal
won Filmfare Award
and Kerala Film Journalists Award for Best Actor for his powerfull performance in this movie.
) is the heir to the well-known Mangalassery family. He squanders away his father's largess and good name, but is loved by the people who know him well. Neelakantan has been the arch-rival of Shekaran of the Mundakkal family since childhood. During a minor ruckus, one of Neelakantan's aides accidentally kills Shekaran's uncle (Janardanan
). This incites Shekaran to plan to avenge the death of his uncle. Meanwhile, Neelakantan offends Bhanumathi (Revathi), a talented Carnatic
dance graduate, by forcing her to dance in front of him in his house. In retaliation, Bhanumathi quits dancing and curses Neelakantan for desecrating the art so dear to her. Later he feels regretful and helps her family in many ways and tries to persuade Bhanumathi to take up dancing again, but she doesn't budge. Meantime, Neelakantan visits his widowed mother intending to bring her back home, but she passes away after revealing a terrible secret; that he was born of another man, out of wedlock. This fact crushes him, and only Bhanumathi finds out this secret when he curses drunkenly (at the car of his deceased "father") that the ancestral heritage which he is proud of, is actually not his. She is surprised by the vulnerable side of Neelakantan.
He visits Banumathi at her home to persuade her to take up dancing again, only to be refused like before, telling him that she will resume dancing only after his death. That night while returning home from the visit, Shekaran and his aides ambush (by hitting him with a car from behind) and injure him seriously after also inflicting several wounds with swords and wooden sticks.
Neelakantan survives the attack, but his left hand and right leg are badly injured and as a cure he undergoes Ayurvedic treatment to rejuvenate his legs. It is during this time that Bhanumathi falls in love with him (she is also regretful for having cursed him, feeling a bit guilty that the attack was somehow related to her curse). Neelakantan convinces Bhanumathi to dance and he arranges for a dance event for her at Delhi
. He refuses to marry Bhanumathi considering her future, but in the end she and Warrier (his elderly right hand man) persuade him to do so. Neelakantan tries to forget all the past events and his rivalry with Shekaran, but Shekaran is not satisfied and wants to defeat Neelakantan in front of the whole village. For this he kidnaps Bhanumathi and forces Neelakantan to take blows in front of the public during a village festival organized by the Mundakkal family. Meanwhile Neelakantan's friends rescue Bhanumathi and after this Neelakantan mauls Shekaran badly and cuts off Shekaran's right hand, claiming "Shekeran, I want to live peacefully..." so that he will not again come up with revenge later.This film remade in telugu as kunti putrudu with mohan babu.
and composed by late M. G. Radhakrishnan
. Background music was composed by S. P. Venkatesh
. The songs became chartbusters. Mohanlal
has rendered his voice for some songs as its intro.
The song "Vande Mukunda Hare" is picturised on Oduvil Unnikrishnan
, and is considered the most dramatic scene in the film. Though Oduvil Unnikrishnan plays only a small role, it was his performance that got the most applause. He plays the role of a wandering Edakka musician who frequently visits Neelakandan. The Edakka featured in the background of the song is played by Tripunithura Krishnadas
.
, in 2001. Because of the success of this film, a number of movies of the same genre
(called Thampuran movies) were made, but only two of them, both starring Mohanlal
— Aaraam Thampuran (1997) and Ravanaprabhu
(2001) — were blockbusters
.
, Sharreth
and Bijibal
have been recipients of the award. Director Jayaraj
once said in an interview that "Raju (Mullasserry Rajagopal) used to joke that Ranjith had not managed to show even half of what he did in his life.".
I. V. Sasi
Irruppam Veedu Sasidaran, better known as I. V. Sasi, is a Malayali Indian film director who is known for his films of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He has directed about 150 films in various South Indian languages and Hindi. He is known as the "veteran" or the "guru" filmmaker in Malayalam...
and written by Ranjith. The rivalry between Mangalassery Neelakantan (Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
) and Mundakkal Shekaran (Napoleon) is the main theme of the film. It was one of the most successful Malayalam films of all time and the story, dialogues, and characters have achieved cult status. It was followed by a sequel Ravanaprabhu
Ravanaprabhu
Raavanaprabhu is a 2001 Malayalam musical action-drama film written and directed by Ranjith. It is a sequel to the 1993 film Devaasuram which was scripted by Ranjith. The film is the directorial debut of Ranjith, who had previously worked as a screenwriter...
(2001). The Film was a blockbuster hit and ran for more than 250 days. Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
won Filmfare Award
Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Malayalam)
The Filmfare Best Actor Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Malayalam film lead actors. The award was first given in 1972 with Madhu being the first recipient....
and Kerala Film Journalists Award for Best Actor for his powerfull performance in this movie.
Plot
Neelakantan (MohanlalMohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
) is the heir to the well-known Mangalassery family. He squanders away his father's largess and good name, but is loved by the people who know him well. Neelakantan has been the arch-rival of Shekaran of the Mundakkal family since childhood. During a minor ruckus, one of Neelakantan's aides accidentally kills Shekaran's uncle (Janardanan
Janardhanan (actor)
Janardhanan is a Malayalam film actor. He is known for his peculiar style of handling humor and his quaint voice. He started his career playing brusque villains in the 1970s but later went on to establish himself as a highly sought-after comedian. The turning point of his career was the role of...
). This incites Shekaran to plan to avenge the death of his uncle. Meanwhile, Neelakantan offends Bhanumathi (Revathi), a talented Carnatic
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
dance graduate, by forcing her to dance in front of him in his house. In retaliation, Bhanumathi quits dancing and curses Neelakantan for desecrating the art so dear to her. Later he feels regretful and helps her family in many ways and tries to persuade Bhanumathi to take up dancing again, but she doesn't budge. Meantime, Neelakantan visits his widowed mother intending to bring her back home, but she passes away after revealing a terrible secret; that he was born of another man, out of wedlock. This fact crushes him, and only Bhanumathi finds out this secret when he curses drunkenly (at the car of his deceased "father") that the ancestral heritage which he is proud of, is actually not his. She is surprised by the vulnerable side of Neelakantan.
He visits Banumathi at her home to persuade her to take up dancing again, only to be refused like before, telling him that she will resume dancing only after his death. That night while returning home from the visit, Shekaran and his aides ambush (by hitting him with a car from behind) and injure him seriously after also inflicting several wounds with swords and wooden sticks.
Neelakantan survives the attack, but his left hand and right leg are badly injured and as a cure he undergoes Ayurvedic treatment to rejuvenate his legs. It is during this time that Bhanumathi falls in love with him (she is also regretful for having cursed him, feeling a bit guilty that the attack was somehow related to her curse). Neelakantan convinces Bhanumathi to dance and he arranges for a dance event for her at Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
. He refuses to marry Bhanumathi considering her future, but in the end she and Warrier (his elderly right hand man) persuade him to do so. Neelakantan tries to forget all the past events and his rivalry with Shekaran, but Shekaran is not satisfied and wants to defeat Neelakantan in front of the whole village. For this he kidnaps Bhanumathi and forces Neelakantan to take blows in front of the public during a village festival organized by the Mundakkal family. Meanwhile Neelakantan's friends rescue Bhanumathi and after this Neelakantan mauls Shekaran badly and cuts off Shekaran's right hand, claiming "Shekeran, I want to live peacefully..." so that he will not again come up with revenge later.This film remade in telugu as kunti putrudu with mohan babu.
Cast (in credits order)
- MohanlalMohanlalMohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
as Mangalassery Neelakandan - RevathiRevathiRevathi is an award-winning Indian actress and film director. She has acted in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi movies, directed several feature-length films, and has acted in and produced multiple television programs, totaling over twenty years of experience in the entertainment...
as Bhanumathi - Nedumudi VenuNedumudi VenuNedumudi Venu is a popular Malayalam film actor from Kerala, India. He has also written screenplays and has directed one film.- Early life :...
as Appu Master (Bhanumati's father) - InnocentInnocent VincentInnocent Thekkethala , popularly known as Innocent, is a Malayalam film actor and producer. He was born in Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. He is one of the most successful and leading comedy actors of Malayalam cinema...
as Warrier - Napoleon as Mundakkal Shekaran
- Sreeraman as Kuruppu
- Manian Pillai Raju as Bharathan
- Augustine as Hydhrose
- Chitra as Subhadramma
- Seeta as Sarada
- Bharathi Vishnuvardhan as Neelakandan's mother
- Cochin HaneefaCochin HaneefaMohammed Haneefa, better known by his stage name Cochin Haneefa was an Indian film actor, director, and screenwriter. He started his career in the 1970s mainly portraying villainous roles, before going on to become one of the most popular comedians of Malayalam cinema...
as Achuthan - Delhi GaneshDelhi GaneshDelhi Ganesh born in Tirunelveli as a veteran Tamil film actor, who mostly acts in supporting roles and is perhaps best known for his role in Kamal Hassan comedies and films like Nayagan and Michael Madana Kama Rajan. He has acted in more than 400 films from 1980 to present...
as Panikkar - JanardhananJanardhanan (actor)Janardhanan is a Malayalam film actor. He is known for his peculiar style of handling humor and his quaint voice. He started his career playing brusque villains in the 1970s but later went on to establish himself as a highly sought-after comedian. The turning point of his career was the role of...
as Mundakkal Kunjikrishnan Nambiar - SankaradiSankaradiSankaradi was an Indian actor. He was a veteran Malayalam comedian and character artiste, who had over 700 Malayalam films to his credit....
as Kuttikrishnan Nair - Oduvil UnnikrishnanOduvil UnnikrishnanOduvil Unnikrishnan was an award winning Malayalam movie actor known for his versatile acting skills, known for his portrayal of classical ancient aristocratic personalities in Malayalam cinema with his unique provincial linguistic style, expressions and dialect. He was noted as a serious as well...
as Peringodu Sankara Marar - Raghu as Chacko
- SreenathSreenathSreenath was a popular Malayalam film and television actor. He acted in many hit films, including Shalini Ente Koottukari, Ithu Njangalude Katha, Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, and Kireedam....
as C. S. - Jagannatha VarmaJagannatha VarmaK. N. Jagannatha Varma is a Malayalam film and seriel actor. He is also an accomplished Kathakali artist.his son Manu Varma also a recoganized artist and his son in law Viji Thampi is a well known Film Director. He acted in a number of Malayalam movies performing stereo typical roles of a senior...
as Adiyodi - Jose PrakashJose PrakashJose Prakash is a veteran actor and singer who worked in Malayalam cinema. He was a singer turned actor who had appeared around 300 films mostly in Antagonist role....
as Ezhuthachan - Jagannathan as Poduval
- Vanitha as Bhanumati's sister
Soundtrack
The film includes songs written by the late lyricist Gireesh PuthencheryGireesh Puthenchery
Gireesh Puthenchery was a noted Malayalam lyricist and screenwriter. He also served as a governing council member of the Indian Performance Rights Society . He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics seven times...
and composed by late M. G. Radhakrishnan
M. G. Radhakrishnan
M. G. Radhakrishnan was a senior music director and Carnatic vocalist from Kerala. He is highly regarded as one of the most successful light music and film music composer in Malayalam.- Personal life :M. G...
. Background music was composed by S. P. Venkatesh
S. P. Venkatesh
S. P. Venkatesh is a music director and composer popular for his works in the Malayalam film industry. He has also scored for some Bollywood and Bengali films. S. P. Venkatesh who is a Tamilian, was introduced into the Malayalam film industry by Dennis Joseph. The major break for S. P. Venkatesh...
. The songs became chartbusters. Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
has rendered his voice for some songs as its intro.
| Song Title | Singer(s) | Other notes |
|---|---|---|
| Angopangan | K. S. Chithra K. S. Chithra K. S. Chithra often credited as Chithra , is an Indian playback singer who has made her mark in the Indian music playback industry. Popularly known as Chinna Kuyil of South India, she has lent her voice to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Badaga and Punjabi films... |
Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Lalitha Lalit (raga) Lalit is a raga in Hindustani classical music. It is commonly described as serene and devotional and is performed at dawn.The swara of Lalit put emphasis on the minor second and minor sixth , and include natural and sharp fourth , but omit the commonly used perfect fifth... |
| Ganga Tharanga (Bit) | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... |
|
| Kizhakkannam | M. G. Radhakrishnan M. G. Radhakrishnan M. G. Radhakrishnan was a senior music director and Carnatic vocalist from Kerala. He is highly regarded as one of the most successful light music and film music composer in Malayalam.- Personal life :M. G... |
|
| Maappu Nalku"" | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... |
Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Mukhari |
| Maarimazhakal | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... , Jaya |
|
| Medaponnaniyum | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... , B. Arundhathi |
Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Kadanakuthuhala |
| Namasthesthu (Bit) | B. Arundhathi | Traditional Slokam by Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam |
| Sarasijanaabha | K. Omanakutty | Traditional Keerthanam by Muthuswami Dikshitar Muthuswami Dikshitar Muthuswami Dikshitar is a South Indian poet and composer and is one of the Musical Trinity of Carnatic music... Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Nagagandhari |
| Sooryakireedam | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... |
Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Chenchurutti |
| Sree Paadam | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... |
Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Aarabhi Aarabhi Aarabhi is a ragam in Carnatic music . It is a Janya raga , whose Melakarta raga is Shankarabharanam, 29th in the 72 Melakarta raga system.... , Anandabhairavi Anandabhairavi Anandabhairavi or Ananda Bhairavi is a very old melodious rāgam of Carnatic music . This rāgam has been used even in Indian folk music. Ānandam means happiness and the rāgam brings a happy mood to the listener.It is a janya rāgam of the 20th Melakarta rāgam Natabhairavi Raganidhi by P... |
| Sree Paadam | K. S. Chithra]] | Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Aarabhi Aarabhi Aarabhi is a ragam in Carnatic music . It is a Janya raga , whose Melakarta raga is Shankarabharanam, 29th in the 72 Melakarta raga system.... , Anandabhairavi Anandabhairavi Anandabhairavi or Ananda Bhairavi is a very old melodious rāgam of Carnatic music . This rāgam has been used even in Indian folk music. Ānandam means happiness and the rāgam brings a happy mood to the listener.It is a janya rāgam of the 20th Melakarta rāgam Natabhairavi Raganidhi by P... |
| Vande Mukundahare | M. G. Radhakrishnan M. G. Radhakrishnan M. G. Radhakrishnan was a senior music director and Carnatic vocalist from Kerala. He is highly regarded as one of the most successful light music and film music composer in Malayalam.- Personal life :M. G... |
Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... : Anandabhairavi Anandabhairavi Anandabhairavi or Ananda Bhairavi is a very old melodious rāgam of Carnatic music . This rāgam has been used even in Indian folk music. Ānandam means happiness and the rāgam brings a happy mood to the listener.It is a janya rāgam of the 20th Melakarta rāgam Natabhairavi Raganidhi by P... |
| Yamuna Kinaare (Bit) | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... |
The song "Vande Mukunda Hare" is picturised on Oduvil Unnikrishnan
Oduvil Unnikrishnan
Oduvil Unnikrishnan was an award winning Malayalam movie actor known for his versatile acting skills, known for his portrayal of classical ancient aristocratic personalities in Malayalam cinema with his unique provincial linguistic style, expressions and dialect. He was noted as a serious as well...
, and is considered the most dramatic scene in the film. Though Oduvil Unnikrishnan plays only a small role, it was his performance that got the most applause. He plays the role of a wandering Edakka musician who frequently visits Neelakandan. The Edakka featured in the background of the song is played by Tripunithura Krishnadas
Tripunithura Krishnadas
M A Krishnadas, also known as Tripunithura Krishnadas among his fans, is an Indian musician. He is a well-known edaykkya and chenda artist from Kerala- Music career :...
.
Sequels and impact
Devasuram followed up with a sequel, RavanaprabhuRavanaprabhu
Raavanaprabhu is a 2001 Malayalam musical action-drama film written and directed by Ranjith. It is a sequel to the 1993 film Devaasuram which was scripted by Ranjith. The film is the directorial debut of Ranjith, who had previously worked as a screenwriter...
, in 2001. Because of the success of this film, a number of movies of the same genre
Genre
Genre , Greek: genos, γένος) is the term for any category of literature or other forms of art or culture, e.g. music, and in general, any type of discourse, whether written or spoken, audial or visual, based on some set of stylistic criteria. Genres are formed by conventions that change over time...
(called Thampuran movies) were made, but only two of them, both starring Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
— Aaraam Thampuran (1997) and Ravanaprabhu
Ravanaprabhu
Raavanaprabhu is a 2001 Malayalam musical action-drama film written and directed by Ranjith. It is a sequel to the 1993 film Devaasuram which was scripted by Ranjith. The film is the directorial debut of Ranjith, who had previously worked as a screenwriter...
(2001) — were blockbusters
Blockbuster (entertainment)
Blockbuster, as applied to film or theatre, denotes a very popular or successful production. The entertainment industry use was originally theatrical slang referring to a particularly successful play but is now used primarily by the film industry...
.
Trivia
The protagonist "Mangalaserry Neelakandan" is a real-life character sketch of Mullasserry Rajagopal, who passed away in 2002. Supposedly, some notable scenes in the movie are real-life incidents. He was an ardent music lover and the "Mullasserry Raju Music Award" was instituted in his memory. Music directors OuseppachanOuseppachan
Ousephachan is a National Award, Filmfare Award and Kerala State Film Award-winning Indian music director who sets scores for Malayalam films. He is one of the most sought-after musicians in the Malayalam film industry.-Biography:...
, Sharreth
Sharreth
Sujith Vasudevan I, better known by his stage name Sharreth , is a music director and singer.He began by composing film scores mainly for Malayalam films, but has gone on to compose for Tamil and Telugu films too. Most recently, he scored the music for the Tamil-Telugu bilingual 180.He won the...
and Bijibal
Bijibal
- Career :Bijibal made his debut in music direction in year 2007 with the film Arabikatha. All the songs in this film were hits, especially Thirike njaan varumenna, a nostalgic song with lyrics by Anil Panachooran who also debuted with the same film...
have been recipients of the award. Director Jayaraj
Jayaraj
Jayaraj Rajasekharan Nair, often credited as Jayaraj, is an award-winning Indian Malayali filmmaker who has marked his presence in mainstream as well as art house films...
once said in an interview that "Raju (Mullasserry Rajagopal) used to joke that Ranjith had not managed to show even half of what he did in his life.".