Praja
Encyclopedia
Praja is a 2001 Malayalam film by Joshiy starring Mohanlal
, N. F. Varghese
, Cochin Haneefa
and Aishwarya
. The film was produced by Joshiy and Renji Panicker
under the banner of Mukhyadhara Films. Despite the huge star cast, big budget and heavy initial pull, Praja bombed at the box office.
), after giving up violence, is settled peacefully in the suburbs of Kochi
. It was under the strong influence of his foster father, Bappu Haji Mustafa (Anupam Kher
), that he left Mumbai
. An unsuccessful assassination attempt on Haji Mustafa in Mumbai by Raman Naik, an underworld don ignites old wounds in Zakir. He, despite repeated pleas from Haji Mustafa and Ilanthaloor Eama Varma (Babu Namboothiri), a father-like figure, sets out to Mumbai along with his trusted lieutenant Hamid Pilavilakandi Mather, alias Malayalees (Cochin Haneefa
). With the help of his friend Arjun (Biju Menon
), Zakeer kills down Raman Naik and reaches back in Kochi. On his way back, at Kochi, he meets up with Maya Mary Kurien (Aishwarya
), Asst. Commissioner of Police, who slowly starts developing a crush on him. Zakir Hussein is visited by Balaraman (Shammi Thilakan), a liquor baron and ex-MP, who warns Zakkir of dire consequences if he continues to interfere in the Mumbai crime world. He also attempts to woo Zakir, but the latter refuses to bow down, sending strong warning to Balaraman and his group. Balaraman, along with Devadevan Nambiar, alias DD (Vijayaraghavan), and Arun Naik, the brother of Raman Naik in Mumbai, is planning to finish off Zakir Hussein and Haji Mustafa to regain the lost turf in Mumbai. They are supported by Lahayil Vakkachan (N. F. Varghese
), the tainted state home minister. Joseph Madachery, the IG of police conducts a raid at Haji Mustafa's poor home on behalf of Vakachan, and beats up Rama Varma Thirumulpad brutally, but the sudden arrival of Zakir saves him. Joseph is severely beaten by Zakir in full public presence, which infuriates Balaraman and DD, who try to demoralize Zakir by publishing fabricated stories about his relationship with ACP Maya Kurein and inmates of Haji Mustafa's poor home. Lahayil Vakachan tries to create a truce between Zakir and Balaraman, but fails miserably. This leads to a series of problems, including the arrest of Jaganathan, a close buddy of Zakir, on false narcotic drug charges. Jaganathan is killed in police custody. Balaraman and DD kill Rama Varma Thirumulpad, which prompts Zakir to take the law in his own hands. At a public gathering while addressing thousands of party workers, Zakir Hussein enters by duping police and kills Balaraman, DD and Lahayil Vakkachan.
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...
, N. F. Varghese
N. F. Varghese
N. F. Varghese was a Malayalam film actor. He began his career as a mimicry artist, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain roles. Akashadoothu was his major break through in career, which was his third film. He has acted in more than 100 films. He died at the age of 53 when...
, Cochin Haneefa
Cochin Haneefa
Mohammed 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...
and Aishwarya
Aishwarya (actress)
Aishwarya ; is a South Indian actress who has acted in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. She is the daughter of popular actress Lakshmi. Her mother tongue is Telugu.-Career:...
. The film was produced by Joshiy and Renji Panicker
Renji Panicker
Renji Panicker is an Indian script writer, producer and director who works in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut as a director with Bharatchandran IPS in 2005....
under the banner of Mukhyadhara Films. Despite the huge star cast, big budget and heavy initial pull, Praja bombed at the box office.
Plot
Ex-underworld don Zakkir Ali Hussein (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...
), after giving up violence, is settled peacefully in the suburbs of Kochi
Kochi
-Places:* Kochi, a city in the state of Kerala, India, formerly known as Cochin* Kingdom of Cochin, a former feudal city-state on Malabar Coast, India** Fort Kochi, one of the three main urban components which constitute the present day city of Kochi, Kerala, India...
. It was under the strong influence of his foster father, Bappu Haji Mustafa (Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher is an Indian actor who has appeared in nearly 400 films and 100 plays. Though mainly appearing in Bollywood films, he has had roles in some films from other nations as well...
), that he left Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
. An unsuccessful assassination attempt on Haji Mustafa in Mumbai by Raman Naik, an underworld don ignites old wounds in Zakir. He, despite repeated pleas from Haji Mustafa and Ilanthaloor Eama Varma (Babu Namboothiri), a father-like figure, sets out to Mumbai along with his trusted lieutenant Hamid Pilavilakandi Mather, alias Malayalees (Cochin Haneefa
Cochin Haneefa
Mohammed 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...
). With the help of his friend Arjun (Biju Menon
Biju Menon
Biju Menon is an Indian film actor who has mainly worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. He appears mostly in supporting roles, but has also acted in antagonistic roles. He made his debut in 1995 in Mannar Mathai Speaking...
), Zakeer kills down Raman Naik and reaches back in Kochi. On his way back, at Kochi, he meets up with Maya Mary Kurien (Aishwarya
Aishwarya (actress)
Aishwarya ; is a South Indian actress who has acted in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. She is the daughter of popular actress Lakshmi. Her mother tongue is Telugu.-Career:...
), Asst. Commissioner of Police, who slowly starts developing a crush on him. Zakir Hussein is visited by Balaraman (Shammi Thilakan), a liquor baron and ex-MP, who warns Zakkir of dire consequences if he continues to interfere in the Mumbai crime world. He also attempts to woo Zakir, but the latter refuses to bow down, sending strong warning to Balaraman and his group. Balaraman, along with Devadevan Nambiar, alias DD (Vijayaraghavan), and Arun Naik, the brother of Raman Naik in Mumbai, is planning to finish off Zakir Hussein and Haji Mustafa to regain the lost turf in Mumbai. They are supported by Lahayil Vakkachan (N. F. Varghese
N. F. Varghese
N. F. Varghese was a Malayalam film actor. He began his career as a mimicry artist, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain roles. Akashadoothu was his major break through in career, which was his third film. He has acted in more than 100 films. He died at the age of 53 when...
), the tainted state home minister. Joseph Madachery, the IG of police conducts a raid at Haji Mustafa's poor home on behalf of Vakachan, and beats up Rama Varma Thirumulpad brutally, but the sudden arrival of Zakir saves him. Joseph is severely beaten by Zakir in full public presence, which infuriates Balaraman and DD, who try to demoralize Zakir by publishing fabricated stories about his relationship with ACP Maya Kurein and inmates of Haji Mustafa's poor home. Lahayil Vakachan tries to create a truce between Zakir and Balaraman, but fails miserably. This leads to a series of problems, including the arrest of Jaganathan, a close buddy of Zakir, on false narcotic drug charges. Jaganathan is killed in police custody. Balaraman and DD kill Rama Varma Thirumulpad, which prompts Zakir to take the law in his own hands. At a public gathering while addressing thousands of party workers, Zakir Hussein enters by duping police and kills Balaraman, DD and Lahayil Vakkachan.
Trivia
- This was Anupam Kher's second Malayalam film. Earlier he had appeared in IndrajaalamIndrajaalamIndrajaalam is a 1990 Malayalam film by Thambi Kannanthanam starring Mohanlal and Geetha.-Cast:*Mohanlal ... Kannan Nair*Rajan P. Dev ... Carlose*Vijayaraghavan ... Thankappan*Mohan Jose ... Michael*Geetha ... Jayanthi*Jose Prakash ... Baba...
in 1990. - This was the first script by Renji PanickerRenji PanickerRenji Panicker is an Indian script writer, producer and director who works in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut as a director with Bharatchandran IPS in 2005....
for 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...
. - The performance of Shammi thilakan was highly appreciated.
Cast
- 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...
... Zakkir Ali Hussein - AishwaryaAishwarya (actress)Aishwarya ; is a South Indian actress who has acted in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. She is the daughter of popular actress Lakshmi. Her mother tongue is Telugu.-Career:...
...Maya Mary Kurien - 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...
...Hamid Methar - Manoj K. JayanManoj K. JayanManoj K. Jayan is an Indian actor who mainly acts in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. Manoj has won the Kerala State Film Award twice: Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Hariharan's Sargam and Second Best Actor for Hariharan's Pazhassi Raja .-Family and early life:He was born in...
... David Abraham - Babu Namboothiri....Raman Thilumulppadu
- N. F. VargheseN. F. VargheseN. F. Varghese was a Malayalam film actor. He began his career as a mimicry artist, acting in minor roles, but later he turned to strong villain roles. Akashadoothu was his major break through in career, which was his third film. He has acted in more than 100 films. He died at the age of 53 when...
...Lahayil Vakkachan - Vijayaraghavan...Devadevan Nambiar
- Shammi Thilakan...Balaraman
- Baburaj....Joseph Madacherry
- Biju MenonBiju MenonBiju Menon is an Indian film actor who has mainly worked in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. He appears mostly in supporting roles, but has also acted in antagonistic roles. He made his debut in 1995 in Mannar Mathai Speaking...
...Arjun - Jagannadha Varma...Mannel Mammachan
- Anupam KherAnupam KherAnupam Kher is an Indian actor who has appeared in nearly 400 films and 100 plays. Though mainly appearing in Bollywood films, he has had roles in some films from other nations as well...
...Haji Mustafa - Vijakumar...Jagannadhan Alias Appu