Follows the life of a legendary man whose struggles and life pave the way for next generations.

Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery

Writer: P.S. Rafeeque, Lijo Jose Pellissery

Actors: Mohanlal, Sonalee Kulkarni, Hariprashanth

Production: N/A

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Malaikottai Vaaliban (Malayalam: മലൈക്കോട്ടൈ വാളിബൻ, transl. Youngster from the Mountain Fort) is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language epic action drama film directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery and written by P. S. Rafeeque from a story by Pellissery. The film stars Mohanlal in a dual role, alongside Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Danish Sait, Manoj Moses, Katha Nandi and Manikandan R. Achari in supporting roles. It was jointly produced by John & Mary Creative, Century Films, Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments, Saregama and Amen Movie Monastery.

Plot

Malaikottai Vaaliban, an undefeated aged drifting warrior, establishes himself as a hero reigning over a vast desert region. Vaaliban travels with mentor/father figure, Ayyanar, and his son, Chinnappaiyyan, who energizes the crowd with drums and chants during Vaaliban's arena fights. Vaaliban is an orphan, whom Ayyanar had adopted when he was a newborn from the hands of his deceased mother. Vaaliban proceeds to Adivaarithur for his next fight, where they encounter a lady named Jamanthipoovu, who limps in front of them and requests for a ride on their cart since she cannot walk.

Cast

• Mohanlal as Malaikottai Vaaliban / Chinnappaiyyan
• Sonalee Kulkarni as Jamanthipoovu
• Hareesh Peradi as Ayyanar
• Danish Sait
• Manoj Moses
• Katha Nandi
• Manikandan R. Achari

Production

The film was announced in 2022, with Mohanlal signing on to play the lead role. Filming began in October 2022 and was completed in February 2023. The film was shot in various locations in Kerala, including the Anamudi Shola National Park and the Neyyar Dam.

Release

Malaikottai Vaaliban was released in India on January 25, 2024. The film was distributed by Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments.

Reception

Malaikottai Vaaliban received positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its performances, action sequences, and visual style. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide.

Awards and nominations

• Filmfare Awards South

  • Best Film – Malayalam
  • Best Director – Malayalam (Lijo Jose Pellissery)
  • Best Actor – Malayalam (Mohanlal)
  • Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam (Hareesh Peradi)
  • Best Music Director – Malayalam (Prashant Pillai)
  • Best Cinematographer – Malayalam (Madhu Neelakandan)
  • Best Editor – Malayalam (Deepu Joseph)
  • Best Art Director – Malayalam (Gokuldas)
  • Best Costume Designer – Malayalam (Sujith Sudhakaran)
  • Best Sound Design – Malayalam (Renganaath Ravee)
  • Best Makeup Artist – Malayalam (Ronex Xavier)

• Kerala State Film Awards

  • Best Film
  • Best Director (Lijo Jose Pellissery)
  • Best Actor (Mohanlal)
  • Best Supporting Actor (Hareesh Peradi)
  • Best Music Director (Prashant Pillai)
  • Best Cinematographer (Madhu Neelakandan)
  • Best Editor (Deepu Joseph)
  • Best Art Director (Gokuldas)
  • Best Costume Designer (Sujith Sudhakaran)
  • Best Sound Design (Renganaath Ravee)
  • Best Makeup Artist (Ronex Xavier)

Trivia

• The film is based on a story by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
• The film was shot in various locations in Kerala, including the Anamudi Shola National Park and the Neyyar Dam.
• The film was a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide.
• The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, action sequences, and visual style.
• The film won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Malayalam and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film.