Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (film)

{{short description|2009 film directed by Hariharan}}

{{Use Indian English|date=October 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}

{{Infobox film

| name = Pazhassi Raja

| image = Pazhassi raja 2009.jpg

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Hariharan

| producer = Gokulam Gopalan

| writer = M. T. Vasudevan Nair

| based_on = Life of Pazhassi Raja

| narrator = Mohanlal (Malayalam)
Kamal Haasan (Tamil)
Shah Rukh Khan (Hindi)

| starring = Mammootty

| music = Ilaiyaraaja

| cinematography = Ramanath Shetty

| editing = A. Sreekar Prasad

| studio = Sree Gokulam Movies

| distributor = Sree Gokulam Release

| released = {{Film date|df=y|2009|10|16}}

| runtime = 200 minutes

| country = India

| language = Malayalam

| budget = {{INR}}20 crore{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/mollywood-pins-its-hopes-on-summer-releases/articleshow/4293351.cms|title=Mollywod pins it's hope on summer releases|work=The Economic Times|author=P K Krishnakumar}}

| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}49 crore{{Cite web|date=2010-05-22|title=Pazhassi Raja DVD sales create records! {{!}} Regional News - Yahoo! India Movies|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html|access-date=2021-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522081818/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html|archive-date=22 May 2010}}{{Cite news|title=Hariharan- MT Vasudevan prepare for Randamoozham|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/hariharan-mt-vasudevan-prepare-for-randamoozham/articleshow/9807050.cms|access-date=2021-06-16|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Vipin |first1=Manu }}

}}

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language epic period drama film based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a king who fought against the East India Company in the 18th century. The film was directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and produced by Gokulam Gopalan. It stars Mammootty in lead role with an ensemble supporting cast. The music score and soundtrack were created by Ilaiyaraaja, while its sound design is by Resul Pookutty.{{Cite web|title=Pazhassi Raja|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2009/nov/22/pazhassi-raja-106135.html|access-date=2021-06-02|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}

The film won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam, Best Background Score, Best Audiography and Special Mention (for Padmapriya). It received numerous other accolades, including eight Kerala State Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards South.

Pazhassi Raja was produced at a cost of {{INR}}20 crore, making it the most expensive film made in Malayalam until that time.{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Hariharan-MT-Vasudevan-prepare-for-Randamoozham/articleshow/9807050.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107084139/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-31/news-interviews/29949007_1_pazhassi-raja-epic-mammootty |url-status=live |archive-date=2011-11-07 |title=Pazhassi Raja: Costliest Malayalam film |date=2009-10-15|work=The Times of India |access-date=10 March 2012}} It is the first Malayalam film to get a home video release in the Blu-ray format. Originally filmed in Malayalam, Pazhassi Raja was dubbed in Tamil as well as Hindi. The film released on 16 October 2009 across Kerala during the Diwali holiday with 150 prints; it ran for 150 days in theatres and was one of the highest-grossing films in Malayalam cinema''. It is often regarded as a classic in Malayalam cinema.{{Cite news|title=10 Malayalam films to watch before you die|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/photo-features/10-malayalam-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/48436087.cms|access-date=2021-06-10|website=The Times of India}} The film received an overwhelming response and it has emerged as one of the top grossers in Kerala's box office history.{{Cite web|title=Pazhassi Raja|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2009/nov/22/pazhassi-raja-106135.html|access-date=2021-06-16|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14922085&cid=14625530 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415000400/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14922085&cid=14625530|archive-date=15 April 2011|title=Kerala Box Office (Oct 21-Nov 30, 2009) |date=2011-08-31|website=Sify|url-status=dead |access-date=6 February 2014}}{{cite news| url=http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/movies/article35054.ece |title='Pazhassi Raja' hits 130 theatres in Kerala| location=Chennai, India |date=16 October 2009}}

Plot

The film starts in 1796, four years after the occupation of Malabar by the East India Company and towards the end of the First Pazhassi Revolt (1793–1797). The revolt is led by Kerala Varma, the Raja of Pazhassi Palace, of Kottayam house. The exploitation of the native Indian resources by the company had culminated in popular revolts against its authority across the district. With the help of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja's uncle Kurumbranadu ruler Veeravarma, who is jealous of Pazhassi Raja for his success and influence, and Raja's old companion Pazhayamveedan Chandhu, the Company act against Pazhassi Raja. This forces Pazhassi Raja to escape to the forests of Wayanad. The tribal force led by Neeli captures Assistant Collector Thomas Hervey Baber and his fiancée Dora in the jungle, in spite of his commander's objection. The Raja treats Thomas Baber and Dora as his guest and releases them.

From there, he begins guerrilla battles against the company. He is supported by his army chief Edachena Kunkan and his brother-in-law Kaitheri Ambu. In the guerrilla battle-front, Pazhassi Raja uses the expertise of Thalakkal Chandu, a Kurichya soldier, and Chandu's fiancée Neeli.

During the initial phases of the battle, the Company loses many men and much money. This compels them to make a peace treaty with Pazhassi Raja. Raja agrees, hoping that this move will bring peace to the area and his people. However, the conditions of the treaty are never observed by the company. This prompts Raja to start the battle again. Similarly, Dora leaves Thomas Baber for England, having learned the betrayal done by the company to the Raja and despite her objection to the hanging of a father and son, who refused to reveal the location of the Raja to the company. He forms useful alliances with many rulers and powerful families in the nearby places like Unni Mootha and his men.

Pazhassi Raja and his army successfully restart the battle. But the Company use heavily armed forces against him and succeed in luring many tribal leaders. This leads to the capture and subsequent hanging of Thalakkal Chandu as he was cheated by a tribal head.

The Company started hunting for Pazhassi and his army chief Edachena Kunkan. In a bloody fight, Edachena Kunkan kills Pazhayamveedan Chandhu. But he is surrounded by the company. Instead of surrendering before them, he commits suicide. This makes Raja's army weaker. But Pazhassi Raja, even though knowing that he is going to die, goes for a last fight against the company. After a glorious fight, Pazhassi Raja is killed by the company. The film ends with the assistant collector Thomas Baber placing the body of the Raja in a litter and his famous words: "He was our enemy. But he was a great warrior, a great man and we honour him." The Company officers respond by saluting the corpse of the Raja and acting as Pall-bearers.

Cast

{{div col|colwidth=27em}}

{{div col end}}

Production

=Development=

In an interview with Sify in January 2007, Hariharan said: "We had first toyed with the idea of a film on Payyampalli Chanthu, a warrior, and then we thought of making a film on Thalakkal Chanthu, Pazhassi Raja's lieutenant, as the hero. But eventually we realized that it was the story of Pazhassi himself that needed to be told, in a new light. In this film, we would be focussing on his valiant fight against the British."{{Cite web |date=2007-02-02 |title=Hariharan's Magnum Opus |url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14379054 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202031344/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14379054 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-02-02 |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=Sify}}

M. T. Vasudevan Nair, Hariharan, and Mammootty were working together after two decades; their previous association was Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha, which turned out into a landmark film in Malayalam. It was about Chanthu, a legendary warrior in the Northern Ballads. Through Pazhassi Raja, they made another biopic, on the life of Pazhassi Raja. Gokulam Gopalan was the film's producer. The total budget of the film is about {{Indian Rupee}} 20 crores, which makes it the most expensive Malayalam film ever made.{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20090112617&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional |title=Pazhassi Raja: Costliest Malayalam film |last=Iyer |first=Radhika |date=2009-10-15 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=2009-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019083958/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20090112617&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=regional |archive-date=19 October 2009 }}{{Cite news|title=Hariharan- MT Vasudevan prepare for Randamoozham|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/hariharan-mt-vasudevan-prepare-for-randamoozham/articleshow/9807050.cms|access-date=2021-04-16|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Vipin |first1=Manu }} The sounds in the battle scenes of the film were recreated under Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty as he joined in the project only after its completion.

The Kerala High Court ordered the producers of the film to avail the benefit of entertainment tax concession for viewers of Pazhassi Raja.{{cite web|url=http://www.asianetindia.com/news/pazhassi-raja-tax-concession-benefit-viewers_94231.html |title=Pazhassi Raja: Viewers to get tax benefit |access-date=2009-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116135629/http://www.asianetindia.com/news/pazhassi-raja-tax-concession-benefit-viewers_94231.html |archive-date=16 January 2010 }}

= Casting =

Mammootty plays the title role of Pazhassi Raja. The female lead was offered to former Malayalam film actress, Samyuktha Varma but she refused the offer.{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LaNR6S7eiqs | title=Samyuktha Varma ഇനി സിനിമയിലേക്ക് തിരിച്ച് വരുമോ ? {{pipe}} First Interview After 17 Years {{pipe}} Part 01 | website=YouTube | date=22 June 2022 }} There are three heroines: Padmapriya appearing as a tribal girl, Kanika as Pazhassi's wife and Linda Arsenio as Dora Baber, fiancée of Assistant Collector Thomas Baber.{{cite web| title=Three heroines for Pazhassi Raj| work=Indiaglitz |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/30898.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504044617/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/30898.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 May 2007|access-date=2 May 2007}} Linda is a theatre artist in New York who also acted in the film Kabul Express.{{cite web|title=American actress in Malayalam movie |work=Apun Ka Choice |url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/downsouth/malayalam/20070407-0.html |access-date=2 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503112130/http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/downsouth/malayalam/20070407-0.html |archive-date= 3 May 2007 }}

Through this film, Sarath Kumar makes his debut in Malayalam cinema. He portrays Edachena Kunkan, the chief lieutenant to Pazhashi Raja.{{cite web| title=Sarath Kumar speaks Malayalam| work=IndiaGlitz|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/36619.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218042448/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/36619.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 February 2008|access-date=17 February 2008}} Suresh Gopi was originally cast for the role. However, he refused to accept. Later, he clarified that he couldn't act in the film for personal reasons, and it would always be a loss for him.{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/malayalam/pazhassi-raja-would-always-be-a-loss-for-me-suresh-gopi/33531/story.htm|title='Pazhassi Raja' would always be a loss for me: Suresh Gopi|work=NOWRUNNING |access-date=31 July 2010}} Suman portrayed Pazhayamveedan Chandu which marked his acting debut in Malayalam.{{cite web| title=Suman in Malayalam| work=Sify Malayalam|url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14586773|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112093754/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14586773|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 January 2008|access-date=24 January 2008}} Biju Menon was originally cast for the role, but he opted out after a few days of shooting, citing physical difficulties in shooting fight scenes.

=Filming=

The filming began in February 2007 from Palakkad.P. K. Ajith Kumar. {{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20070816132735/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2007/01/19/stories/2007011900780100.htm Tribute to Pazhassi Raja]}}. The Hindu. 19 January 2009 The filming lasted for two and a half years and was completed in August 2009.[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/History-in-the-making-Pazhassi-Raja-film/articleshow/4972348.cms History in the making: Pazhassi Raja film]. Press Trust of India. Times of India. 4 September 2009 Sound mixer Resul Pookutty recreated all location scenes to ensure perfection. About the delay in making, Hariharan said: "The film's shoot took two years to complete, when it should have been completed in eight months. The delay was not because of me. Neither was it because my producer, Gokulam Gopalan, was short of money; I must really thank my producer, without whom a film like Pazhassi Raja would never have been made. The delay was because some of the stars were not willing to allot the extra time that was required for the film. They probably didn't realise this film would become a milestone in their careers. Making Pazhassi Raja was a great challenge for me. Directing Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha was a cakewalk, compared to this.".P. K. Ajith Kumar. [https://web.archive.org/web/20110629005851/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/04/09/stories/2010040951300100.htm 'Pazhassi Raja' reigns supreme]. The Hindu. 9 April 2010.

=Deleted scene=

One of the fight sequence in the film (between Mammootty and Suman) had been deleted from the movie due to over duration. The scene was removed from the theatres in

the first week and again added after 75 days. However, this scene was excluded in television broadcast from Disney+Hotstar and other digital prints. Audience were not satisfied on this as they liked the fight sequence very much.

Music

{{Infobox album

| name = Kerala Varma Pazhassiraja

| type = soundtrack

| artist = Ilaiyaraja

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 20 September 2009

| recorded = 2006–2009

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length = 26:42

| language = Malayalam

| label = Sony Music India

| producer = Ilaiyaraja

| prev_title = Bhagyadevatha

| prev_year = 2009

| year = 2009

| next_title = Bhagyada Balegara

| next_year = 2009

}}

The film features six original songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The original background score was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, conducted by László Kovács and performed by the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra in Budapest.{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/10/02/stories/2009100250740100.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005010207/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/10/02/stories/2009100250740100.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 October 2009 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Royal rebellion | date=2 October 2009}} It took three months for Ilaiyaraaja to complete the background score.[http://www.deccanherald.com/content/23326/mammootty-starrer-pazhassi-raja-ready.html Mammootty starrer 'Pazhassi Raja' ready for release]. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 4 September 2010. On 25 September, Think Music released a soundtrack album, featuring only the songs.[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Pazhassiraja-had-a-big-audio-launch/articleshow/5051662.cms 'Pazhassiraja' had a big audio launch]. TNN. Times of India. Retrieved 25 September 2009. The songs received mixed to negative critical reviews and "did not go the way that it was expected".{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/top-stories/2009/ilayaraja-onv-issue-231109.html|title=Ilayaraja unhappy with ONV's lyrics|access-date=2009-10-23}} Following the setback of the soundtrack album, Ilaiyaraaja stated that he was not satisfied with the lyrics of the poet O. N. V. Kurup, who penned two songs for the film. Ilaiyaraaja won the National Film Award for Best Background ScoreP Sangeetha. [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/I-think-music-not-awards/articleshow/6566269.cms 'I think music, not awards']. TNN. Times of India Retrieved 17 September 2010

=Track listing=

== Original version ==

{{track listing

| extra_column = Artist(s)

| title1 = Maathanganana

| lyrics1 = Traditional

| extra1 = K. J. Yesudas

| length1 = 1:16

| title2 = Kunnathae

| lyrics2 = O. N. V. Kurup

| extra2 = K. S. Chithra

| length2 = 5:12

| title3 = Aadiysha Sandhya

| lyrics3 = O. N. V. Kurup

| extra3 = K. J. Yesudas, M. G. Sreekumar, Chandra Sekharan, Vidhu Prathap

| length3 = 5:29

| title4 = Ambum Kombum

| lyrics4 = Gireesh Puthenchery

| extra4 = Ilaiyaraaja, Manjari, Kuttappan

| length4 = 4:59

| title5 = Odathandil Thalam Kottum Kattil

| lyrics5 = Gireesh Puthenchery

| extra5 = Chandra Sekharan, Sangeetha Sajith

| length5 = 5:07

| title6 = Aalamadangal

| lyrics6 = Kanesh Punoor

| extra6 = M. G. Sreekumar, Vidhu Prathap, Ashraf Thayineri, Edavanna Gafoor, Faisal Elettil, Krishnanunni

| length6 = 4:47

}}

== Tamil version ==

Source:{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/pazhassi-raja-soundtrack-from/479500098|title=Pazhassi Raja (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) - EP|work=iTunes|date=January 2009 |access-date=8 December 2015}}

{{track listing

| all_music = Ilaiyaraaja

| all_lyrics = Vaali

| extra_column = Artist(s)

| title1 = Mathangananamabjavasa

| note1 = Lyrics: Traditional Sanskrit Sloka

| extra1 = K. J. Yesudas

| length1 = 1:16

| title2 = Kundrathu

| note2 =

| extra2 = K. S. Chithra

| length2 = 5:12

| title3 = Aadi Mudhal

| note3 =

| extra3 = Madhu Balakrishnan, Rahul Nambiar, Roshini

| length3 = 5:29

| title4 = Agilamellam

| note4 =

| extra4 = Murali

| length4 = 4:59

| title5 = Moongil Thanni

| note5 =

| extra5 = Karthik, Roshini

| length5 = 5:07

| title6 = Ambum Kombum

| note6 =

| extra6 = Rahul Nambiar, Priya Himesh

| length6 = 4:47

}}

== Hindi version ==

{{track listing

| all_music = Ilaiyaraaja

| all_lyrics = Manoj Santoshi and Manisha Korde

| extra_column = Artist(s)

| title1 = Pritam Dil

| extra1 = Shreya Ghoshal

| length1 = 5:01

| title2 = Yaar Hai Badle

| extra2 = Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala

| length2 = 4:42

| title3 = Yeh Dharti Bhi

| extra3 = Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala

| length3 = 5:16

}}

Release

The film was released on 16 October as a Diwali release with 130 prints in the original Malayalam version and later on 17 November with 150 prints in Tamil.{{cite news|date=March 20, 2009|title=Mollywood pins its hopes on summer releases|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/mollywood-pins-its-hopes-on-summer-releases/articleshow/4293351.cms|access-date=2021-09-10}} Later, on 27 September 2013, Goldmines Telefilms launched the trailer of the Hindi dubbed version of the film, at their YouTube channel.{{cite web|title=Pazhassi Raja Hindi Dubbed Official Theatrical Trailer| website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d-ck1TgI34|access-date=10 April 2014}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}} The full Hindi version of the film was digitally released on YouTube on 11 October 2013.{{cite web|title=Pazhassi Raja (Hindi) Full Movie| website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llXXNpKiagA|access-date=10 April 2014}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}

=Home video=

Moser Baer Home Entertainment released the film on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, SuperDVD and VCD in India. The home video rights was bought by Moser Baer for a record sum of {{INR}} 62 lakhs. Pazhassi Raja was the first regional language film to be released in the Blu-ray format.[http://janayugomonline.com/php/newsDetails.php?nid=67408 "പഴശ്ശിരാജ ബ്ലൂറേ ഫോര്‍മാറ്റ് ഡിസ്‌ക് വിപണിയില്‍"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818202335/http://janayugomonline.com/php/newsDetails.php?nid=67408 |date=18 August 2011 }}. (in Malayalam). Janayugam. Retrieved 30 April 2011. The DVD version of the film was released on 1 May 2010 as a two-DVD set. Film was screened in HBO internationally as per the reports of Siju Krishnan, a famous Mammootty fan. It was the only instance that a Malayalam film got screened in HBO.[http://www.moserbaerhomevideo.com/title-search.htm?stimes=OK&language=7&CDTYPE=&category%5B%5D=ALL&searchin=MOV&keyword=Kerala+Varma+Pazhasiraja&sbox=OK&x=107&y=19 Buy Hindi Movies Online {{pipe}} Buy Hindi Movies VCD, DVD Online {{pipe}} Online Store for Hindi Movies] It is available in 16:9 Anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, progressive 24 FPS, widescreen and NTSC format.{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/malayalam/pazhassi-raja-rules-over-dvd-sales-as-well/31551/story.htm|title=Indian Entertainment News, Movie News, Movie Features - Bollywood - Tamil - Telugu - Malayalam - Kannada Movies|work=NOWRUNNING |access-date=8 December 2015}}

Reception

= Critical response =

Nowrunning comments that the film is an "exotic chronicle that stuns us with its fascinating tale", and that "this is the stuff that tours de force are made of".{{cite web|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/4056/malayalam/pazhassi-raja/review.htm |title=A breathtaking film that demands repeated screenings!|date=2009-10-16 |access-date=2009-10-17}} Rediff gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5, praising the script and the technical brilliance of the film.{{cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/16/south-malayalam-movie-review-pazhassi-raja.htm|title=Pazhassi Raja is brilliant|date=2009-10-16|publisher=Rediff|access-date=2009-10-17}} Sify described the film as one "that will be treasured for years to come".[https://web.archive.org/web/20091019084003/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/review.php?id=14915401&ctid=5&cid=2428 Sify review]. Sify. Retrieved 2010-10-17.

However, Rediff also stated that "sentimentalism bogs down the pace [of the film]" at several occasions of the story. Ilayaraja's music also received criticism, and the critics further accused the film of taking some cinematic liberties on history. The Hindu said, "the host of people who play English Lords and East India Company chiefs appears theatrical. Even Linda Arsenio, the English Lady Dora Baber, isn't spontaneous" and "while on editing, certain parts seem to have been trimmed in haste and hence hang without relevance. Strangely, despite an action-oriented story and mind-boggling stunts, the film sags at points."{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/11/27/stories/2009112750020200.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201061113/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/11/27/stories/2009112750020200.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=1 December 2009 | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Majestic multitude – Pazhassi Raja | date=27 November 2009}} Other critics pointed the sloppy fight scenes and the English accent of Padmapriya who has dubbed for herself in the film.{{cite web|last=Aiyappan |first=Arya |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/malayalam/reviews/2009/pazhassi-raja-review-171009.html |title=Pazhassi Raja – Review – Oneindia Entertainment |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=2009-10-17 |access-date=2012-08-17}}

=Box office=

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja collected around {{INR}} 1.65 crore from first day over the all releasing centres. The film had a record opening, collecting {{INR}} 7.65 crore in its first week, which was the highest ever first week recorded for a film in Kerala, at the time it was released.{{cite news| url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14916133 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331171422/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14916133 | url-status=dead | archive-date=31 March 2014 | website=Sify | title=Kerala Box Office - 28 Sep to 20 Oct | date=21 October 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/10-Mammootty-films-to-watch-before-you-die/photostory/52419768.cms|title=10 Mammootty films to watch before you die|work=The Times of India|date=24 May 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14922085&cid=14625530 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415000400/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14922085&cid=14625530|archive-date=15 April 2011|title=Kerala Box Office (Oct 21-Nov 30, 2009) |date=2011-08-31|website=Sify|url-status=dead |access-date=6 February 2014}} The film collected ₹ 31 lakhs in its first week in Chennai box office.{{Cite web|title=Chennai Box office Nov 27-29|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/top-ten-movies-nov-30/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-pazhassiraja.html|access-date=2021-06-16|website=Behindwoods|language=en}} In 2 months, the film grossed ₹18 crores.{{Cite web |date=2010-02-09 |title=2009- A Flashback! - Sify.com |website=Sify |url=http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14925617 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209093029/http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/fullstory.php?id=14925617 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-02-09 |access-date=2023-02-27 }} The film collected a revenue of about ₹32 crore after its theatrical run.{{Cite web|last=Webdesk|date=2015-10-20|title=Ennu Ninte Moideen surpassed Pazhassiraja and Twenty 20 in total gross !|url=http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/ennu-ninte-moideen-surpassed-pazhassiraja-and-twenty-20-in-total-gross/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=onlookersmedia|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=IBTimes|date=2015-10-21|title=Kerala box office: Prithviraj's 'Ennu Ninte Moideen' among top 5 highest grossing Malayalam movies|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kerala-box-office-prithviraj-ennu-ninte-moideen-among-top-5-highest-grossing-malayalam-movies-651418|access-date=2021-06-16|website=International Business Times|language=en}} The film ran for 150 days in 5 theatres in Kerala{{Cite web|title=Kerala box office updates|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/Keralaboxofficeupdates-pl4qWtbjjhjgh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629210938/https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/Keralaboxofficeupdates-pl4qWtbjjhjgh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2021|date=8 February 2010|website=Sify|language=en}} and grossed ₹49 crore in total as revenue and business.{{Cite web|date=2010-05-22|title=Pazhassi Raja DVD sales create records! {{!}} Regional News - Yahoo! India Movies|url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html|access-date=2021-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522081818/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html|archive-date=22 May 2010}}{{Cite news|title=Hariharan- MT Vasudevan prepare for Randamoozham|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/hariharan-mt-vasudevan-prepare-for-randamoozham/articleshow/9807050.cms|access-date=2021-06-16|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Vipin |first1=Manu }}

Accolades

class="wikitable"

! Organisation

! Award

! Category

! Winner

rowspan=4 style="text-align:center;" |Directorate of Film Festivals{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/16/stories/2010091663382200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918101200/http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/16/stories/2010091663382200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 September 2010|title=Best Feature Film Award: Kutty Srank|access-date=16 September 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India|date=16 September 2010}}

|rowspan=4 style="text-align:center;" |National Film Awards

|Best Feature Film in Malayalam

|Gokulam Gopalan

Special Jury Award

|Padmapriya

Best Background Score

|Ilaiyaraaja

Best Audiography

|Resul Pookutty

rowspan=8 style="text-align:center;" |Kerala State Chalachitra Academy[http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article391756.ece 'Pazhassi Raja' reigns supreme]. The Hindu. Retrieved 8 April 2010.

|rowspan=8 style="text-align:center;" |Kerala State Film Award

|Best Director

|Hariharan

Best Screenplay

|M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Second Best Actor

|Manoj K. Jayan

Second Best Actress

|Padmapriya

Best Film Editor

|A. Sreekar Prasad

Best Art Director

|Muthuraj

Best Costume Designer

|Natarajan

Best Dubbing Artist

|Shoby Thilakan

rowspan=7 style="text-align:center;" |Filmfare{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Filmfare-Awards-winners/articleshow/6280143.cms |title=Filmfare Awards Winners |newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=9 August 2010 |date=9 August 2010}}

|rowspan=7 style="text-align:center;" |Filmfare Awards South

|Best Film

|

Best Director

|Hariharan

Best Supporting Actor

|Manoj K. Jayan

Best Supporting Actress

|Padmapriya

Best Lyricist

|O. N. V. Kurup

Best Male Playback

|K. J. Yesudas for "Aadiushassandhya Poothathivide"

Best Female Playback

|K. S. Chithra for "Kunnathe Konnaykum"

rowspan=9 style="text-align:center;" |Annual Malayalam Movie Awards{{cite web|url=http://www.ammagulf.com/|title=Amma Awards 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927054908/http://ammagulf.com/|archive-date=27 September 2009}}

|rowspan=9 style="text-align:center;" | Annual Malayalam Movie Awards (Dubai)

|Best Movie

|

Best Director

|Hariharan

Best Script Writer

|M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Best Actress

|Kanika

Best Supporting Actor

|Manoj K. Jayan

Best Special Performance

|Padmapriya

Best Music Director

|Ilaiyaraaja

Best Singer (Female)

|K. S. Chithra

Best Sound Effects & Engineering

| Resul Pookutty and Amrit Pritam

rowspan=7 style="text-align:center;" |Surya TV[https://web.archive.org/web/20100928105823/http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/23/stories/2010092350590200.htm Surya TV film awards announced]. The Hindu. Retrieved 23 September 2010.

|rowspan=7 style="text-align:center;" |Surya Film Awards

|Best Script Writer

|M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Best Actor

|Mammootty

Best Actress

|Padmapriya

Best Art Director

|Muthuraj

Best Make-up man

|George

Best Costume designer

|Natarajan

Best Male Dubbing Artiste

|Shoby Thilakan

rowspan=6 style="text-align:center;" |Vanitha[http://www.keralatv.in/2010/02/vanitha-film-awards-2009-announced/ Vanitha film awards 2009 announced] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314185108/http://www.keralatv.in/2010/02/vanitha-film-awards-2009-announced/ |date=14 March 2016 }}. Keral TV. Retrieved 11 February 2010.

|rowspan=6 style="text-align:center;" |Vanitha Film Awards

|Best Script Writer

|M. T. Vasudevan Nair

Best Actor

|Mammootty

Best Actress

|Padmapriya

Best Supporting Actor

|Sarath Kumar

Best Male Singer

|K. J. Yesudas

Best Female Singer

|K. S. Chithra

rowspan=4 style="text-align:center;" |Kalakeralam[http://veekshanam.com/content/view/7890/39/ കലാകേരള അവാര്‍ഡുകള്‍; മികച്ച ചിത്രം പഴശ്ശിരാജ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208212219/http://veekshanam.com/content/view/7890/39 |date=8 February 2011 }}. Veekshanam. Retrieved 16 April 2011.

|rowspan=4 style="text-align:center;" |Kalakerala Film Awards

|Best Film

|

Best Actor

|Mammootty

Second Best Actor

|Manoj K. Jayan

Best Music Director

|Ilaiyaraaja

rowspan=1 style="text-align:center;" |Asianet

|Asianet Film Awards

|Best Film Award

|Gokulam Gopalan

References

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}