Ranjith (director): Difference between revisions

Ranjith
Ranjith
	Ranjith in 2022
Born	Ranjith Balakrishnan; Kozhikode, Kerala
Occupations	Film director; screenwriter; producer; actor;
Years active	1987–present

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Ranjith Balakrishnan is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor who works in Malayalam cinema. Ranjith made his directorial debut in 2001 with Ravanaprabhu, the sequel to Devaasuram. He has won three National Film Awards, including one for his film Spirit, which received the National Award for Best Film on Social Issues. His films Thirakkatha and Indian Rupee won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam in 2008 and 2011, respectively. He has also received six Kerala State Film Awards.

Early life

Ranjith was born on 5 September 1964 in Balussery, Kozhikode, Kerala.^[1]

Career

1987 to 1992: Early career

Ranjith's entry into Mollywood was accidental, he was inspired by his friend, the late film producer and director Alex I. Kadavil, in whose residence he had stayed for his debut in the film industry. In 1987, he made his debut as a writer in Oru Maymasa Pulariyil, produced by Alex I. Kadavil and directed by V. R. Gopinath.^[2] In 1988, Ranjith made his formal entry into the film world by writing the story for Orkkapurathu, an adventure film directed by Kamal, with Mohanlal in the lead role. The immediate success of Orkkapurathu brought Ranjith several opportunities to work in films. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ranjith wrote scripts for several small budget films, mainly for Kamal, including Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal (1989), Pradeshika Varthakal (1989) and Pookkalam Varavayi (1991).

Another director with whom Ranjith worked during this period was Viji Thampi. This team released Witness (1988), Nanma Niranjavan Sreenivasan (1990), Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam (1989) and Kaalalpada (1990), all with Jayaram in the lead role. In 1992, he wrote Neelagiri for I. V. Sasi, which underperformed at the box office. This was followed by Johnnie Walker, directed by Jayaraj, which was noted for its different filmmaking style and was a commercial success at the box office.^[3]^[4]

1993 to 2000: Breakthrough

1993 was significant in Ranjith's career: Devasuram, his film based on the life of his father-figure, Mullassery Rajagopal,^[5] turned out to be a huge box office hit. With Mohanlal in the lead and directed by I.V. Sasi, Devasuram was both critically and commercially acclaimed; Mohanlal's performance was lauded and it opened a new genre of feudal stories in Malayalam cinema. Within two months of the release of Devasuram, Ranjith's next movie, Maya Mayuram (directed by Sibi Malayil and again starring Mohanlal) was released, but was not as successful. According to Ranjith, Maya Mayuram is one of his best films and its failure affected him greatly. Ranjith mentioned in an interview that several directors passed on the opportunity to make Maya Mayuram, and it was Mohanlal who convinced Sibi Malayil to get involved.^{[citation needed]}

After writing Yadavam (directed by Jomon and starring Suresh Gopi), Ranjith worked with Shaji Kailas for Rudraksham, again starring Suresh Gopi, who was at the peak of his career. This film generated significant hype in the market as Shaji Kailas-Suresh Gopi was a hot selling team at the time, but the loose script and clichéd humorless dialogues led to Rudraksham becoming a flop. His next piece of work, Rajaputhran, directed by Shajun Karyal, again with Suresh Gopi in the lead, became a superhit.^[6]

In 1997, Ranjith teamed up again with Shaji Kailas for Asuravamsham, starring Manoj K Jayan and Biju Menon; the film yielded an average commercial response. Towards the end of 1997, Ranjith penned Aaraam Thampuran, which went to become one of the biggest hits of his career. This film was also a turning point in the career of Mohanlal, and with it Ranjith gained a reputation as a commercially viable scriptwriter. Then came Kaikudanna Nilavu, in 1998, directed by Kamal, starring Jayaram, yet another average grosser. In 1998 Ranjith scripted Summer in Bethlehem, directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Suresh Gopi and Jayaram, a super hit.^[7] In 1999, Ranjith and Shaji Kailas produced the film Ustaad, directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Mohanlal.^{[citation needed]}

The year 2000 began with the release of Narasimham, directed by Shaji Kailas. With Mohanlal playing the lead role, this film became one of the biggest hits ever in the history of Malayalam cinema at the time.^[8]^[9] Yet again in 2000, together with Director Shaji, Ranjith repeated history: his Onam release Valliettan starring Mammooty was a commercial success. This was his last script for Shaji Kailas^[10] and with this film Ranjith became the most successful scriptwriter of the time.

2001 to 2009: Directorial debut and further success

In 2001, Ranjith made his directorial debut with Ravanaprabhu, the sequel to Devasuram.^[11] With Mohanlal appearing in dual roles as father and son, this film turned out to be another blockbuster.^[12] The success of his directorial debut led Rashtra Deepika to name Ranjith the Man of the year.^[13] In 2002 Ranjith came back with another successful film, Nandanam, starring Navya Nair and a new face, Prithviraj Sukumaran.^[14] Ranjith produced this film along with his friend, actor Siddique. Nandanam, revolving around an innocent girl, her love for Lord Sri Krishna and her beau, was an entirely different and unexpected theme from Ranjith at the time. Despite the film not having a big star cast, fights, or punchy dialogues – and being shelved after some pre-production activities – it became a hit.^[15]

In 2003 Ranjith directed Mizhi Randilum, starring Dileep and Kavya Madhavan, another family drama, which failed to impress the masses, but was critically acclaimed. In the same year Ranjith scripted Ammakilikood, directed by Padmakumar with Prithviraj in the lead role, which also got the cold shoulder from the public. In 2004 Ranjith teamed up with Mammooty for Black, which was a complete commercial entertainer targeting the fans of Mammootty.^[16]^[17] Chandrolsavam, starring Mohanlal, followed in 2005.^[18] Ranjith believes that it was not a bad film. He said, "Mohanlal fans expected too much. I don't think it was a bad film. Many who watched it on DVD called to say they were surprised it did not do well. Fans come in with pre-conceived notions on how the actor will be in the movie and the kind of story it will be, hence they could not grasp the poetic element in the film."^[19]

In 2006, he scripted and directed Prajapathi, starring Mammootty, was also blasted by critics,^[20] and was another disastrous movie.^[21] His next venture was an offbeat film Kaiyoppu. Though a flop at the box office, Kaiyoppu brought critical appreciation from far corners and that compelled Ranjith to work with plots and themes without any commercial ingredients. Notably, its lead actor Mammootty received no payment to act in the film as the script impressed him so much.^[22]

In 2007, Ranjith teamed up with Joshiy for the big budget film Nasrani starring Mammootty.^[23]^[24]^[25]^[26] His next directorial feature was the musical-comedy Rock & Roll, starring Mohanlal.^[27]^[28] In 2008 Ranjith directed Thirakkatha, based on actress Srividya's life,^[29] which won the National Award for the Best Malayalam Feature Film. Starring Anoop Menon and Priyamani, the movie featured Prithviraj and Samvrutha Sunil in important supporting roles. The movie was able to bring out the best in the actors.^[30]^[31] In 2009 Ranjith directed and wrote the script for Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha, which was critically acclaimed.^[32] Ranjith also introduced about thirty Malayalam stage artists through this film.^[33] In the same year he came up with another unique creation, Kerala Cafe — a fusion of ten different short films by ten directors. The different segments in the movie were conceived and connected based on the concept of Yatra, or journey.^[34]

2010 onwards

In 2010 Ranjith wrote the story for the film Penpattanam, directed by V. M. Vinu. He then scripted and directed, Pranchiyettan and the Saint, starring Mammootty, which was also widely accepted by movie fans and the people of Kerala. It became the most popular film of the year and was also a commercial success. Pranchiyettan and the Saint is now considered one of the best comedy films in Malayalam cinema and has over the years attained a cult status. During this time, Ranjith also received a highly coveted appointment as the School Director for Cochin Media School.^[35] He also appeared as judge in "Mammootty the Best Actor Award – II", an acting talent-hunt reality show aired on the television channel Asianet.^[36] In 2011, Ranjith scripted and directed a critically acclaimed satirical film Indian Rupee starring Prithviraj, which was well received by the critics and also a commercial success. His next film, Spirit, primarily focused on the increasing habits of alcoholism in Kerala. Starring Mohanlal in the lead role, the film was critically acclaimed and a box office success. He then produced and scripted for G. S. Vijayan's Mammootty-starring Bavuttiyude Namathil in 2012, which was an average at the box office. His next film with Mammootty, Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty, underperformed at the box office.

Njaan, based on the novel K T N Kottoor: Ezhuthum Jeevithavum by T P Rajeevan and featuring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, was released on 19 September 2014. He also produced Munnariyippu starring Mammootty in the lead role. The film became one of the highest grossers of the year.^[37] In 2015 he directed Loham, starring Mohanlal, which received mixed reactions from critics.^[38]

Controversy

The bedroom was dark and there was a balcony. When I talked to the cinematographer over the phone, he was standing beside me. He was playing with my bangles and touching my skin. We women have the sixth sense. I felt uncomfortable, but I was trying to give him the benefit of doubt. I thought I was overthinking and thought he wanted to see my bangles. I was not feeling ok with him. The room was dark. After realising that I was not reacting or taking back my hand, he tried to play with my neck and hair. Then, I excused myself and left the room. This was not shocking, but I know how the film industry works by and large. There are good and bad people.

— Sreelekha Mitra on Ranjith during an interview with PTI^[39]

On 23 August 2024, in the wake of Hema Committee report, Indian actress Sreelekha Mitra levelled accusations against Ranjith. She alleged that he intended to seek sexual favour from her during the audition of his 2009 film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha.^[40] She further added that she did not have confidence to pursue the matter any further to prosecute Ranjith for the offence attracting sections 354, and 354 B of the IPC at the time of the commission of crime as she hailed from West Bengal.^[41] Even though Ranjith denied the charges, he resigned from the posts of chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.^[42] In October 2024, an FIR was filed against Ranjith in Bangalore, alleging sexual assault by a 31-year-old man. The complaint claimed that the two met during a film shoot at a hotel in December 2012, where the complainant was offered alcohol and later sexually assaulted. The case was registered under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 66E of the Information Technology Act. The case was transferred from Kerala Police, and Ranjith was granted anticipatory bail for 30 days.^[43]

Filmography

Key
†	Denotes films that have not yet been released

List of film credits
Year	Film	Credited as
Year	Film	Director	Producer	Screenwriter	Story	Actor	Role/Notes
1987	Ezhuthappurangal	No	No	No	No	Yes	Ramanandan
1987	Oru Maymasa Pulariyil	No	No	No	Yes	No	—
1988	Witness	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
1988	Orkkappurathu	No	No	No	Yes	No	—
1989	Kaalal Pada	No	No	No	No	Yes	Violinist
	Pradeshika Vaarthakal	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1990	Shubhayathra	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Pavakkoothu	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Marupuram	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1991	Georgootty C/O Georgootty	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
	Pookkalam Varavayi	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Neelagiri	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1992	Johnnie Walker	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1993	Devasuram	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Maya Mayuram	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Yadavam	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1994	Rudraksham	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1996	Rajaputhran	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1997	Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu	No	No	No	Yes	No	—
	Asuravamsam	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
	Aaraam Thampuran	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1998	Kaikudunna Nilavu Summer in Bethlehem	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
1999	Ustaad	No	Co-producer	Yes	No	No	—
2000	Valyettan	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
2000	Narasimham	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
2001	Ravanaprabhu	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
2002	Nandanam	Yes	Co-producer	Yes	Yes	No	—
2003	Mizhi Randilum	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	—
2003	Ammakilikkoodu	No	No	Yes	No	No	—
2004	Black	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	—
2005	Chandrolsavam	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	—
2006	Prajapathi	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	—
2007	Kaiyoppu	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	—
	Nasrani	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
	Rock & Roll	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	—
2008	Thirakkatha	Yes	Co-producer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Director Aby Kuruvilla
2008	Gulmohar	No	No	No	No	Yes	Induchoodan
2009	Kerala Cafe	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Segment:Prologue
2009	Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	—
2010	Penpattanam	No	No	No	Yes	No	—
	Best Actor	No	No	No	No	Yes	Himself
	Pranchiyettan and The Saint	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	—
2011	Bhakthajanangalude Sradhakku	No	No	No	Yes	No	—
2011	Indian Rupee	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
2012	Spirit	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
	Jawan of Vellimala	No	No	No	No	Yes	Dr. Shivaprasad
	Bavuttiyude Namathil	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	—
2013	Annayum Rasoolum	No	No	No	No	Yes	Usman
2013	Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
2014	Munnariyippu	No	Yes	No	No	No	—
2014	Njan	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	—
2015	Ayal Njanalla	No	No	No	Yes	No	—
2015	Loham	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
2016	Leela	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	—
2017	Puthan Panam	Yes	Co-producer	Yes	Yes	No	—
2018	Koode	No	No	No	No	Yes	Aloshy
2018	Drama^[44]	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	—
2019	Unda	No	No	No	No	Yes	C. I. Mathews Anthony
2020	Ayyappanum Koshiyum	No	Co-producer	No	No	Yes	Kurien John
2020	King Fish	No	No	No	No	Yes	Dhasharadha Varma
2021	Nayattu	No	Co-producer	No	No	No	—
2021	One	No	No	No	No	Yes	Vijaya Mohan
2022	Mukundan Unni Associates	No	No	No	No	Yes	Adv.Gangadharan
	Twenty One Gms	No	No	No	No	Yes	Dr.John Samuel
	Kotthu	No	Co-producer	No	No	Yes	Sadanandan
2024	Nadikar^[45]	No	No	No	No	Yes	Koshy
	Thalavan^[46]	No	No	No	No	Yes	Home Minister T.K.Raghavan
	Secret^[47]	No	No	No	No	Yes
	Manorathangal^[48]	Yes	No	No	No	No	Segment:Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu

Awards

National Film Awards:

2012: Best Film on Social Issues – Spirit
2011: Best Feature Film in Malayalam – Indian Rupee
2008: Best Feature Film in Malayalam – Thirakkatha^[49]

Kerala State Film Awards:

2021: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Ayyappanum Koshiyum ^[50]
2014: Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay(Adapted) – Njaan
2011: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film – Indian Rupee
2010: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Pranchiyettan and The Saint
2009: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film – Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha^[51]
2001: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value – Ravanaprabhu^[50]

Kerala Film Critics Awards

2010: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Film – Pranchiyettan and the Saint^[52]
2010: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Director – Pranchiyettan and the Saint^[52]
2010: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Script – Pranchiyettan and the Saint^[52]
2009: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Film – Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha^[53]
2008: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Film – Thirakkatha^[54]
2008: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Actor – Gulmohar^[54]
2007: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Film – Kaiyoppu^[55]
2003: Kerala Film Critics Award for Second Best Film – Mizhi Randilum^[56]
2002: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Director – Nandanam^[57]
2002: Kerala Film Critics Award for Best Film – Nandanam^[57]

Asianet Film Awards

2012: Asianet Film Award for Best Director – Spirit^[58]
2011: Asianet Film Award for Best Director – Indian Rupee^[59]
2010: Asianet Film Award for Best Film – Pranchiyettan and the Saint^[60]
2009: Asianet Film Award for Best Director – Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha^[61]
2003: Asianet Film Award for Best Script Writer – Mizhi Randilum^[62]
2002: Asianet Film Award for Best Film – Nandanam

Filmfare Awards South

2014: Best Film – Munnariyippu^[63]
2010: Best Director – Pranchiyettan & the Saint^[64]
2010: Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint^[64]
2008: Best Director – Thirakkatha
2008: Best Film – Thirakkatha^[65]

Other Awards:

2011: Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award and The Kochi Times Film Award^[66] for Best Film – Indian Rupee^[67]
2010: Nana Film Awards for the Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Nana Film Awards for the Best Director – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Vanitha Film Awards for the Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Vanitha Film Awards for the Best Director – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Vanitha Film Awards for the Best Script – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Kairali film Awards for the Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Kairali film Awards for the Best Director – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
2010: Vanitha Film Awards for Best Director – Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha^[68]
2010: Mathrubhumi – Amrita TV Film Awards for Best Director – Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha^[69]
2008: Mathrubhumi – Amrita TV Film Awards for Best Film – Thirakkatha^[70]
2008: Mathrubhumi – Amrita TV Film Awards for Best Director – Thirakkatha^[70]
2008: Padmarajan Award – Thirakkatha^[71]
2005: Bharathan Memorial Award^[72]
2002: Ramu Kariat Award – Nandanam

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^ "Atlas Film Critics' Award 2009 announced" Archived 18 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Yahoo. 1 February 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ ^a ^b "Atlas Film awards for Lal and Sukumari" Archived 18 February 2013 at archive.today. Oneindia.in. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Film Critics' Award for Mammootty, Padmapriya" Archived 6 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Indiaglitz. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Film critics' awards announced"^[usurped]. The Hindu. 1 February 2004. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ ^a ^b "Film Awards"^[usurped]. The Hindu. 29 January 2003. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ" Archived 9 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. (in Malayalam). Mathrubhumi. 24 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
^ "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ" Archived 9 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. (in Malayalam). Mathrubhumi. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
^ "Mammootty, Mohanlal bag Asianet film awards yet again". Indo-Asian News Service. NDTV. 1 January 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Pazhassi Raja selected as best film". The Hindu. Thiruvananthapuram. 4 January 2010. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Star-studded show marks award nite". The Hindu. 8 March 2004. Archived from the original on 3 July 2004. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South". Archived from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
^ ^a ^b "The glitter, the gloss, the razzmatazz". The Times of India. 3 July 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
^ "A Sparkling Triumph -The 56th Filmfare South Awards » Bollywood Spice". Archived from the original on 10 January 2010. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
^ "The Kochi Times Film Awards 2011". The Times of India. 23 June 2012. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013.
^ "Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award 2011". Yentha.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2011.
^ "Vanitha Film Awards announced" Archived 14 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Keraltv.in. Retrieved 3 February 2011.
^ "Award ceremony". The Hindu. 16 January 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ ^a ^b "Amrita Film Awards 2009". Oneindia.in. 20 February 2009. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
^ "Padmarajan awards for Ranjith, Meera". The Hindu. 14 May 2009.
^ "Briefly: Award for Ranjith". The Hindu. 5 March 2005. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

External links

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[Early_career-2] "Germinating story ideas". The Hindu. 20 February 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[3] "Past To Present: Mammootty's Johnnie Walker!". Filmibeat.com. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.

[4] Lakshmi Vijayan (12 September 2016). "ജോണി വാക്കര്‍ അന്നും ഇന്നും ഒരു നൊമ്പരം: ജയരാജ്" Archived 15 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 15 August 2017.

[5] "An award in the name of a music lover". The Hindu. 8 September 2007. Archived from the original on 1 December 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2011. Ranjith had told me that he was planning to make a film on Raju (Devasuram)

[6] "Destiny's child". The Hindu. 11 August 2006. Archived from the original on 25 August 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2011. This is not Shajoon's first hit. Thachiledathu Chundan, released in 1999, with Mammootty in the lead role, was his first hit.

[7] "Focusing on social issues". The Hindu. 26 June 2003. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[8] R. Krishnakumar (22 July 2000). "Greasepaint, and beyond". Frontline. The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[9] "Narasimham – Malayalam's biggest ever grosser". Rediff. 26 January 2000. Archived from the original on 4 December 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[10] "Portrayal of tones of grey". The Hindu. 18 November 2005. Archived from the original on 3 May 2007. Retrieved 3 February 2011. Valyettan, which went on to become a big hit

[11] "Painting a portrait of love – Section: The Shooting of Ravana Prabhu". The Hindu. 18 July 2001. Archived from the original on 24 February 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[12] "Journey of music". The Hindu. 19 July 2008. Archived from the original on 3 June 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2011. Ravana Prabhu is one of the biggest hits of Malayalam cinema

[13] പറക്കും തളികയും ഷക്കീല തരംഗവും -Malayalam Cinema 2001 – Year End Magazine Report, 22 April 2020, archived from the original on 18 April 2023, retrieved 18 April 2023

[14] "Youngsters leave a mark". The Hindu. 4 January 2003. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[15] Prema Manmadhan (9 January 2010). "Sitting Pretty". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011.

[16] "Year 2004 — a flashback". The Hindu. 31 December 2004. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[17] "Malayalam cinema- Analysis 2004!" Archived 9 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Sify. 1 January 2005. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[18] "Boom year for mollywood". The Hindu. 30 December 2005. Archived from the original on 26 September 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2011. Chandrolsavam flopped owing to lack of content

[19] "Daring to be different". The Hindu. 23 June 2006. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[20] "Done in by a poor story" Archived 21 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. 11 July 2006. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[21] "Prajapathi bombs"^{[dead link‍]} . Sify. 26 June 2006. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[22] "Offbeat Films" Archived 8 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. 16 December 2006. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[23] Bumper initials for Nasrani Archived 1 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine

[24] Malayalam movies: Nazrani Archived 1 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine

[25] Nasrani – Malayalam Movie Reviews, Trailers, Wallpapers, Photos, Cast & Crew, Story & Synopsis – Filmibeat Archived 4 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine

[26] "Treat in store for film buffs". The Hindu. 30 October 2007. Archived from the original on 1 November 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[27] "Rock N Roll Review". Oneindia.in. 25 January 2008. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[28] "Mohanlal in Malaysia". Oneindia.in. 27 November 2007. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[29] "Dream makers". The Hindu. 19 September 2008. Archived from the original on 22 September 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[30] "Attempting a different kind of cinema" Archived 8 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. The Hindu. 18 September 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[31] "Thirakkatha doing well at box office" ^{[dead link‍]}. Yahoo. 25 September 2008. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[32] "Unveiling a mystery". The Hindu. 3 December 2009. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[33] P. K. Ajith Kumar (3 February 2011). "The gems of Paleri Manikyam". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 18 December 2009.

[34] "Kerala Cafe – official" Archived 23 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[35] "Cochin Media School: About". Cochin Media School. Archived from the original on 29 May 2010. Retrieved 10 March 2011.

[36] "The 'reality factor' in acting". NewIndianExpress. Retrieved 18 May 2020.

[37] "'Njan' unleashes Dulquer's 'serious' face". Sify. 19 September 2014. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014.

[38] "Mammootty vs Mohanlal: How well did the Malayalam superstars perform in the year 2015". International Business Times. 24 December 2015. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 21 July 2020.

[39] "'Felt uncomfortable': Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra accuses Malayalam director Ranjith of 'misbehaviour'". The Indian Express. 24 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.

[40] "Bengali actor accuses Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith of 'misbehaviour'; he denies allegations". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2023.

[41] Assary, Gilvester (26 August 2024). "Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra files complaint against director Ranjith with Kochi City Police Commissioner". www.deccanchronicle.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.

[42] Staff, T. N. M. (25 August 2024). "Ranjith resigns as Kerala Chalachitra Academy chair amid harassment allegation". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 25 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.

[43] Upadhyay, Deepak (28 October 2024). "Malayalam film director Ranjith Balakrishnan booked in Bengaluru for sexually assaulting man". Livemint.

[44] Smith, Alan (29 May 2018). "Mohanlal meets Margaret Preedy". Kent Online. Retrieved 29 May 2018.

[45] "'Nadikar,' starring Tovino Thomas and Soubin Shahir, gets a release date". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.

[46] Features, C. E. (8 May 2024). "Biju Menon-Asif Ali starrer Thalavan gets a release date". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.

[47] Features, C. E. (10 July 2024). "SN Swamy's directorial debut Secret gets a release date". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.

[48] "കടുഗണ്ണാവ ഒരു യാത്രാക്കുറിപ്പ്; എംടിയും രഞ്ജിത്തും മമ്മൂട്ടിയും ഒന്നിക്കുന്നു". Mathrubhumi News (in Malayalam). 22 July 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.

[56th_National_Film_Awards-49] "56th National Film Awards" Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Public Information Bureau. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[:0-50] "Kerala State Film Awards 2001". Keralafilm.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[51] "Kerala State Film Awards 2009 Declaration" (PDF). Keralafilm.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[2011_critics_awards-52] "Critics award: 'Gaddama' adjudged best film". The Indian Express. 26 February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[53] "Atlas Film Critics' Award 2009 announced" Archived 18 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Yahoo. 1 February 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[2009_critics_awards-54] "Atlas Film awards for Lal and Sukumari" Archived 18 February 2013 at archive.today. Oneindia.in. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[55] "Film Critics' Award for Mammootty, Padmapriya" Archived 6 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Indiaglitz. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[56] "Film critics' awards announced"^[usurped]. The Hindu. 1 February 2004. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[2003_awards-57] "Film Awards"^[usurped]. The Hindu. 29 January 2003. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[58] "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ" Archived 9 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. (in Malayalam). Mathrubhumi. 24 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.

[59] "നക്ഷത്രങ്ങള്‍ മണ്ണിലിറങ്ങി; ഉത്സവമായി ഏഷ്യാനെറ്റ് അവാര്‍ഡ് നിശ" Archived 9 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine. (in Malayalam). Mathrubhumi. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2012.

[60] "Mammootty, Mohanlal bag Asianet film awards yet again". Indo-Asian News Service. NDTV. 1 January 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[61] "Pazhassi Raja selected as best film". The Hindu. Thiruvananthapuram. 4 January 2010. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[62] "Star-studded show marks award nite". The Hindu. 8 March 2004. Archived from the original on 3 July 2004. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[62th_Filmfare-63] "Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South". Archived from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2021.

[58th_Filmfare-64] "The glitter, the gloss, the razzmatazz". The Times of India. 3 July 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2011.

[56th_Filmfare-65] "A Sparkling Triumph -The 56th Filmfare South Awards » Bollywood Spice". Archived from the original on 10 January 2010. Retrieved 23 February 2011.

[66] "The Kochi Times Film Awards 2011". The Times of India. 23 June 2012. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013.

[Vayalar_Ramavarma_Chalachitra_Television_Award_2011-67] "Vayalar Ramavarma Chalachitra Television Award 2011". Yentha.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2011.

[68] "Vanitha Film Awards announced" Archived 14 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Keraltv.in. Retrieved 3 February 2011.

[69] "Award ceremony". The Hindu. 16 January 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[2008_Mathrubhumi-70] "Amrita Film Awards 2009". Oneindia.in. 20 February 2009. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2011.

[71] "Padmarajan awards for Ranjith, Meera". The Hindu. 14 May 2009.

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v t e Filmfare Award for Best Malayalam Director
1972–1990	K. S. Sethumadhavan (1972) K. S. Sethumadhavan (1973) K. S. Sethumadhavan (1974) Bharathan (1975) Sreekumaran Thampi (1976) I. V. Sasi (1977) I. V. Sasi (1978) Bharathan (1979) Bharathan (1980) K. S. Sethumadhavan (1981) Balu Mahendra (1982) Balachandra Menon (1983) Bharathan (1984) Balu Mahendra (1985) Hariharan (1986) Pratap Pothen (1987) Padmarajan (1988) (1989) Bhadran (1990)
1991–2010	Sibi Malayil (1991) Sibi Malayil (1992) Shaji Kailas (1993) Hariharan (1994) Bhadran (1995) Sathyan Anthikad (1996) Jayaraj (1997) Sreenivasan (1998) Shyamaprasad (1999) Jayaraj (2000) Vinayan (2001) Lal Jose (2002) Sathyan Anthikad (2003) Blessy (2004) Blessy (2005) Rosshan Andrrews (2006) Babu Thiruvalla (2007) Ranjith (2008) Hariharan (2009) Ranjith (2010)
2011–present	Blessy (2011) Lal Jose (2012) Shyamaprasad (2013) Anjali Menon (2014) R. S. Vimal (2015) Dileesh Pothan (2016) Dileesh Pothan (2017) Lijo Jose Pellissery (2018) Senna Hegde (2022)

Authority control databases
International	VIAF WorldCat
National	United States

v t e Films of Ranjith
Director & screenwriter	Ravanaprabhu (2001) Nandanam (2002) Mizhi Randilum (2003) Black (2004) Chandrolsavam (2005) Prajapathi (2006) Rock & Roll (2007) Thirakkatha (2008) Kerala Cafe (2009) Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009) Pranchiyettan and The Saint (2010) Indian Rupee (2011) Spirit (2012) Kadal Kadannoru Mathukkutty (2013) Njan (2014) Loham (2015) Puthan Panam (2017) Drama (2018)
Director & producer	Kaiyoppu (2007) Leela (2016)
Screenwriter	Witness (1988) Peruvannapurathe Visheshangal (1989) Pradeshika Vaarthakal (1989) Nagarangalil Chennu Raparkam (1990) Marupuram (1990) Nanma Niranjavan Srinivasan (1990) Pavakkoothu (1990) Shubhayathra (1990) Neelagiri (1991) Pookkalam Varavayi (1991) Georgootty C/O Georgootty (1991) Johnnie Walker (1992) Yadavam (1993) Maya Mayuram (1993) Devasuram (1993) Rudraksham (1994) Rajaputhran (1996) Aaraam Thampuran (1997) Asuravamsam (1997) Summer in Bethlehem (1998) Ustaad (1999) Narasimham (2000) Valyettan (2000) Ammakilikkoodu (2003) Nasrani (2007) Bavuttiyude Namathil (2012)
Producer	Bavuttiyude Namathil (2012) Munnariyippu (2014) Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020) Kotthu (2021) Nayattu (2021)
Story	Oru Maymasa Pulariyil (1987) Orkkappurathu (1988) Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997) Penpattanam (2010) Bhakthajanangalude Sradhakku (2011) Ayal Njanalla (2015)
Actor	Ezhuthappurangal (1987) Kaalal Pada (1989) Gulmohar (2008) Best Actor (2010) Jawan of Vellimala (2012) Annayum Rasoolum (2013) Koode (2018) Unda (2019) Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020) King Fish (2020) Bheeshma Parvam (2021) One (2021)