Pranchiyettan & the Saint
Encyclopedia
Pranchiyettan & the Saint is a 2010 Malayalam
satirical film written, directed, and produced by Ranjith. The film centres on the fictitious conversation between the Thrissur
based rice merchant C.E. Francis aka Pranchiyettan (Mammootty
) and St. Francis of Assisi (Jesse Fox Allen). Priyamani
, Innocent, Siddique
, Khushboo
, Jagathy Sreekumar
, Ganapathy, Sasi Kalinga, and Biju Menon
play the other important roles.
The film features the work of five National Award
-winning artists: Mammootty, Priyamani, Ranjith, Venu
(the cinematographer of the film) and Ouseppachan
, who scored the music for the film. The film met with critical acclaim upon release. It became a box office smash, grossing around 3 crores within fifteen days. It became the longest-running Malayalam film in the last five years.
), is a successful businessman based in Thrissur
. He is a devotee of Saint Francis of Assisi and often has imaginary conversations with the saint. His ancestors were rice traders, but he has grown beyond the small rice shop to expand his business into jewellery, real estate, finance, shopping complexes and lot more. Even with his successful and wealthy life, he is unhappy with his name and wants to become a celebrity. He is called Ari ("rice") Pranchi by everybody, citing his ancestors' business. He wants to change his image from Ari Pranchi to something great and is ready to spend any amount of money for it. The film deals with how Pranchi tries to get a good name and what changes that brings to his life.
The story starts with Francis talking to Saint Francis of Assisi about his own life. It starts with a short flashback to a quarrel between Francis and Jose (Siddique
) over their lady love Omana (Khushboo
) when they were in school. Francis had an affair with Omana but he had give her up because of Jose's tricks. Now Jose and Omana are married and are leading doctors in the city.
The story progresses with several humorous incidents when Francis, a.k.a. Ari Pranchi, tries to get a good name for himself. He fights a local club election but is defeated by Jose; he then arranges a felicitation for the Oscar award-winner Gafoor Chekutty, but instead of being seated in the front row on the dais is asked to give up his seat for a Padmashri recipient; he helps the needy but fails to get noticed for it; he tries to write a biography, etc. At last he decides to grab a Padma Sri award because that may help in changing his name from Ari Pranchi to Padmasree Pranchi. He bribes officials with 1.5 crore to get a nomination for the Padma Sri, but the corrupt politicians dupe him.
Dejected, he withdraws into his house when a pretty young woman named Padmasree (Priyamani
) comes to invite him for an inauguration ceremony. Both become good friends and Pranchiyettan falls in love with her . He helps Padmasree prevent her Tharavadu from being sold off, but is unable to express his love for her and she returns to Mumbai.
Now Pranchiyettan decides to help his friend Antony Mash's school. The problem is that the school fears that it will not get a 100% result due to a single student called Paulie (Ganapthy). Paulie's parents are poor and cannot help with his studies. Pranchiyettan brings the boy to his home, and arranges for a special tutor, Pandit Deenadayal (Jagathy Sreekumar
), to teach him. Pandit Deenadayal discovers that the boy has immense talent but lacks concentration due to some personal problems. He tries to teach him using modern techniques like a Rubik's Cube
, etc., but the boy in turn mocks him by asking several questions, and performing some gimmicks that the teacher cannot do. Eventually the boy fails in the SSLC examination. Annoyed, Pranchiyettan goes to the boy's home to drop him off, but finds out several unknown facts about the boy. The remaining part of the film deals with how the boy changes Pranchiyettan's life.
, who has collaborated with Renjith in many of his parallel films and Priyamani
, whose performance in Renjith's Thirakkatha
was hugely appreciated. Mammootty
plays the role of Chirammal Enashu Francis, a rice vendor in Thrissur
. Hafis Firosh plays Mammootty's childhood counterpart. There were rumours that Innocent and Biju Menon
would be playing other important characters in the film. However, the final cast included Innocent playing the role of Vasu Menon, friend of Pranchiyettan. Australian theatre artist Jesse Fox Allen was expected to play the role of the Saint, believed to be an important character in the film. Apart from cine-artistes, this film also features many faces from the professional drama world, as in Renjith's Paleri Manikyam
. Jagathy Sreekumar
plays Deena Dayal. "My character is there only in a few scenes but he makes a definite impact, which is quite exciting for an actor. He is an idealistic teacher, who lives as per Gandhian principles and leads a simple life," says Jagathy Sreekumar. Master Ganapathy, who plays Poly, says, "It is indeed great to be doing such a nice role with some of the big names in the industry. My character is a live wire."
in Thrissur but was later shifted to Regency Club in Kuttanellur
. Some parts of the film were shot in Goa
. Mammootty
joined the crew on 1 July, after completing Martin Prakkat's Best Actor
on 26 June and Kannada film Shikari
on 31 June. Priyamani
joined the set of Pranchiyettan and the Saint in the third week of July.
; the lyrics were penned by Shibu Chakravarthy. The music by Ouseppachan was "among the highlights of the film", according to one reviewer. However, the only song featured in the film, "Kinavile", generated mixed responses. It was sung by Gayatri
, with male backing vocals provided by Ouseppachan himself. The soundtrack also features a male version of the song "Kinavile", which was sung by Franco. This version was not picturised and was not featured in the film. The soundtrack was released on Mathrubhumi Music.
release on 10 September 2010. The film registered full houses for all the shows in the initial days and has received overwhelmingly positive responses.
, Ernakulam
and Thrissur
. Its 50th day celebration was held at Thrissur. The film completed 100 days in many centres of Kerala, In Thrissur , the film completed 160 days to become the longest-running Malayalam film of the last five years.
and the recent best from Mammootty
. Rediff's reviewer rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and said, "Pranchiyettan and the Saint is impressive... the success of [the film] rests on the shoulders of writer director Ranjith who gives a meaty story to actors to dig their teeth into." The performance by Mammootty as well as the supporting cast also earned appreciation from critics. The review on Rediff said, "The film depends heavily on Mammootty's histrionic skills to be convincing and it works. It is this effortless and natural performance that gives Pranchiyettan [its] lifeblood." Nowrunning comments: "Very few films are complex and comic at the same time, but Pranchiyettan achieves this almost impossible feat by employing clever plot devices, a fresh narrative structure and a string of metaphoric scenarios." The review praises Ranjith's work, saying, "There shouldn't be any trouble enthroning Ranjith as the harbinger of change in Malayalam cinema". Another reviewer said, "The movie is a good comedy entertainer from Ranjith and offers more to think than to laugh. One of the best movies in 2010." Sify
called the film "Very Good" and rated it 4 out of 5. Their review focused mainly on the apt usage of Thrissur slang by Mammootty. Cinecurry rated the film 3 out of 5. Their review said, "Once in a while along comes a movie that makes your spirits soar and helps you forget the mediocrity that this medium often serves. That [it] does it without seeking recourse to any manipulative tools, that we are all too familiar with, makes [it] even more remarkable. It solely depends on unalloyed storytelling skills."
Pranchiyettan & the Saint was one of the seven Malayalam films nominated for the Indian National Film Awards for 2010. Mammootty was a hot contender for the best actor
award but eventually lost the award to fellow actor Salim Kumar.
Kerala State Film Award
s
Amrita-FEFKA Film Awards
Asianet Film Awards
Asiavision Awards
Filmfare Awards
Inspire Film Awards
Kairali Film Awards
Kerala Film Critics Awards
Mathrubhumi Film Awards
Nana Film Awards
Vanitha Film Awards
Vellinakshatram Film Awards
Malayalam language
Malayalam , is one of the four major Dravidian languages of southern India. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India with official language status in the state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. It is spoken by 35.9 million people...
satirical film written, directed, and produced by Ranjith. The film centres on the fictitious conversation between the Thrissur
Thrissur
This article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
based rice merchant C.E. Francis aka Pranchiyettan (Mammootty
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
) and St. Francis of Assisi (Jesse Fox Allen). Priyamani
Priyamani
Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
, Innocent, Siddique
Siddique (actor)
Siddique is a Malayalam film actor, producer, and television compere. He started his film career doing comedy roles and later performed in a variety of roles.-Early career:...
, Khushboo
Kushboo Sundar
Nakhat Khan , better known by her stage name Kushboo is an Indian actress, television hostess and producer.-Early life:...
, Jagathy Sreekumar
Jagathy Sreekumar
Sreekumar Achary, better known by his stage name Jagathy Sreekumar, is an Indian film actor who has performed in more than 1,000 Malayalam films. He has also directed two films and has written screenplays for two films...
, Ganapathy, Sasi Kalinga, and 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...
play the other important roles.
The film features the work of five National Award
National Film Awards
The National Film Awards is the most prominent film award ceremony in India. Established in 1954, it is administered, along with the International Film Festival of India and the Indian Panorama, by the Indian government's Directorate of Film Festivals since 1973.Every year, a national panel...
-winning artists: Mammootty, Priyamani, Ranjith, Venu
Venu Isc
Venu Isc is an Indian cinematographer who has worked in over 80 feature films and has won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography three times, in 1987 , 1993 , 1994 , apart from that he won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director for Daya in 1998.- Career :Venu graduated in...
(the cinematographer of the film) and Ouseppachan
Ouseppachan
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:...
, who scored the music for the film. The film met with critical acclaim upon release. It became a box office smash, grossing around 3 crores within fifteen days. It became the longest-running Malayalam film in the last five years.
Plot
Chirammal Enashu Francis, a.k.a. Pranchiyettan (MammoottyMammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
), is a successful businessman based in Thrissur
Thrissur
This article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
. He is a devotee of Saint Francis of Assisi and often has imaginary conversations with the saint. His ancestors were rice traders, but he has grown beyond the small rice shop to expand his business into jewellery, real estate, finance, shopping complexes and lot more. Even with his successful and wealthy life, he is unhappy with his name and wants to become a celebrity. He is called Ari ("rice") Pranchi by everybody, citing his ancestors' business. He wants to change his image from Ari Pranchi to something great and is ready to spend any amount of money for it. The film deals with how Pranchi tries to get a good name and what changes that brings to his life.
The story starts with Francis talking to Saint Francis of Assisi about his own life. It starts with a short flashback to a quarrel between Francis and Jose (Siddique
Siddique (actor)
Siddique is a Malayalam film actor, producer, and television compere. He started his film career doing comedy roles and later performed in a variety of roles.-Early career:...
) over their lady love Omana (Khushboo
Kushboo Sundar
Nakhat Khan , better known by her stage name Kushboo is an Indian actress, television hostess and producer.-Early life:...
) when they were in school. Francis had an affair with Omana but he had give her up because of Jose's tricks. Now Jose and Omana are married and are leading doctors in the city.
The story progresses with several humorous incidents when Francis, a.k.a. Ari Pranchi, tries to get a good name for himself. He fights a local club election but is defeated by Jose; he then arranges a felicitation for the Oscar award-winner Gafoor Chekutty, but instead of being seated in the front row on the dais is asked to give up his seat for a Padmashri recipient; he helps the needy but fails to get noticed for it; he tries to write a biography, etc. At last he decides to grab a Padma Sri award because that may help in changing his name from Ari Pranchi to Padmasree Pranchi. He bribes officials with 1.5 crore to get a nomination for the Padma Sri, but the corrupt politicians dupe him.
Dejected, he withdraws into his house when a pretty young woman named Padmasree (Priyamani
Priyamani
Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
) comes to invite him for an inauguration ceremony. Both become good friends and Pranchiyettan falls in love with her . He helps Padmasree prevent her Tharavadu from being sold off, but is unable to express his love for her and she returns to Mumbai.
Now Pranchiyettan decides to help his friend Antony Mash's school. The problem is that the school fears that it will not get a 100% result due to a single student called Paulie (Ganapthy). Paulie's parents are poor and cannot help with his studies. Pranchiyettan brings the boy to his home, and arranges for a special tutor, Pandit Deenadayal (Jagathy Sreekumar
Jagathy Sreekumar
Sreekumar Achary, better known by his stage name Jagathy Sreekumar, is an Indian film actor who has performed in more than 1,000 Malayalam films. He has also directed two films and has written screenplays for two films...
), to teach him. Pandit Deenadayal discovers that the boy has immense talent but lacks concentration due to some personal problems. He tries to teach him using modern techniques like a Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube is a 3-D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik.Originally called the "Magic Cube", the puzzle was licensed by Rubik to be sold by Ideal Toy Corp. in 1980 and won the German Game of the Year special award for Best Puzzle that...
, etc., but the boy in turn mocks him by asking several questions, and performing some gimmicks that the teacher cannot do. Eventually the boy fails in the SSLC examination. Annoyed, Pranchiyettan goes to the boy's home to drop him off, but finds out several unknown facts about the boy. The remaining part of the film deals with how the boy changes Pranchiyettan's life.
Cast
- MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
as Chirammal Enashu Francis, a rich rice vendor who is uneducated and is always in search of some easy way to earn respect in society. He is also known as "Pranchiyettan" and "Arippranchi", a nickname he hates. He is based in ThrissurThrissurThis article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
and speaks in the typical ThrissurThrissurThis article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
accent Malayalam. He is a devotee of Saint Francis of Assisi and often holds imaginary conversation with him. - PriyamaniPriyamaniPriya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
as Padmashree a.k.a. Pappy, a Mumbai-based interior decorator who hails from ThrissurThrissurThis article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
. She meets Pranchiyettan to invite him for an inauguration. Both become good friends when Pranchiyettan prevents her ancestral home from being sold off. Pranchi is unable to tell her of his love for her but she decides to spend the rest of her life with him. - Innocent as Vasu Menon, a close friend of Pranchi. The humour of the film centres around him and Pranchi. He is with Pranchi in all his ventures aimed at earning a good name.
- Ramu as Bahuleyan, a hotelier and liquor baron who is with Praanchi in his attempts to get a good name. Bahuleyan's hotel is also a refuge for Praanchi after each of his misadventures.
- Jesse Fox Allen as the Saint Francis of Assisi. Pranchiyettan is a devotee of Saint Francis of Assisi. Their imaginary conversations are a major motif of the film. This character is voiced by RenjithRenjithRanjith is an Indian screen writer, director, producer and occasional actor who works in Malayalam cinema.In his career spanning over two decades, he has scripted several high-grossing films including Devaasuram , Aaraam Thampuran , Summer in Bethlehem , and Narasimham .In the year 2001, Ranjith...
and played by Australian theatre artist Jesse Fox Allen. - Master Ganapathy as Paulie. He is adopted and brought home by Pranchiyettan. Pranchi finds out several unknown facts about the boy and he even changes Pranchi's perception of life.
- Sasi Kalinga as Eeyyappan, Pranchi's cook.
- SiddiqueSiddique (actor)Siddique is a Malayalam film actor, producer, and television compere. He started his film career doing comedy roles and later performed in a variety of roles.-Early career:...
as Dr. Jose, a former classmate of Pranchi. He is married to Dr. Omana, who was a former fiancee of Pranchi. He harasses Pranchi and always calls him by his nickname, "Arippranchi". - KhushbooKushboo SundarNakhat Khan , better known by her stage name Kushboo is an Indian actress, television hostess and producer.-Early life:...
as Dr. Omana, a former classmate of Pranchi and the wife of Dr. Jose. Pranchi had an affair with her but had to give her up because of Jose's trickery. - Jagathy SreekumarJagathy SreekumarSreekumar Achary, better known by his stage name Jagathy Sreekumar, is an Indian film actor who has performed in more than 1,000 Malayalam films. He has also directed two films and has written screenplays for two films...
as Pandit Deena Dayal, an idealistic teacher, who lives by Gandhian principles and leads a simple life. He is appointed by Pranchiyettan as a special tutor to Poly. - 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...
as Joppan: Poly's father, who is in jail for killing his wife and Pauli's teacher - Jayaraj Varier as Suresh Babu, a politician Pranchi approaches to get the Padmashree awards
- Tini Tom as Supran, Pranchi's driver
- T. G. Ravi as Uthuppu, a friend of Pranchi
- Idavela Babu as Yousuf, Pranchi's private secretary
- Sreejith Ravi as Vargeese, Paulie's caretaker
- Sivaji Guruvayoor as Antony Master, the principal of the school where Paulie studies and a former teacher of Pranchi. He is sure that his school will not get a 100% result if Poly continues to study there, so he tries to throw him out of the school. This prompts Pranchi to adopt the wayward teenager.
- Balachandran ChullikkaduBalachandran ChullikkaduBalachandran Chullikkadu is a renowned Malayalam poet and film actor.-Early life:Balachandran was born in Paravur, Ernakulam, Kerala. He completed his graduation in English literature from Maharajas College, Ernakulam.-Writing career:...
as Ajay Nambiar, a socially influential person whom Pranchi bribes in an attempt to get a Padmashree award - Chaali Pala as Ravi, warden of the jail where Paulie's father is a prisoner
- Prof. Aliyar as Pranchi's school teacher
Casting
The original cast included MammoottyMammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
, who has collaborated with Renjith in many of his parallel films and Priyamani
Priyamani
Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
, whose performance in Renjith's Thirakkatha
Thirakkatha
Thirakkatha is a 2008 Malayalam romantic drama film co-produced, written, and directed by Ranjith....
was hugely appreciated. Mammootty
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
plays the role of Chirammal Enashu Francis, a rice vendor in Thrissur
Thrissur
This article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
. Hafis Firosh plays Mammootty's childhood counterpart. There were rumours that Innocent and 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...
would be playing other important characters in the film. However, the final cast included Innocent playing the role of Vasu Menon, friend of Pranchiyettan. Australian theatre artist Jesse Fox Allen was expected to play the role of the Saint, believed to be an important character in the film. Apart from cine-artistes, this film also features many faces from the professional drama world, as in Renjith's Paleri Manikyam
Paleri Manikyam
Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha is a 2009 Malayalam crime drama film written and directed by Ranjith, starring Mammootty, Shwetha Menon and Mythili. It is based on a best selling Malayalam novel of the same name by T. P. Rajeevan, which said the true story of the first recorded...
. Jagathy Sreekumar
Jagathy Sreekumar
Sreekumar Achary, better known by his stage name Jagathy Sreekumar, is an Indian film actor who has performed in more than 1,000 Malayalam films. He has also directed two films and has written screenplays for two films...
plays Deena Dayal. "My character is there only in a few scenes but he makes a definite impact, which is quite exciting for an actor. He is an idealistic teacher, who lives as per Gandhian principles and leads a simple life," says Jagathy Sreekumar. Master Ganapathy, who plays Poly, says, "It is indeed great to be doing such a nice role with some of the big names in the industry. My character is a live wire."
Filming
The film was announced on June 2010. The film is produced by Renjith, under the banner of his Capitol Theatres. Shooting began on 1 July 2010. The shooting began at Vadakkunnathan TempleVadakkunnathan Temple
Vadakkunnathan Temple , also known as Thenkailasam and Vrishabhachalam, is an ancient Shiva temple located at the heart of Thrissur city. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture and has formidable gopurams on all four sides and also a Koothambalam. Mural paintings that...
in Thrissur but was later shifted to Regency Club in Kuttanellur
Kuttanellur
Kuttanellur is a suburban area lying in the suburban area of Thrissur city of Kerala state, south India. It is around 6 km away from the Swaraj Round. Kuttanellur is home to Oushadhi, a Kerala Government undertaking for manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines and a Government Arts College. It is...
. Some parts of the film were shot in Goa
Goa
Goa , a former Portuguese colony, is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its...
. Mammootty
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
joined the crew on 1 July, after completing Martin Prakkat's Best Actor
Best Actor (film)
- External links :* http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/7722/malayalam/best-actor/index.htm Best Actor] at Nowrunning.com*...
on 26 June and Kannada film Shikari
Shikari (2011 film)
Shikari is an upcoming bilingual film in Kannada and Malayalam. The film is written and directed by Abhay Simha. It stars Mammootty and Poonam Bajwa in the lead, with Aditya, Mohan and Innocent doing other major roles. The film is the Kannada debut of Mammootty, and also the Malayalam debut of...
on 31 June. Priyamani
Priyamani
Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
joined the set of Pranchiyettan and the Saint in the third week of July.
Music
The score and the only song of the film were composed by 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:...
; the lyrics were penned by Shibu Chakravarthy. The music by Ouseppachan was "among the highlights of the film", according to one reviewer. However, the only song featured in the film, "Kinavile", generated mixed responses. It was sung by Gayatri
Gayatri Asokan
Gayatri Asokan is a playback singerwho works mainly in Malayalam Cinema. Apart from singing, she also composes music for albums and jingles. She is well trained in Bhajans and Hindustani.-Background:...
, with male backing vocals provided by Ouseppachan himself. The soundtrack also features a male version of the song "Kinavile", which was sung by Franco. This version was not picturised and was not featured in the film. The soundtrack was released on Mathrubhumi Music.
Release
The first official trailers were released on 2 September. The film was released in 65 centres as a RamzanEid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr , often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting . Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "breaking the fast"...
release on 10 September 2010. The film registered full houses for all the shows in the initial days and has received overwhelmingly positive responses.
Box office
The film, made on a low budget, grossed 1.5 crore in its first week. The film earned a total of around 4 crores in 60 days, and 5.5 crores in 80 days. The film emerged as the box-office winner in many centres, especially in ThiruvananthapuramThiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
, Ernakulam
Ernakulam
Ernakulam refers to the downtown area or the western part of the mainland of Kochi city in Kerala, India. The city is the most urban part of Kochi and has lent its name to the Ernakulam district. Ernakulam is called the commercial capital of the state of Kerala and is a main nerve of business in...
and Thrissur
Thrissur
This article is about the city in India. For the district, see Thrissur district. For the urban agglomeration area of Thrissur see Thrissur Metropolitan Area...
. Its 50th day celebration was held at Thrissur. The film completed 100 days in many centres of Kerala, In Thrissur , the film completed 160 days to become the longest-running Malayalam film of the last five years.
Critical response
The film has received excellent reviews from critics as well as audiences. Some critics rated this film as the best from RenjithRenjith
Ranjith is an Indian screen writer, director, producer and occasional actor who works in Malayalam cinema.In his career spanning over two decades, he has scripted several high-grossing films including Devaasuram , Aaraam Thampuran , Summer in Bethlehem , and Narasimham .In the year 2001, Ranjith...
and the recent best from Mammootty
Mammootty
Mammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
. Rediff's reviewer rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and said, "Pranchiyettan and the Saint is impressive... the success of [the film] rests on the shoulders of writer director Ranjith who gives a meaty story to actors to dig their teeth into." The performance by Mammootty as well as the supporting cast also earned appreciation from critics. The review on Rediff said, "The film depends heavily on Mammootty's histrionic skills to be convincing and it works. It is this effortless and natural performance that gives Pranchiyettan [its] lifeblood." Nowrunning comments: "Very few films are complex and comic at the same time, but Pranchiyettan achieves this almost impossible feat by employing clever plot devices, a fresh narrative structure and a string of metaphoric scenarios." The review praises Ranjith's work, saying, "There shouldn't be any trouble enthroning Ranjith as the harbinger of change in Malayalam cinema". Another reviewer said, "The movie is a good comedy entertainer from Ranjith and offers more to think than to laugh. One of the best movies in 2010." Sify
Sify
Sify Technologies Limited is an Internet service provider established in 1998, based in Chennai, India.-Company profile:...
called the film "Very Good" and rated it 4 out of 5. Their review focused mainly on the apt usage of Thrissur slang by Mammootty. Cinecurry rated the film 3 out of 5. Their review said, "Once in a while along comes a movie that makes your spirits soar and helps you forget the mediocrity that this medium often serves. That [it] does it without seeking recourse to any manipulative tools, that we are all too familiar with, makes [it] even more remarkable. It solely depends on unalloyed storytelling skills."
Accolades
National Film AwardsPranchiyettan & the Saint was one of the seven Malayalam films nominated for the Indian National Film Awards for 2010. Mammootty was a hot contender for the best actor
National Film Award for Best Actor
The National Film Award for Best Actor is an honor presented annually at the National Film Awards of India to an actor who has delivered the best performance in a leading role within the Indian film industry.-Background:The Directorate of Film Festivals makes awards annually in several categories...
award but eventually lost the award to fellow actor Salim Kumar.
Kerala State Film Award
Kerala State Film Award
The Kerala State Film Awards are the most prestigious film awards for a motion picture made in Kerala. The awards have been bestowed by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy since 1998 on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, India....
s
- Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic ValueKerala State Film Award for Best Popular FilmThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value winners:-References:**...
– Pranchiyettan & the Saint
Amrita-FEFKA Film Awards
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
Asianet Film Awards
Asianet Film Awards
The Asianet Film Awards is the most prominent award ceremony for Malayalam films presented annually by Asianet, a Malayalam-language television network from the south-Indian state of Kerala. The awards ceremony has been instituted to honour both artistic and technical excellence in the Malayalam...
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Cinematographer – VenuVenu IscVenu Isc is an Indian cinematographer who has worked in over 80 feature films and has won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography three times, in 1987 , 1993 , 1994 , apart from that he won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director for Daya in 1998.- Career :Venu graduated in...
Asiavision Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – Mammootty
- Best Supporting Actor – SiddiqueSiddique (actor)Siddique is a Malayalam film actor, producer, and television compere. He started his film career doing comedy roles and later performed in a variety of roles.-Early career:...
- Outstanding Performance – Innocent
Filmfare Awards
Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the South Indian film industry. The awards are separately given for Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films...
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint (Won)
- Best Director – Ranjith (Won)
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
(Won) - Best Actress – PriyamaniPriyamaniPriya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films...
(Nominated)
Inspire Film Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Script – Ranjith
Kairali Film Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Director – Ranjith
Kerala Film Critics Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Script – Ranjith
- Best Director – Ranjith
Mathrubhumi Film Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Director – Ranjith
- Best Screenplay – Ranjith
- Best Cinematographer – VenuVenu IscVenu Isc is an Indian cinematographer who has worked in over 80 feature films and has won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography three times, in 1987 , 1993 , 1994 , apart from that he won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director for Daya in 1998.- Career :Venu graduated in...
- Best Art Director – Manu Jagad
- Best Costume Design – Sameera Saneesh
- Special Jury Award – Innocent
Nana Film Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Director – Ranjith
- Best Child Artist – Master Ganapathi
- Man of the Year – Mammootty
Vanitha Film Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Director – Ranjith
- Best Script – Ranjith
- Best Cinematography – Venu
Vellinakshatram Film Awards
- Best Film – Pranchiyettan & the Saint
- Best Actor – MammoottyMammoottyMammootty is an Indian film actor and producer who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He has also acted in a few Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in more than 360 films, and is only next to Prem Nazir in the number of lead roles...
- Best Director – Ranjith