Ritu the movie
Encyclopedia
Ritu is a 2009 Malayalam film directed by Shyamaprasad
, whose previous film Ore Kadal
was highly acclaimed. The film's original screenplay is written by Joshua Newtonn
. This is the first time Shyamaprasad has chosen to film an original screenplay. All of his previous films were adaptations of published novels or plays. The cast is all new faces. The Telugu version of this film named as 'New' will release in 2012.
), Sarath Varma (Nishan), Varsha John (Rima). The trio were almost inseparable as friends and they grew up in the same neighborhood in their love, bonding and innocence. They shared one single dream of journeying together in life forever.
Sarath leaves for US to help his brother-in-law with his business. He also aspires to write a book some day. But still he clings on to the memories of the good old days with his friends and wishes to reunite and work with his friends again. So after three years, he comes back to India
and starts a small company with Varsha and Sunny to initiate an ambitious new project. But he soon finds out that their strong bond of friendship has almost vanished. Both Varsha and Sunny's lifestyles and mindsets have changed over the years. Varsha flirts with men over the phone while, Sunny shows homosexual traits. Whether their friendship will return or will it deteriorate even more forms the crux of the story.
In life, a point of time arrives when you face the ultimate question: who are you? The three friends finally arrive at that moment when the question stares at them. Did the truth that they found out help them?
for Best Original Background score, surpassing Ilaiyaraaja's
acclaimed score for Pazhassiraja
.
The Telugu version of Ritu, tentatively titled as New is ready for release under 2 banners; Bhargava Pictures and Innostorm entertainment.
Shyamaprasad
Shyamaprasad is an Indian film director. Directing highly acclaimed and complex films such as Agnisakshi, Akale, Ore Kadal and Elektra, he has won several state, national and international film awards.-Biography:...
, whose previous film Ore Kadal
Ore Kadal
Ore Kadal is a 2007 Malayalam film written and directed by Shyamaprasad. The film examines the extra martial relationship between an intellectual economist and a housewife...
was highly acclaimed. The film's original screenplay is written by Joshua Newtonn
Joshua Newtonn
Joshua Newtonn is an Indian writer of stories and an acclaimed screenwriter and a former journalist.-Biography:Joshua Newtonn is an international award-winning Indo-Anglian writer based in India...
. This is the first time Shyamaprasad has chosen to film an original screenplay. All of his previous films were adaptations of published novels or plays. The cast is all new faces. The Telugu version of this film named as 'New' will release in 2012.
Plot
Ritu is about youngsters working in the IT sector. The story follows the lives of three childhood friends: Sunny Immatty (Asif AliAsif Ali
Asif Ali is an Indian film actor who works in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut in 2009 in the acclaimed film Ritu. And has went on to perform in critical and commercial hits such as Apoorvaragam , Traffic , and Salt N' Pepper .-Early life:Asif Ali was born on 4 February 1986 in Ranni...
), Sarath Varma (Nishan), Varsha John (Rima). The trio were almost inseparable as friends and they grew up in the same neighborhood in their love, bonding and innocence. They shared one single dream of journeying together in life forever.
Sarath leaves for US to help his brother-in-law with his business. He also aspires to write a book some day. But still he clings on to the memories of the good old days with his friends and wishes to reunite and work with his friends again. So after three years, he comes back to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and starts a small company with Varsha and Sunny to initiate an ambitious new project. But he soon finds out that their strong bond of friendship has almost vanished. Both Varsha and Sunny's lifestyles and mindsets have changed over the years. Varsha flirts with men over the phone while, Sunny shows homosexual traits. Whether their friendship will return or will it deteriorate even more forms the crux of the story.
In life, a point of time arrives when you face the ultimate question: who are you? The three friends finally arrive at that moment when the question stares at them. Did the truth that they found out help them?
Cast
- Asif AliAsif AliAsif Ali is an Indian film actor who works in Malayalam cinema. He made his debut in 2009 in the acclaimed film Ritu. And has went on to perform in critical and commercial hits such as Apoorvaragam , Traffic , and Salt N' Pepper .-Early life:Asif Ali was born on 4 February 1986 in Ranni...
as Sunny Immatty - Nishan K. P. NanaiahNishan K. P. NanaiahNishan K. P. Nanaiah, known mononymously as Nishan, is an Indian actor from Karnataka who works mainly in Malayalam cinema. He debuted in 2009 through the Hindi film Cycle kick but unfortunately the film doesn't released. He got a career break in Shyamaprasad's Malayalam film Ritu in the same year...
as Sarath Varma - Rima KallingalRima KallingalRima Kallingal is an Indian model and film actress, predominantly appearing Malayalam films. After being named First Runner Up in the Miss Kerala 2008 contest, she went to pursue a career in acting...
as Varsha John - K. Govindankutty as Rama Varma(Sarath's father)
- M. G. SasiM. G. SasiM. G. Sasi is a film and drama director from Kerala. His short film Kanavumalayilekku received National Film Award for Best Educational Film in 2002...
as Hari Varma(Sarath's Brother) - Jaya Menon as Zarina Balu
- Prakash Menon as Balu
- Manu Jose as Jithu
- Siddharth as Pranchi
- Kalamandhalam Radhika as Sarath's mother
- Vinay ForrtVinay ForrtVinay Forrt , who belongs to Fort Kochi in Kerala, is a theater activist with more than a decade's experience as well as a postgraduate in acting from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.-Personal life:...
as Jamal
Soundtrack
The original score and songs were composed, arranged, conducted and programmed by Rahul Raj. Ritu soundtrack is a blend of international genres with Indian ragas and was received well by both critics as well as Rahulraj fans. Rahulraj's background score was lauded for being stunningly fresh and original, and for being on par with many international classics. Rahulraj won the Kerala State Film AwardKerala State Film Award for Best Background Music
The Kerala State Film Award for Best Background Music Director winners:-References:***...
for Best Original Background score, surpassing Ilaiyaraaja's
Ilaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja is an Indian film composer, singer, and lyricist mainly in the Tamil film Industry. He is regarded as one of the finest music composers in India. Ilaiyaraaja is also an instrumentalist, conductor, and a songwriter...
acclaimed score for Pazhassiraja
Pazhassi Raja (film)
Pazhassi Raja is a 2009 Malayalam historical drama movie mostly based on the life of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, a local king from the royal dynasty of Pazhassi Kottayam, Malabar, India. The film was directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and produced by Gokulam Gopalan...
.
| Song title | Singers | Length | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Venal Kattil" | Rahul Raj | 4:47 | A nostalgic song picturised on the lead trio. |
| "Pularumo" | Suchith, Gayatri Asokan 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:... |
5:53 | A romantic duet ballad picturised on the lead pair. |
| "Love Kills" | Smitha Nishant | 4:30 | An electropop song with English lyrics, picturised in a pub. |
| "Ku Ku Ku Theevandi" | Jeetu | 4:03 | A party solo song with a lot of acoustic guitar. |
| "Chanchalam/Cindrella" | Neha, Job | 4:55 |
Release and reception
Ritu received generally positive reviews. Nowrunning.com sees Ritu as a sensitive, melancholic portrayal of tumultuous emotions that ravage three young minds basking on the pinnacle of success. "It is an engrossing, intricate slice-of-life that deftly captures the nuances of growing up together and finally growing apart." The Rediff and Indiaglitz reviewers termed it as a worthwhile experiment and said that it represents the changing face of Malayalam cinema. Also the acting skills of the three lead actors have been applauded. All the three newcomers of the movie has done their part quite convincingly. Indiaglitz review said "It's high time for Mollywood film goers to change and settle down from the regular potboilers and applaud films like Ritu which has its heart exactly at the right place". Rediff said "Ritu is a worthwhile experiment by seasoned director Shyamaprasad with a predominantly new team, and it doesnot disappoint".The Telugu version of Ritu, tentatively titled as New is ready for release under 2 banners; Bhargava Pictures and Innostorm entertainment.