Summer In Bethlahem
Encyclopedia
Summer in Bethlehem is a 1998 Malayalam film written by Ranjith and directed by Sibi Malayil
. It stars Suresh Gopi
, Jayaram
, and Manju Warrier
in the lead roles with a cameo appearance
by Mohanlal
. The music was composed by Vidyasagar
.
The film was shot among the forest hills and farms of Ooty (Ootacamund
). It tells the story of Ravishankar (Jayaram), the bumbling friend of a successful landowner Dennis (Suresh Gopi), and the vacation visit by Ravishankar's relatives in Dennis's estate known as Bethlehem Estates in Chandragiri
.
), an unsuccessful investor stays along with Dennis (Suresh Gopi
), his friend who is a big success in farming business. Dennis owns a vast farmland named Bethlehem, and hundreds of cows, at a valley. Ravi is a fun loving, jovial chap, who has fabricated stories of his success to his parents and relatives. On a vacation, Colonel C.R.Menon (Janardhanan
), his grand father arrives with his grandchildren to spend a couple of days at the farmhouse of Ravishankar. He successfully makes them believe that he is the real owner of Bethlehem, and Dennis is his partner. Dennis, who is an orphan, was too happy to meet a huge family and welcomes them all with full heart. Colonel Menon has a plan to get Ravishankar married to any one of his granddaughters. Ravishankar is a bit confused about whom he should choose. For past few months, he had been receiving a mail from one among these girls expressing her love for him. Ravi and Dennis decides to find out the one behind this game. Meanwhile, a few days after their arrival at Bethlehem, Abhirami (Manju Warrier
), another grand daughter of Menon, who is studying at Bangalore arrives alone. She seems to be too upset and worried. But within short time, she returns to normalcy and enjoys the colors of vacation. They play pranks at both Ravi and Dennis and both enjoys them well. As time passes, Dennis feels a special attraction for Abhirami. Colonel Menon and his wife decides Ravi to get married to Abhirami. But Abhirami snubs them by declaring that she is in love with Dennis. Her decision creates a panic among all, who belives that Dennis is nothing but a failed businessman who is living at the expense of Ravishankar. But, Ravi shocks everyone by revealing that he is nothing and is the original owner of Bethlehem is none other than Dennis. Abhirami meets Dennis who is completely broken down after the chaos at the house. Dennis, at the same time is happy at heart knowing about Abhirami's love for him. But she shocks him by saying that she was just using his name to escape from the marriage. She informs Dennis that she is in love with Niranjan, a naxal revolutionary in southern Karnataka
. Niranjan, whom she met at Bangalore
, is now in jail, convicted of killing Brijesh Mallaya, a landlord and his family. He has got capital punishment and is waiting for gallows. He is to be executed in a couple of days and she will not live after his death, Abhirami also has taken a vow not to marry anyone other than Niranjan. But at home, upon the compulsion from Ravi, the family decides Abhirami to get married to Dennis. The night before marriage, Abhirami requests Dennis to take her to jail to meet Niranjan as he is getting executed the next day, Denni takes her to Niranjan (Mohanlal
), who is now a completely changed man. Now remorseful Niranjan regrets over the violent ways he adopted in class war and the crimes he did to obtain a classless society. In jail, Niranjan became more spiritual and advises Abhirami to forget him and accept Dennis as her husband. Abhirami refuses to take his words, but Niranjan forces Dennis to tie the mangalsutra
to Abhirami, which she has brought along with her. Dennis obeys Niranjan and marries Abhirami at jail and Niranjan witnesses it with tearful eyes. He goes back to his cell happily by wishing both all success. A few days later, the family returns back from Bethlehem, while Ravi jokingly reminds everyone that they should be back here next year to welcome junior Dennis. The train departs slowly and a girl's hand reaches out the rapidly receding coach window, holding the kitten which was sent as a gift. Ravishankar takes off running to find out it is, but he catches only a cryptic message, which teases him to follow and discover her identity.
. The soundtrack had seven songs. The soundtrack became one of the biggest hits in Kerala
.
Sibi Malayil
Sibi Malayil is an Indian film director of Malayalam cinema best known for his melodramas of the 80s and 90s. Since the mid-1980s he has directed some 40 movies. Movies like Kireedam, Dasharatham, Thaniyavarthanam, His Highness Abdullah, Bharatham, and Akashadoothu defined the way Malayalam movies...
. It stars Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles...
, Jayaram
Jayaram
Jayaram is an Indian film actor who mainly acts in Malayalam and Tamil films. He is also a chenda percussionist and mimic artist. In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution towards the arts.-Early life:...
, and Manju Warrier
Manju Warrier
Manju Warrier is an Indian film actress. She was among the popular lead actress in Malayalam cinema during the mid to late-1990s.She made her debut in Saakshyam...
in the lead roles with a cameo appearance
Cameo appearance
A cameo role or cameo appearance is a brief appearance of a known person in a work of the performing arts, such as plays, films, video games and television...
by Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
. The music was composed by Vidyasagar
Vidyasagar (music director)
Vidyasagar is an Award-Winning Indian film music director and music composer in the Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi film industry. He is very popular in South Indian music industry and best known for his soulful melodies. His fast numbers to many films have earned him much fame too. He has...
.
The film was shot among the forest hills and farms of Ooty (Ootacamund
Ootacamund
Ootacamund , is a town, a municipality and the district capital of the Nilgiris district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills...
). It tells the story of Ravishankar (Jayaram), the bumbling friend of a successful landowner Dennis (Suresh Gopi), and the vacation visit by Ravishankar's relatives in Dennis's estate known as Bethlehem Estates in Chandragiri
Chandragiri
Chandragiri , is a suburb of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. Recently it is included under Municipal Corporation limits of Tirupati...
.
Plot
Ravishankar (JayaramJayaram
Jayaram is an Indian film actor who mainly acts in Malayalam and Tamil films. He is also a chenda percussionist and mimic artist. In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution towards the arts.-Early life:...
), an unsuccessful investor stays along with Dennis (Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopi
Suresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles...
), his friend who is a big success in farming business. Dennis owns a vast farmland named Bethlehem, and hundreds of cows, at a valley. Ravi is a fun loving, jovial chap, who has fabricated stories of his success to his parents and relatives. On a vacation, Colonel C.R.Menon (Janardhanan
Janardhanan (actor)
Janardhanan is a Malayalam film actor. He is known for his peculiar style of handling humor and his quaint voice. He started his career playing brusque villains in the 1970s but later went on to establish himself as a highly sought-after comedian. The turning point of his career was the role of...
), his grand father arrives with his grandchildren to spend a couple of days at the farmhouse of Ravishankar. He successfully makes them believe that he is the real owner of Bethlehem, and Dennis is his partner. Dennis, who is an orphan, was too happy to meet a huge family and welcomes them all with full heart. Colonel Menon has a plan to get Ravishankar married to any one of his granddaughters. Ravishankar is a bit confused about whom he should choose. For past few months, he had been receiving a mail from one among these girls expressing her love for him. Ravi and Dennis decides to find out the one behind this game. Meanwhile, a few days after their arrival at Bethlehem, Abhirami (Manju Warrier
Manju Warrier
Manju Warrier is an Indian film actress. She was among the popular lead actress in Malayalam cinema during the mid to late-1990s.She made her debut in Saakshyam...
), another grand daughter of Menon, who is studying at Bangalore arrives alone. She seems to be too upset and worried. But within short time, she returns to normalcy and enjoys the colors of vacation. They play pranks at both Ravi and Dennis and both enjoys them well. As time passes, Dennis feels a special attraction for Abhirami. Colonel Menon and his wife decides Ravi to get married to Abhirami. But Abhirami snubs them by declaring that she is in love with Dennis. Her decision creates a panic among all, who belives that Dennis is nothing but a failed businessman who is living at the expense of Ravishankar. But, Ravi shocks everyone by revealing that he is nothing and is the original owner of Bethlehem is none other than Dennis. Abhirami meets Dennis who is completely broken down after the chaos at the house. Dennis, at the same time is happy at heart knowing about Abhirami's love for him. But she shocks him by saying that she was just using his name to escape from the marriage. She informs Dennis that she is in love with Niranjan, a naxal revolutionary in southern Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
. Niranjan, whom she met at Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
, is now in jail, convicted of killing Brijesh Mallaya, a landlord and his family. He has got capital punishment and is waiting for gallows. He is to be executed in a couple of days and she will not live after his death, Abhirami also has taken a vow not to marry anyone other than Niranjan. But at home, upon the compulsion from Ravi, the family decides Abhirami to get married to Dennis. The night before marriage, Abhirami requests Dennis to take her to jail to meet Niranjan as he is getting executed the next day, Denni takes her to Niranjan (Mohanlal
Mohanlal
Mohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
), who is now a completely changed man. Now remorseful Niranjan regrets over the violent ways he adopted in class war and the crimes he did to obtain a classless society. In jail, Niranjan became more spiritual and advises Abhirami to forget him and accept Dennis as her husband. Abhirami refuses to take his words, but Niranjan forces Dennis to tie the mangalsutra
Mangalsutra
A Mangalsutra is a symbol of Hindu marriage union in South Asia. It is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by women as a symbol of their marriage...
to Abhirami, which she has brought along with her. Dennis obeys Niranjan and marries Abhirami at jail and Niranjan witnesses it with tearful eyes. He goes back to his cell happily by wishing both all success. A few days later, the family returns back from Bethlehem, while Ravi jokingly reminds everyone that they should be back here next year to welcome junior Dennis. The train departs slowly and a girl's hand reaches out the rapidly receding coach window, holding the kitten which was sent as a gift. Ravishankar takes off running to find out it is, but he catches only a cryptic message, which teases him to follow and discover her identity.
Cast
- Suresh GopiSuresh GopiSuresh Gopinathan Nair , often credited as Suresh Gopi , is an Indian film actor who works mainly in Malayalam cinema; he is famous for his roles in police dramas. He is noted for his leading roles as much as his character roles...
as Dennis - JayaramJayaramJayaram is an Indian film actor who mainly acts in Malayalam and Tamil films. He is also a chenda percussionist and mimic artist. In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution towards the arts.-Early life:...
as Ravishankar - Manju WarrierManju WarrierManju Warrier is an Indian film actress. She was among the popular lead actress in Malayalam cinema during the mid to late-1990s.She made her debut in Saakshyam...
as Abhirami - JanardhananJanardhanan (actor)Janardhanan is a Malayalam film actor. He is known for his peculiar style of handling humor and his quaint voice. He started his career playing brusque villains in the 1970s but later went on to establish himself as a highly sought-after comedian. The turning point of his career was the role of...
as Colonel C.R. Menon - Kalabhavan ManiKalabhavan ManiKalabhavan Mani is a South Indian actor and singer. He began his career in Malayalam film industry, later he became a busy artist in tamil and telungu industry, especially in villain roles. Although he began his carrier as a comedian , he proved his versatility in various roles such as serious...
as Monai - SukumariSukumariSukumari is an Indian film actress who has primarily acted in Malayalam and Tamil films. She has been acting since she was 10 years old and has acted in various roles. The total number of her films is presumed to be about two-thousand. In 2003, she was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of...
as Ravishankar's grandmother - Rasika
- Sreeja
- Suchitha
- MayooriMayooriMayoori or Mayuri, also known as Shalini in the Tamil film industry, was a popular South Indian actress.She acted in a number of meaningful films in Malayalam and Tamil.She committed suicide in 2005 at the age of 22.-Tamil films :...
- MohanlalMohanlalMohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
as Niranjan (Special appearance)
Connections
- The performance of MohanlalMohanlalMohanlal Vishwanathan Nair , known mononymously as Mohanlal , is a National Award-winning Indian actor, producer, singer and writer who is well known for his versatile and natural acting in Indian cinema & hence widely known as the Universal Star...
was the main highlight of the film. Though appeared for 10 minutes in the climax, he stole the entire Niranjan is considered as one of the best characters of Lal in his career. - This was the second script written 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...
for Sibi MalayilSibi MalayilSibi Malayil is an Indian film director of Malayalam cinema best known for his melodramas of the 80s and 90s. Since the mid-1980s he has directed some 40 movies. Movies like Kireedam, Dasharatham, Thaniyavarthanam, His Highness Abdullah, Bharatham, and Akashadoothu defined the way Malayalam movies...
after Maya Mayooram. Later they joined again for UstaadUstaadUstaad is 1999 Malayalam film directed by Sibi Malayil, and written by Ranjith, starring Mohanlal, Indraja, Divya Unni, Narendra Prasad, N. F. Varghese and Vineeth. This film was produced jointly by Shaji Kailas and Ranjith under the banner of Country Talkies...
in 1999. - Some sequences and subplots of the film were later adapted and re-scripted for the TamilTamil languageTamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
as Lesa Lesa starring TrishaTrisha KrishnanTrisha Krishnan is an Indian film actress and model, who primarily appears in Tamil and Telugu language films, but has also appeared in Hindi language films. She was noticed after winning several beauty pageants like the Miss Madras contest , which marked her entry into filmdom...
, ShaamShaamShamshuddin Ibrahim, known professionally as Shaam , is a Tamil film actor and model. Starting his career as a professional model, he soon made his acting debut in the film Khushi , appearing in a cameo role. He further appeared in lead roles in critically and commercially successful films such as...
, and MadhavanR. MadhavanR. Madhavan is an Indian actor, writer, film producer and television host. Madhavan has received a Filmfare Award, an award from the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards alongside recognition and nominations from other organisations...
(guest appearance). Lesa Lesa was directed by PriyadarshanPriyadarshanPriyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu...
.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of the film was composed by VidyasagarVidyasagar (music director)
Vidyasagar is an Award-Winning Indian film music director and music composer in the Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Hindi film industry. He is very popular in South Indian music industry and best known for his soulful melodies. His fast numbers to many films have earned him much fame too. He has...
. The soundtrack had seven songs. The soundtrack became one of the biggest hits in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
.
| Song title | Singers |
|---|---|
| "Ethrayo Janmamay" | Sujatha Mohan Sujatha Mohan Sujatha Mohan , usually credited as Sujatha, is an award-winning Indian playback singer who is popular for singing in Malayalam and Tamil movies. She has also sung for Telugu, Kannada and Hindi movies. She is widely popular for her evergreen melodies and her sweet voice is considered to be her... |
| "Ethrayo Janmamay" | Srinivas Srinivas (singer) Srinivas 'Srini' is an award winning playback singer who has sung over 2000 songs in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. He is also a music composer.-Early life:... |
| "Marivillin Gopurangal" | Biju Narayanan, Srinivas Srinivas (singer) Srinivas 'Srini' is an award winning playback singer who has sung over 2000 songs in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. He is also a music composer.-Early life:... |
| "Choolamadichu" | K. S. Chitra |
| "Oru Raathri Koodi" | K. J. Yesudas K. J. Yesudas Kattassery Joseph Yesudas is an Indian classical musician and playback singer.Yesudas sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. He has recorded more than 50,000 songs in many languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi,... , K. S. Chitra |
| "Confusion Theerkaname" | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... |
| "Kunjumani Koottil" | M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has... , K. S. Chitra |
Sequel
Director Ranjith is planning for Summer In Bethlehem Sequel. Its almost confirmed Director Ranjith's next movie will be comedy flick with Jayaram. Earlier, there was a news that Sibi Malayil was interested in doing a sequel for the all-time classic 'Summer in Bethlehem' but due to superstar Suresh Gopi refusing to work in the movie, the project was dropped. But now, from recent reports Director Ranjith wants to do the sequel. With Jayaram and Dileep/Sureshgopi in the lead.External links
- Summer in Bethlehem at Oneindia.inOneindia.inOneindia.in is an Indian online portal owned by Greynium Information Technologies Pvt. Ltd., which provides news updates, sports news, travel, entertainment, videos, and classifieds. Alexa Traffic Rank of Oneindia.in is ranked number 525 in the world and Google page rank of Oneindia.in is 7...