Thuramukham (2020 Film)

''Thuramukham'' () is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language period drama film directed and filmed by Rajeev Ravi and written by Gopan Chidambaran. It is based on the play of the same name by K. M. Chidambaran, Ravi's father. The film stars Nivin Pauly, Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Arjun Ashokan, Sudev Nair, Manikandan R. Achari, Senthil Krishna, Nimisha Sajayan, Poornima Indrajith and Darshana Rajendran in prominent roles. In the film, the harbor workers protest against the Chappa labor allocation system practiced during the 1940s and 50s in Cochin district of Kerala.

After multiple delays, ''Thuramukham'' was theatrically released on 10 March 2023.

Plot

The story is set in the backdrop of workers' struggles, and protests against the infamous 'Chappa' system of casual labour allocation and primitive "work guarantee" scheme that was practiced at the Mattancherry harbour in Kochi during the 1940s and 50s. Metal tokens called chappa were thrown into the waiting crowds of labourers, who would fight for them. Whoever managed to get one would be given work for the day at the wharves or godowns. Protests against this system had resulted in the police shooting and killing three labourers. The story further revolves around two brothers being on opposing sides, in the day labourers' epic struggle against dock bosses.

Cast

* Nivin Pauly as Mattancherry Moidu
* Indrajith Sukumaran as Santo Gopalan
* Joju George as Mymoo, Moidu's father
* Arjun Ashokan as Hamza, Moidu's brother
* Darshana Rajendran as Khadeeja, Moidu's sister
* Nimisha Sajayan as Umani, Moidu's wife
* Poornima Indrajith as Moidu's mother
* Sudev Nair as Pacheek
* Manikandan R. Achari as Umboocha, Mymoo's friend
* Senthil Krishna as Srank

Production

The principal photography of the film was completed in January 2020, but the release was delayed for a long time due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Release

Theatrical

''Thuramukham'' was scheduled for worldwide theatrical release in Summer 2021, but was postponed due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Kerala. The film was later scheduled to be released on 10 December 2021, but it was postponed again, to avoid the clash with Mohanlal starrer '' Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham'' which released on 2 December 2021. Later, the film was announced to be released on 24 December 2021 during the festival time of Christmas, but it was postponed. The film was postponed yet again after being scheduled to be released on 7 January 2022. The film was finally released in theatres on 10 March 2023.

Marketing

On 13 May 2021, the makers released the first teaser trailer.

Accolades

Music

The film features songs and background score composed by K and Shahabaz Aman.

Reception

Anna Mathews, critic of ''The Times of India'', gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote that "Director Rajeev Ravi infuses his usual atmospheric heft to the film". Anandu Suresh, critic of ''The New Indian Express'', stated that "But for those who enjoy the slow pace, this movie is unquestionably a gem", and gave 4 out 5 stars. ''The Hindu'' critic S.R.Praveen wrote that "Rajeev Ravi’s film is an important document of the struggles to unionise for rights". ''Firstpost'' critic wrote that "''Thuramukham'' is, nevertheless, significant for playing spoilsport in a world where it is the eternal goal of oppressors to ensure that their stories are never told by those with empathy for the oppressed", and gave 2.75 rating out of 5. Princy Alexander, critic of '' Onmanorama'', stated that "The narration is slow-paced and jerky at times." ''The Quint'' critic gave 3 stars out of 5, in a review headlined "Rajeev Ravi & Nivin Pauly Mount a Strong Film on Communism". ''OTTplay'' critic gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote that "The powerful performances and the electrifying ending make it an engrossing watch."

References

External links

* {{IMDb title, 9867628

Films postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2020s Malayalam-language films
2022 films
2022 drama films
2020s historical drama films
Films scored by K (composer)
Films scored by Shahabaz Aman