Veeram (2016 film)
Veeram | |
---|---|
Directed by | Jayaraj |
Screenplay by |
|
Based on | Macbeth by William Shakespeare |
Produced by |
|
Starring |
|
Cinematography | S. Kumar |
Edited by | Appu N. Bhattathiri |
Music by | Jeff Rona |
Production company | Chandrakala Arts |
Release dates |
|
Country | India |
Languages | |
Budget | ₹20 crore[1] |
Veeram (transl. Valour) is a 2016 Indian historical drama film written and directed by Jayaraj. It is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, and is the fifth installment in Jayaraj's Navarasa series. The film, which also takes inspirations from the Vadakkan Pattukal (Northern Ballads) of North Malabar region in Kerala tells the story of Chandu Chekavar (Kunal Kapoor), an infamous warrior in the 13th century North Malabar.
Veeram is simultaneously made in
, and was released on 24 February 2017.Cast
- Chandu Chekaver
- Aromal Chekaver[2]
- Himarsha Venkatsamy as Unniyarcha[3]
- Satheesh Menon as Raman Chekaver (Kunhiraman)
- Shiyas Kareem as Warrior (killer)
- Ashraf Gurukkal as Kannappachekavar
- Ketaki Narayan as Kunjuneeli
- Divina Thakur as Kuttimani[4]
- Aaran as Aringodar Chekaver[4]
- Bilas Nair as Komappan
- Gopan Mavelikkara (Gopakumar) as Vazhunor
- Justin Antony 'Jetta' as Aromalunni
- Monichan as Malayan
- Atul as Paanan
- Jayadeep.V.Nair as Chandappan
Production
Development
After the film
Pre-production
Jayaraj calls the film his dream project. After completing the screenplay and conceptualising a production plan, he put a newspaper advertisement in search of producers. Chandramohan D. Pilai, a Qatar-based banker and an old friend of Jayaraj, replied to the ad. In fact, almost thirty years ago, Pillai already had a discussion with Jayaraj about producing a film, and Jayaraj was interesting in directing it. The deal was finalised, after which Jayaraj invited him to India for further discussions about the film's production plans, which likely requires a high budget. Pillai formed the production company, Chandrakala Arts in India, for producing the film with collaboration from two of his friends, though they do not wanted to credit their names in the film. Jayaraj himself traveled to the United States in search of technical assistance for the film.[9]
Jayaraj did not want to cast superstars or experienced actor for the film as he does not want to compromise his directorial freedom as star actors often demand alterations in the script to glamourise their characters. Audition for actors was conducted in three rounds, with the first one conducted in Mumbai in October 2015, and second round in Chennai, and third in Kerala. Over 4500 candidates participated in the audition.[9] Even though, later in 2018, Jayaraj revealed that he had approached Mohanlal for the lead role and had handed over the screenplay to him, who did not showed interest.[10]
Despite the search for a newcomer,
Filming
The film's stunt choreography was done by Allan Poppleton,
Music
Former
Release
The film was initially planned as a mid-2016 release.[6] Veeram was premiered as the opening film at the BRICS Film Festival on 2 September 2016 at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi, India.[19][20] The film's theatrical release was on 24 February 2017.[21] The movie was then released on Amazon Prime on January 17, 2022.
Reception
Veeyen lauded the film as exceptionally good, and wrote that "it is no ordinary canvas that Jayaraj has mounted his epic film ‘Veeram’ on, and as such it evolves into an ambitious demonstration of an idea that amazingly blends two classic tales together. Atypical in conception and phenomenal in implementation, ‘Veeram’ presents you with one of the most memorable cinematographic experiences that you have witnessed ever in contemporary Malayalam cinema."[22]
References
- ^ a b Pillai, Akshaya (4 September 2016). "Kunal Kapoor starrer 'Veeram' is based on Macbeth but its roots lie closer home: director Jayaraj". Scroll.in. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ Anand, Shilpa Nair (2 September 2016). "Chandu, the warrior". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ Indo-Asian News Service (2 September 2016). "Indian films can potentially reach Rs 1,000 cr mark, says Director Jayaraj". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
- ^ a b Madhavan, Anusree (6 September 2016). "What is common between Macbeth, Chandu and Veeram?". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
- ^ "Jayaraj wants to adapt 'Macbeth', 'The Brothers Karamazov'". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 29 March 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
- ^ a b Ravindran, C. P. (3 October 2015). "Doha-based expats seek to blaze a trail with film company". Gulf Times. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
- ^ K. S., Aravind (13 December 2015). "Director Jayaraj creates history". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
- ^ Sahani, Alaka (17 January 2016). "The Loss of Innocence". The Indian Express. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ a b Nangiana, Umer (18 October 2015). "Fetching a dream". Gulf Times. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
- OnManorama. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ a b c George, Anjana (31 December 2015). "Kunal Kapoor as Chandu Chekavar". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ Arya, Mridula (11 May 2016). "Weight and watch". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ a b Lohana, Avinash (5 January 2016). "Kunal is a warrior in trilingual Macbeth". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ Jayaram, Deepika (20 January 2016). "Kunal Kapoor bruised while shooting for Veeram". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ Iyer, Sanyukta (15 April 2016). "Kunal pulls off a trilingual". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ Lohana, Avinash (11 August 2016). "Hollywood makeover for Kunal Kapoor's film". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ Srivatsan (12 August 2016). "Veeram: Kunal Kapoor gets Avengers technicians on board for his next film". India Today. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ HT Correspondent (8 February 2017). "Kunal Kapoor's Malayalam film Veeram will release on February 24". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- News18. Press Trust of India. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
- ^ Express Web Desk (25 August 2016). "Kunal Kapoor's Veeram to open at BRICS Film Festival". The Indian Express. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
- ^ "വീരം ഫെബ്രുവരി 24 ന് തിയേറ്ററുകളില്". Mathrubhumi. 22 January 2017. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
- ^ Veeyen (25 February 2017). "Veeram: Malayalam Film Review by Veeyen". Veeyen Unplugged. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
External links
- Official website
- Veeram at IMDb