Top Five Malayalam Films of 2008
2008 was not an exciting or memorable year for Malayalam cinema. However, we saw some good movies and quite a few blockbusters. Let's take a look at the best five Malayalam movies in 2008.
Aakashagopuram
Director: K.P. Kumaran
Cast: Mohanlal, Bharath Gopi, Shwetha Menon, Geethu Mohandas.
Music: John Altman
Thespian Mohanlal has yet again given proof of his histrionic talent in Aakashagopuram, an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic 'Master Builder'. The film has turned to be a true masterpiece of National Award-winning director K.P. Kumaran whose craftsmanship is clearly visible in each scene as he brings out the best in every member of the cast and crew. Kerala's first international film, Aakashagopuram brought together the best talents from Hollywood, UK, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam film industries. Aakashagopuram is a finely-crafted movie, a must-see for all film-lovers, even for those who do not understand Malayalam.
Thalappavu
Director: Madhupal
Cast: Prithviraj, Lal, Atul Kulkarni, Dhanya Mary, Rohini
Music: Alex Paul
Prithviraj's Thalappavu, the debut directorial venture of popular actor Madhupal, can be called a historical film as the movie is based on the controversial and real-life confession of police constable Raveendran Pillai who gunned down the naxalite leader Varghese in a fake encounter on February 18, 1970, in the jungles of Wayanad in North Kerala. The movie is presented in the form of the scattered memories of an old repentant retired police constable and offers a promising watch with wonderful performances all through. Thalappavu is a wonderful example of a movie in which the every member of the cast and crew has performed at his or her best.
Thirakkatha
Director: Ranjith
Cast: Prithviraj, Priyamani, Samvritha Sunil, Nishant Sagar, Anoop Menon
Music: Sharath
Malayalam audiences have always appreciated movies which deal with the inner stories of filmdom, be it Udhayananu Tharam (2005), Chathikkatha Chanthu (2004) or Katha Parayumpol (2007). All did extremely well in Kerala. Scenarist-director Renjith's Thirakkatha, starring Prithviraj and Priyamani in the lead, is yet another interesting movie based on the occupational hazards of showbiz. The film is widely rumoured to be based on one of the biggest Kollywood romances of the late 70's (between Kamal Haasan and late actress Srividya). Thirakkatha is a finely-plotted and intelligently-directed movie, which can impress audiences with its notable narrative structure.
Veruthe Oru Bharya
Director �Akku Akbar
Producer� �Salavuddin
Cast: Jayaram, Gopika, Nivedita, Jagathy Sreekumar, Innocent, Madhu Warrier
Music: Shyam Dharman
Veruthe Oru Bharya is one of the most brilliant mainstream crowd-pleasers and best thought-provoking family movies released in recent times, narrated with intensity and integrity from beginning to end. After nearly five years of continuous struggle to keep his position in Malayalam films, Jayaram has finally�achieved a much-needed victory with Veruthe Oru Bharya directed by Akku Akbar. The movie has been runni
