Blue Ava Ford Publications

International Journal of Trends in English Language and Literature (IJTELL)

An International Peer-Reviewed English Journal; Volume-4, Issue-4; 2023
www.ijtell.com ISSN: 2582-8487 Impact Factor:6.896(SJIF)
___________________________________________________________________________
CINEMATIC CITYSCAPES: EXPLORING
THE CITY OF THRISSUR IN POPULAR
MALAYALAM MOVIES
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Ms. Keerthy Sophiya Ponnachan, Research Scholar, Department of English
Vimala College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Affiliated with the University of Calicut
&
Assistant Professor, Department of English, Carmel College (Autonomous), Mala
______________________________________________________________________
Received Date 05/10/23, Revised Date 20/11/23, Accepted Date 26/11/23, Published Date 27/11/23
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Abstract
Thrissur, located in the southern Indian integrated into film plots, often providing
state of Kerala, has been a recurrent setting contexts for characters' journeys and
and exploration subject in popular experiences. This research paper sheds light
Malayalam cinema. Often referred to as the on the intricate relationship between
"Cultural Capital of Kerala," filmmakers Thrissur City and popular Malayalam
capitalize on the city's vibrant cultural cinema. As the city evolves and cinema
scene, characterized by festivals, art forms, continues to transform, the exploration of
and historical landmarks, to create Thrissur in popular Malayalam films
immersive cinematic experiences. This remains a reflection of the dynamic
research paper delves into the dynamic interplay between culture, storytelling, and
interplay between Thrissur City and its urban landscapes.
depiction in cinematic narratives,
investigating how the city's distinct
cultural, social, and historical elements are
harnessed to enrich storytelling.
Keywords: Thrissur city, Malayalam
Filmmakers infuse their works with
cinema, cultural exploration, narrative
authenticity and local flavor, allowing
backdrop, social dynamics.
audiences to engage with stories on a
deeper level.
The movies chosen for the study are
Pranchiyettan and The Saint (2010) and Introduction
Punyalan Agarbattis (2013). The research Thrissur, situated in the southern
paper investigates how the city's unique Indian state of Kerala, has recurrently
sociocultural features impact character served as a prominent setting and thematic
interactions and relationships, such as its focus within popular Malayalam cinema.
close-knit communities and distinctive Acknowledged as the "Cultural Capital of
urban layout. It discusses how these Kerala," filmmakers strategically leverage
dynamics contribute to storytelling, the city's vibrant cultural milieu,
creating intricate plot developments and characterized by many festivals, diverse art
character arcs that reflect the essence of forms, and historical landmarks, to
Thrissur's society. It examines how the construct deeply immersive cinematic
city's heritage sites and historical events are narratives. Notably, Malayalam cinema has

MS. KEERTHY SOPHIYA PONNACHAN 9

 Blue Ava Ford Publications
International Journal of Trends in English Language and Literature (IJTELL)
An International Peer-Reviewed English Journal; Volume-4, Issue-4; 2023
www.ijtell.com ISSN: 2582-8487 Impact Factor:6.896(SJIF)
___________________________________________________________________________
frequently utilized Thrissur as a pivotal played by Jesse Fox Allen. Regarded as a
backdrop, an integral element that pinnacle of comedic brilliance in
significantly shapes the essence of various Malayalam cinema, the film has garnered a
films. This scholarly inquiry thoroughly cult following since its release, earning
examines the intricate relationship between acclaim as a significant contributor to the
Thrissur City and its representation in Malayalam New Wave movement.
cinematic storytelling, meticulously Addressing the intricate social fabric and
exploring how the city's unique cultural, the pursuit of acclaim within the closely-
social, and historical facets are purposefully knit Thrissur society, Pranchiyettan and the
incorporated to enhance the depth of Saint navigates the complexities of societal
narratives. Filmmakers adeptly infuse their stratification. Meanwhile, Punyalan
creations with an air of authenticity and Agarbattis, a 2013 Malayalam satirical
indigenous essence, facilitating a comedy film authored, co-produced, and
heightened connection between audiences directed by Ranjith Sankar, featuring
and the cinematic tales woven within the Jayasurya and Nyla Usha in lead roles,
city's vibrant tapestry. This research embarks on a journey through the
focuses on analyzing select films, namely entrepreneurial vigor and unwavering
Pranchiyettan and The Saint (2010) and fortitude of Thrissur's denizens, epitomized
Punyalan Agarbattis (2013). The nuanced by the determined businessman Joy
interplay between Thrissur's multifaceted Thakkolkaran.
elements and their portrayal in cinematic These cinematic pieces captivate
artistry will be unraveled in this paper. audiences with their storytelling and offer
Cinema is often considered a mirror profound insights into Thrissur's customs,
that reflects a particular region or festivals, and distinctive lifestyles. Through
community's culture, values, and ethos. their artistic representation, both films
Malayalam cinema, one of India's most encapsulate Thrissur's cultural richness,
vibrant and distinct film industries, is everyday life, and ethos, thereby enhancing
renowned for its storytelling and ability to the audience's understanding and
showcase Kerala's rich cultural diversity. appreciation of the city's heritage."
Located in the southwestern state of Kerala, The plot of Pranchiyettan and the
Thrissur holds a special place in the cultural Saint centers around Pranchiyettan, who is
fabric of India. Often referred to as the a wealthy and prominent businessman in a
"Cultural Capital of Kerala," this city boasts small town called Thrissur. Despite his
a rich heritage known for its temple success and financial affluence,
festivals, classical art forms, and traditional Pranchiyettan suffers from a deep sense of
rituals. The city is a melting pot of various insecurity and self-doubt regarding his
artistic and cultural expressions, making it name, which leads him to seek validation
an ideal backdrop for a movie exploring from others. His encounter with a saint at a
tradition and modernity's intricacies. crucial moment tells him that he will
Pranchiyettan and the Saint, a 2010 achieve greatness in his life and sets off a
Malayalam satirical comedy film penned, series of events that challenge
helmed, and produced by Ranjith, revolves Pranchiyettan's perception of success and
around the fictitious discourse between C. happiness. The movie delves into
E. Francis, colloquially known as Pranchiyettan's journey of self-discovery
Pranchiyettan, a prominent Thrissur-based and introspection as he grapples with his
businessman portrayed by the veteran actor inner demons and tries to find his true
Mammootty, and St. Francis of Assisi, purpose in life. The supporting characters in

MS. KEERTHY SOPHIYA PONNACHAN 10

 Blue Ava Ford Publications
International Journal of Trends in English Language and Literature (IJTELL)
An International Peer-Reviewed English Journal; Volume-4, Issue-4; 2023
www.ijtell.com ISSN: 2582-8487 Impact Factor:6.896(SJIF)
___________________________________________________________________________
the film, such as Pranchiyettan's childhood The lifestyle of the people is
friend Dr. Jose, his love interest Padmashri, highlighted in these movies, showcasing
and the various people he encounters along their simplicity, warm hospitality, and
the way, add depth to the narrative and strong religious beliefs. Joy Thakolkaran
contribute to the exploration of themes such and Chiramel Francis, the significant
as ambition, identity, and the quest for characters in the movies, are deeply rooted
meaning. in the city's ethos, and their interactions
In the movie Punyalan Agarbattis, reflect the close-knit community bonds for
the plot revolves around the life of Joy which Thrissur is celebrated.
Thakkolkaran, a struggling businessman In analyzing the socio-economic
trying to succeed in his agarbatti (incense structure of Thrissur city, it is evident that
stick) business. After facing numerous both Punyalan Agarbattis and
challenges and setbacks, Joy decides to take Pranchiyettan and the Saint depict different
matters into his own hands and campaign facets of the social and economic makeup
against the corrupt system. Throughout the of the city. Punyalan Agarbattis highlights
movie, we witness Joy's determination and Thrissur's entrepreneurial spirit, focusing
resilience in fighting against the odds and on the protagonist's journey of starting and
his unwavering belief in bringing about expanding his own business. This reflects
change. The movie also features a range of the city's reputation as a thriving
exciting characters, such as Joy's wife, Anu, commercial hub known for its traders and
who supports him in his endeavors, and his industrialists. On the other hand,
friends, who stand by him throughout his Pranchiyettan and the Saint shed light on
journey. These characters add depth and the hierarchical social structure and the
complexity to the storyline, creating a challenges faced by the lower strata of
compelling narrative that explores the society. The film portrays the protagonist's
themes of entrepreneurship, social injustice, desire for societal recognition and
and the power of unity. subsequent struggle to achieve it. This
The city of Thrissur is portrayed as depiction of the class divide in Thrissur City
not only a geographical location but a showcases the importance placed on social
cultural and lifestyle hub in many status and its impact on individuals' lives.
Malayalam movies. Through these two The movies also provide insights
movies, the essence of Thrissur is vividly into the dominant occupations of the people
depicted, capturing the unique in Thrissur city. Both movies showcase the
characteristics that define this city. The significant role of business and agriculture
culture of Thrissur, famed for its rich in the city's culture and lifestyle. In
tradition and ethnic diversity, is portrayed Punyalan Agarbattis, the protagonist, Joy
through various aspects such as vibrant Thakkolkaran, is an ambitious businessman
festival celebrations, unique art forms like who aspires to establish his agarbatti
Kudamattam, and local cuisine. Thrissur (incense sticks) manufacturing company.
has a rich architectural heritage with Through his entrepreneurial journey, the
landmarks like Vadakkumnathan Temple, movie sheds light on the thriving business
Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Swaraj culture in Thrissur, where trade and
Round, Shakthan Market, and numerous commerce play a pivotal role in the local
churches. The films showcase the grandeur economy. Similarly, Pranchiyettan and the
of these structures, underscoring their Saint revolves around the life of Pranchi, a
significance in the city's cultural identity by wealthy businessman from Thrissur who is
including them in these movies. widely respected. Pranchiyettan achieved

MS. KEERTHY SOPHIYA PONNACHAN 11

 Blue Ava Ford Publications
International Journal of Trends in English Language and Literature (IJTELL)
An International Peer-Reviewed English Journal; Volume-4, Issue-4; 2023
www.ijtell.com ISSN: 2582-8487 Impact Factor:6.896(SJIF)
___________________________________________________________________________
financial success and prominence within the a cultural depth to the dialogues and helps
local community due to his business the audience connect with the characters
acumen and shrewd dealings in trade. This and their surroundings. The use of local
movie highlights the dominance of the colloquialisms and expressions immerses
business community in the city, which is the audience in the cultural milieu of
still prevalent, and the affluent lifestyle it Thrissur.
affords. In examining the themes explored
An insight into the deep-rooted and the cinematic styles used in the movies
connection between Thrissur city and Punyalan Agarbattis and Pranchiyettan
religion/ spirituality is also carved into and the Saint, it is evident that both films
these movies. In Punyalan Agarbattis, the delve into the complexities of cultural
protagonist's journey into the agarbatti identity and societal norms in Thrissur city.
(incense stick) industry showcases this While Punyalan Agarbattis primarily
religious symbol's importance and focuses on entrepreneurship and the
highlights the city's thriving religious challenges a small business owner faces,
economy. The movie elucidates the Pranchiyettan and the Saint delves into the
significance of festivals like Thrissur notions of social status and the pursuit of
Pooram, where spirituality and religion recognition in a conservative society. Both
intertwine to create a mesmerizing movies employ comic elements and satire
spectacle of devotion and culture. Similarly, to convey their messages, with Punyalan
Pranchiyettan and the Saint delve into the Agarbattis presenting a light-hearted
protagonist's quest for social recognition approach and Pranchiyettan and the Saint
and spiritual redemption, ultimately adopting a more introspective tone.
emphasizing Thrissur's inclination towards Cinematically, Punyalan Agarbattis
religious rituals and beliefs. The film showcases vibrant visuals, lively music, and
depicts traditional practices, such as visiting fast-paced editing to create an energetic
temples, performing rituals, and seeking atmosphere. In contrast, Pranchiyettan and
divine intervention, as integral aspects of the Saint embrace a more subdued color
the city's identity. These movies shed light palette and deliberate pacing to reflect its
on Thrissur's close association with religion contemplative nature. Overall, both films
and spirituality, showcasing how faith successfully capture the distinct essence of
intertwines with the city's culture, lifestyle, Thrissur city, albeit through different lenses
and essence. and stylistic choices. Both films not only
The Malayalam spoken in Thrissur provide entertainment but also serve as a
has a distinct dialect and is integral to the reflection of the vibrant cultural heritage of
city's cultural identity. The Thrissur dialect, Thrissur.
often called "Thrissur Slang," is To conclude, the films Punyalan
characterized by its rich, colloquial Agarbattis, Pranchiyettan, and The Saint
expressions, unique intonations, and a touch exemplify how cinema can effectively
of humor. Pranchiyettan and the Saint and promote and preserve cultural heritage.
Punyalan Agarbattis feature this dialect Through these movies, the city of Thrissur
prominently, adding authenticity to the and its unique culture, lifestyle, and essence
characters and the narrative. Thrissur slang are aesthetically depicted, allowing
uses a lot of local idioms, proverbs, and audiences to gain a deeper understanding
cultural references like "Gaddi, which and appreciation of the region's traditions,
means buddy, enthused- what is up? Ishta- rituals, and values. Moreover, these films
friend, pada- died, pedal-super". This lends showcase the exquisiteness of the city's

MS. KEERTHY SOPHIYA PONNACHAN 12

 Blue Ava Ford Publications
International Journal of Trends in English Language and Literature (IJTELL)
An International Peer-Reviewed English Journal; Volume-4, Issue-4; 2023
www.ijtell.com ISSN: 2582-8487 Impact Factor:6.896(SJIF)
___________________________________________________________________________
iconic landmarks. By highlighting these Another Society. Calcutta: Seagull
aspects, cinema not only preserves the Books Private Limited, 2005.
cultural heritage of Thrissur but also Wilson, Heather. “Pranchiyettan and the
promotes it to a broader audience, both Saint. Cinema Chaat. 14 July 2011.
within and outside of Kerala. Furthermore, https://cinemachaat.com/2011/07/1
the cinematic medium vividly portrays the 4/pranchiyettan-and-the-saint/
essence and atmosphere of the city,
immersing viewers in its ambiance and
allowing them to experience the richness
and vibrancy of its cultural tapestry.
Overall, cinema holds immense power in
promoting and preserving cultural heritage,
offering a means through which traditions,
values, and historical elements can be
showcased and cherished. Punyalan
Agarbattis and Pranchiyettan & the Saint
offer a compelling narrative that captivates
viewers and enhances our understanding of
this captivating city.

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