Apart from Mammootty, 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha' stars Balan K Nair, Suresh Gopi, Madhavi, Geetha, and Captain Raju in key roles.
Published Feb 09, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 09, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Mammootty in 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha'. (X)
In 1989, Mammootty’s Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha hit theatres and became a massive success, winning four National Film Awards and eight Kerala State Film Awards. The film, a major highlight in the careers of iconic writer MT Vasudevan Nair and director Hariharan, is considered one of their finest works.
The movie offers a unique twist on the traditional northern Kerala ballads, known as Vadakkan Paatukal. In most versions, Chandu Chekavar (Mammootty) is a traitor, but MT Vasudevan Nair reimagines him as a wronged warrior. Rather than being a villain, Chandu is portrayed as a victim of fate and misunderstanding.
Chandu becomes a hero not because of his actions but because of the suffering he endures. The film transforms a traditional tale into something entirely new, giving audiences a fresh perspective on the character.
After 36 years, the cult classic movie has been re-released in theatres. The film is receiving an overwhelming response, making it a special moment for the actors involved. It has been restored in 4K quality and Dolby Atmos sound. The remastering was done by Matinee Now, who also worked on Valyettan and Manichithrathazhu.
‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’ is re-released. (X)
Ahead of the re-release, Mammootty shared his experiences and the movie’s significance with actor Ramesh Pisharody on the Mammootty Kampany YouTube channel. He recalled that PV Gangadharan called him about a film based on Unniyarcha’s story, with him playing Chandu.
Initially hesitant, Mammootty asked if he was playing a villain. Upon learning that MT Vasudevan Nair was writing and Hariharan was directing, he immediately agreed.
Mammootty also shared his injuries from filming, particularly during the action sequences based on ‘Kalaripayattu’— a martial art form.
According to Mammootty, all the swords used in the film were real metal and were heavy.
“I had to jump and catch a falling sword in a shot, but I missed, and it pierced my thigh. It was a deep wound and was painful too. But the shooting continued. The wound wasn’t visible on camera, but the scar is still there,” he said.
Mammootty explained that storytelling depends on perspective, and this film offers a different take from the original ballad. “In the real ballad, Chandu is a traitor, and the story is told from Unniyarcha and Aromal Chekavar’s point of view. But MT explored it from Chandu’s perspective,” he said.
He added that the film stays true to the folk legends while presenting Chandu’s viewpoint.
No scenes from the traditional stories are missing, including Chandu’s childhood training, how his uncle raised him, and the betrayal. However, the film portrays Chandu as a tragic warrior, not just a villain.
‘Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha’ is written by MT Vasudevan Nair. (NFDC/ X)
Jomol, who played the younger Unniyarcha, expressed her excitement about the re-release. “I never expected the movie to be released after 36 years. I hadn’t heard any updates about a re-release, so I completely forgot about it,” she said at the premiere.
Jomol further expressed excitement to watch the movie with her kids, as she acted in it when she was just five or six and doesn’t remember watching it in a theatre. “I’ve seen it on YouTube, but never the full film with my kids. I’m excited and anxious to experience it with them,” she said.
Recalling his experience as a child actor, Vineeth Kumar, who played the younger Chandu, said he’s excited to see the classic movie on the big screen with Atmos sound. As a passionate film lover, he believes the experience will be unforgettable.
Vineeth highlighted that the film’s themes, relationships, and conflicts remain universally relatable. He emphasized that MT Vasudevan Nair’s strong character portrayals and storytelling will resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.
He also feels that re-watching this masterpiece in theatres with improved visuals and sound offers a fresh perspective. Vineeth sees it as a rare opportunity to celebrate the film’s legacy and impact on cinema.
Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha stars Balan K Nair, Suresh Gopi, Madhavi, Geetha, and Captain Raju in key roles. Produced by PV Gangadharan under Grihalakshmi Productions and re-released by S.Cube Films, the film was shot by Ramachandra Babu and edited by MS Mani.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
