Mythri (transl. Alliance) is a 2015 Indian Kannada-language social drama film written and directed by Giriraj and produced by N. S. Rajkumar under the banner of Omkar Movies.[1] It stars Mohanlal and Puneeth Rajkumar in extended cameo roles, and features Adithya Bharadwaj, Archana and Atul Kulkarni in substantial roles.[2][3] Ilaiyaraaja scored the music for the film and Krishna Kumar handled the cinematography. The film is a social drama, and also focuses on relationships in the time of liberalisation.[4]
| Mythri | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Directed by | Giriraj |
| Written by | Giriraj |
| Produced by | N. S. Rajkumar |
| Starring | Mohanlal Puneeth Rajkumar Adithya Bharadwaj Kalabhavan Mani Ravi Kale Archana Atul Kulkarni Jagadish H. M. |
| Cinematography | A. V. Krishna Kumar Kiran |
| Edited by | K. M. Prakash Sagar Dass |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraja |
Production company | Omkar Movies |
| Distributed by | Kishore Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 137 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
Mythri was released worldwide on 20 February 2015 and garnered widespread critical acclaim.[5][6] The film was praised for its strong and realistic plot, cast performance, cinematography and social message. Some critics called it one of the best films made in Kannada.[7] The partially reshot Malayalam version titled My Hero Mythri was released on 12 June 2015 in Kerala. It had Kalabhavan Mani reprising the role played by Ravi Kale in the original, and also had Anu Joseph and Sajitha Betti in the additional scenes.[8] The film won the Karnataka State Film Award for Third Best Film.
Plot
editSiddarama is a 10 year-old intelligent slum dweller, who lives with his mother, working in an agarbatti factory to make ends meet. One of Siddarama's pranks leads him into lock-up, and his mother requests help from Gooli Prathap/Kaala Pratapan, a pimp who runs a human trafficking business and also has political ambitions. Once Siddarama is released, Pratap sets his eyes on Siddarama's mother. Siddarama is also a huge fan of Puneeth Rajkumar and bunks classes in order to see Puneeth's film shooting.
During the shooting, he also gets a chance to interact with Puneeth and share his scrapbook. Later, Siddarama is in juvenile prison, whose warden is very strict, where he develops good relations with his fellow inmate Johnson; it is Johnson who sees Siddarama's potential to achieve big in life. Siddarama is encouraged by Johnson and gets selected to Karunada Kotyadipathi, hosted by Puneeth and being a step away from winning ₹1 crore (US$120,000).
After the show, Puneeth meets DRDO scientist Mahadev Ghodke, who requests him not to take the show further as Siddarama is the one who murdered his son. Shocked, Puneeth tells that it is not in his hands to do so. Mahadev expresses his unhappiness and walks away. Mahadev devices a plan to kill Gooli Prathap/Kaala Pratapan by devicing a bomb and also reaches Pratap's cabinet office with the bomb. At the same time, Puneeth asks Siddarama the final question, which he is unable to answer.
Siddarama uses the Phone-a-friend option and calls Mahadev to help him with the answer. Without any prejudice, Mahadev gives the right answer, where Puneeth reveals about Siddarama's involvement in the murder of Mahadev's son. Distraught, Siddharama reveals that he didn't kill the boy and that Gooli Prathap/Kaala Pratapan's henchmen had killed the boy where he is forced by Gooli Prathap/Kaala Pratapan and his henchmen to take the blame. After learning this, Mahadev leaves the office, and the bomb detonates killing Gooli Prathap/Kaala Pratapan and his henchman, who were checking the contents of the suitcase. Mahadev then adopts Siddarama as his own son.
Cast
edit- Mohanlal as Mahadev Godke, a DRDO Scientist (Special appearance)
- Puneeth Rajkumar as Himself (special appearance)
- Atul Kulkarni as Raviprakash
- Master Adithya Bharadwaj as Siddharama
- Jagadish H. M. as Johnson
- Archana as Mahadev's wife
- Ravi Kale as Gooli Prathap
- Kalabhavan Mani as Kaala Pratapan (Malayalam version)
- Sadhu Kokila as Vignesh
- Sathyajith as Sathya
- Bhavana as Herself (Special appearance)
Production
editIn April 2013, actor Mohanlal[9] announced that his next project would be a Kannada film along with Puneeth Rajkumar by tweeting about it.[10] Producer Rajkumar said that it will not be a full-fledged Puneeth film and Puneeth allotted a 20-day call sheet for the project.[11] "Rajesh Nair, a close friend of Mohanlal helped us to get the actor into Sandalwood again. We will start shoot by next month, once Puneeth is back from his US trip", added the producer. The film was titled Mythri in July.[12] The makers had zeroed in on Hindi film actress Radhika Apte, however, the actress had prior commitments because of which she couldn't act in the film.[13] Archana was selected to play the female lead role opposite Mohanlal.[14] Director Giriaj said that he was planning to rope in either Bhavana or Parvati Menon to play the other heroine role in the film.[15] A few days later, Bhavana confirmed that she will be doing a special appearance in the film.[16]
The first shot of the film was taken in May in a scene with actor V. Ravichandran filmed by Raghavendra Rajakumar.[17] In July Mohanlal had completed his portion with Archana[1] and Giriraj stated that 50 per cent of the shooting had been completed.[15]
Music
edit| Mythri | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |||||
| Released | 16 January 2015 | ||||
| Recorded | 2014 | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 24:32 | ||||
| Language | Kannada | ||||
| Label | Anand Audio | ||||
| Producer | Ilayaraaja | ||||
| Ilayaraaja chronology | |||||
| |||||
| |||||
Veteran music director Ilaiyaraaja has composed 5 songs for the film. The audio rights are sold to Anand Audio label. Mythri audio CD was released on 16 Jan 2015, Friday evening at Citadel Hotel in Bengaluru. Music Ilayaraja was present with actor Puneeth Rajakumar, directors Soori, Shashank, Nagshekhar, Giriraj, producer Vajreshwari Kumar and others on the dais. At the absence of Mohanlal he wished the team with a recorded video message shown at the function.[18] Puneeth Rajkumar's daughters Drithi and Vanditha on Friday evening released the songs of the film which has been released by Anand Audio.[19]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Hudugatave Hudukatavo" | Yogaraj Bhat | Monisha, Chorus | 4:32 |
| 2. | "Idu Yaava Lokavo" | H. S. Venkateshamurthy | Ilaiyaraaja, Bhavatharini | 4:47 |
| 3. | "Geluvu Onde Lekka" | Jayanth Kaikini | Anitha, Monisha, Nancy | 4:42 |
| 4. | "Aakasha Meluntu" | Sharanya Gaonkar | Shravan, Monisha | 5:01 |
| 5. | "Chandranenu Chanda" | Giriraj | Kailash Kher | 5:32 |
| 6. | "Vishalavada Hrudaya" | Ilaiyaraaja | Ilaiyaraaja |
Reception
editCritical reception
editMythri received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics.[5] Deccan Chronicle rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and called it "Brilliant" and "The best sandalwood movie in the recent times" praising the screenplay, acting and direction "Mythri has none of the so-called ‘must-haves’ – like heroism, fights, lavish sets, glamour, masala and more importantly item songs for a box office.", "Giriraj has penned the script with utmost care while balancing the storyline while depicting it through sheer artistic excellence".[20] The New Indian Express called it as "A feel good movie of our times" and said "This realistic film is important because of its combination of a social message with universal appeal" and stated "Mythri is one of the most sensible and a feel-good Kannada films in recent times. Giriraj's film's strengths lie in its narrative force combined with elements of joy, suspense and reality along with the overall vision of the director and the energy of the actors. The film boasts a good starcast with great music by Ilayaraaja" and praised its camera work, editing and cast performances including the kids. "The real star of the film is the content that creates a contrast between the rich and the poor. With the summer holidays just weeks away, Mythri can be one of the best holiday films for the entire family".[21]
The Times of AP rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and elaborated "Mythri is a strong script about the life a junevile. Focusing on the dreadful social problems, Giriraj has wrote a wonderful story." "It is for the first time Puneeth Rajkumar is seen as an actor in a movie. Mohanlal is at his best in his character, Mohanlal and Veda Sastry's pairing up as a couple is feast for the viewers." "Mythri is a full package. It has good cinematography and very well written screenplay. The movie gets a ‘thumbs up' for its technical aspects. Mythri has been successful to show the cruel reality of the society. Overall, Mythri is a best movie which ends with a special and a strong message to society". Also praised the music from Ilayaraaja.[22] Bangalore Mirror rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and said "Mythri is one of the most sensible films Sandalwood has churned out in recent years". And called it "A bond that lasts forever". "There is no masala elements, and yet Mythri is not an art film that was made for awards. It is silver screen magic in its truest sense that does not treat audience as dumb people who seem to be in need for superlative stimulants". "Giriraj chooses his subjects and characters well. Unlike regular commercial film-makers, he shows reality in human form. Giriraj deserves all the applause for his conviction and narrative style. This one is a total delight".[23]
The Hans India called it "A very realistic take on life showcasing present day challenges. Watch it for Puneeth and Mohanlal's stellar performances. Dialogues are a big plus.". And praised its music, social message for parents and youngsters and the plot.[24] The Times of India rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and said "Mythri is worth watching. After Jatta, director B M Giriraj and producer Rajkumar are back with another masterpiece. Highlighting the life of children of a lesser god, Giriraj has packed the movie with sentiments and action sprinkled with humour to make it appealing to all types of audience". Also praised the music from Ilayaraaja, cast performances and A. V Krishnakumar's camera work.[25] The Hindu stated "It is undoubtedly one of the most sensible films made in Kannada cinema in recent years. 'Mythri' can be described as an attempt to silence those who argue that Kannada film is like stagnant water and that there are no experimental scripts. Still it's not an art film, 'Mythri' is a model of a perfect blend of art and commercial elements."[26]
NamCinema.com rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and concluded that "On the whole there are certain movies which give feel good factor when watched and Mythri surely is one such movie. Such movies should be made in future so that the positive intent of such movies should creep into people even if it means one or two would watch"[27] Cochin Talkies rated the movie 4.14 out of 5 and wrote: "Mythri is really a thought provoking film and a class act which you can't miss. We spend lots of money to see other language films which are just masala entertainers and nothing much, specially from Kannada or Telugu. But Mythri is a change for you, a real change and we mean it. Go for it and don't miss it."[28]
Box office
editThe film was released in 250 theatres across Karnataka. The opening day collection was ₹1.75 crore (US$210,000) in the state. The film registered an average 70% occupancy in multiplexes and 80—90% occupancy in single screens in the Friday morning shows.[29] According to International Business Times, the film received good collections in the opening weekend.[30] The rush of female audience in the first week was a big surprise in Karnataka, usually they are seen from the third week.[31] The film completed 150 days run in Karnataka.[32]
Awards
edit- Karnataka State Film Award for Third Best Film (2015) — N. S. Rajkumar[33]
References
edit- ^ a b "Mohanlal wraps up Mythri". The Times of India. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Mohanlal in Kannada movie with Puneet Rajkumar". Sify. Archived from the original on 22 April 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
- ^ Prathibha Joy (19 February 2015). "Puneeth, Mohanlalm Atul share the screen". The Times of India.
- ^ Muralidhara Khajane (30 May 2013). "Namaskaram to namaskara". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ a b Shekhar H. Hooli (20 February 2015). "'Mythri' Movie Viewers and Critics Review: Live Update". International Business Times. Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^ "'Mythri' Movie Review and Critics Review, Box Office Collection". Retrieved 20 February 2015.
- ^ "Puneeth Rajkumar's 'Mythri' Audience Review". Filmibeat.com. 20 February 2015.
- ^ "My Hero Mythri Review | My Hero Mythri Malayalam Movie Review by Veeyen".
- ^ "Mohanlal is the Universal Star". One India. 26 October 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
- ^ "Mohanlal and Puneeth team up". The New Indian Express. 20 April 2013. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Mohanlal to share screenspace with Puneeth Rajkumar". The Times of India. 19 April 2013. Archived from the original on 19 May 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Puneeth and Mohan Lal's film called Mythri". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Archana to romance Mohan Lal!". Sify. 24 May 2013. Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ A Sharadhaa (2 May 2013). "Archana back in Sandalwood after a long hiatus". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ a b "Bhavana or Parvathi for Puneeth's Mythri". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Bhavana takes time off for 'Mythri'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
- ^ "Mohanlal and Puneeth Rajkumar's film starts shoot". The Times of India. 5 May 2013. Archived from the original on 10 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Mohanlal Desire Fulfilled". indiaglitz.com. 19 January 2015.
- ^ TNN (26 January 2015). "Puneeth Rajkumar at the audio launch of Mythri in Bengaluru". The Times of India.
- ^ Shashiprasad S. M (21 February 2015). "Movie review 'Mythri': A power-lal experience". Deccan Chronicle.
- ^ A. Sharadhaa (21 February 2015). "The Feel-good Film of our Times". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 21 February 2015.
- ^ "Mythri Kannada Movie Review". Times of ap. 20 February 2015.
- ^ Shyam Prasad S. (20 February 2015). "Movie Review: Mythri". Bangalore Mirror.
- ^ Gossip Girl (20 February 2015). "Mythri Review, Rating". The Hans India.
- ^ G. S. Kumar (21 February 2015). "Movie Reviews". The Times of India.
- ^ Muralidhara Khajane (22 February 2015). "Giriraj steals the show in 'Mythri'". The Hindu.
- ^ Prasanna Kumar (23 February 2015). ""Mythri" rides high on feel good factor". Nam Cinema.
- ^ Cochin Talkies (12 June 2015).Mythri Movie Review. Cochintalkies.com. Retrieved 2015-06-12.
- ^ Shekhar H. Hooli (21 February 2015). "Puneeth Rajkumar's 'Mythri', 'Benkipatna' First Day Collection at Box Office". International Business Times. Retrieved 21 February 2015.
- ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (25 February 2015). "Will Superstar Nagarjuna Agree to Feature in Telugu Remake of Puneet Rajkumar-Mohanlal's 'Mythri'?". International Business Times. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
- ^ "'Mythri' going Good". Indiaglitz.com. 27 February 2015.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A (16 April 2015). "'Mythri' To Be Released as 'My Hero Mythri'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 November 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
- ^ Prakash Upadhyaya (19 May 2016). "'Thithi,' Puneeth Rajkumar, Mohanlal's 'Mythri' win Karnataka State Awards". International Business Times. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
