Theeppori Benny (transl. Firebrand Benny) is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film written and directed by Rajeesh Mohan and Joji Thomas. The film was produced by Shebin Backer under the banner of Shebin Backer Productions.[3] The film stars Arjun Ashokan, Femina George, Jagadish, and Muhammed Rafi in lead roles.[4]
| Theeppori Benny | |
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 Poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Written by |
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| Produced by | Shebin Backer |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Ajay Francis George |
| Edited by | Sooraj E. S. |
| Music by | Sreerag Saji |
Production company | Shebin Backer Productions |
| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 122 minutes[2] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
The Principal photography of the film began in March 2023. The shooting took place in and around Thrissur and Kochi. The film was released on 22 September 2023.
Synopsis
editIt revolves around the lives of Benny and his father Vattakuttayil Chettayi who is a selfless communist.[5]
Cast
edit- Arjun Ashokan as Vattakuttayil Benny (Theeppori Benny)
- Femina George as Ponnila
- Jagadish as Sakhavu Vattakuttayil Chettayi
- Muhammed Rafi as Binu Mon
- T. G. Ravi as Pappettan
- Shaju Shreedar as Manthan Baby
- Joby Pala as Priest
- Santhosh Keezhattoor as Maramattam Varkey
- Prem Prakash as Chief Minister
- Nisha Sarang as Gracy
- Srikant Murali as Shekharan
- Aswathy Sreekanth as Dincy
- Dayyana Hameed as Aparna
- Tony Jose as Kuttliveli Sojan
- Rajesh Paravoor as Tailor
- Sunil Melepuram as Teastall owner
Production
editThe title of the film was officially announced on 18 March 2023.[6]
Filming
editThe makers started the principal photography on 18 March 2023 with the switch-on ceremony and completed it on 24 April 2023.[6][7] It took 37 days to complete the shoot. Much of the filming took place in and around Thrissur and Kochi. The post-production of the film started in May 2023.
Music
editThe songs and background score are composed by Sreerag Saji.[8]
Release
editTheatrical
editThe film was released on 22 September 2023.[9]
Reception
editCritical reception
editGopika Is of The Times of India gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Raajesh Mohan and Joji Thomas's Theeppori Benny is an attempt at delivering a quirky political satire along the lines of Vellimoonga, a comparison that cannot be helped given how the latter was clear about how the main character was not a conventional hero."[10] Swathi P. Ajith of Onmanorama wrote "The film does incorporate subtle moments of humour, albeit not strong enough to evoke hearty laughter from the audience. Unfortunately, the movie's climax tends to follow a rather cliched path, where a slight political agenda becomes prominent, culminating in a dialogue delivered by Arjun Ashokan that ties things together."[11] Arjun Ramachandran of The South First gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Theeppori Benny is a light-hearted movie that deals with the father-son relationship. It also delves into local politics but fails to accommodate all stakeholders (political parties)."[12]
References
edit- ^ "Arjun Ashokan's Theeppori Benny gets a release date, to clash with his own film Chaaver". OTTPlay. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Theeppori Benny (2023) - Movie | Reviews, Cast & Release Date in Kochi". in.bookmyshow.com. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Arjun Ashokan-starrer Theeppori Benny's Trailer Promises A Comedy Drama With Political Undertones". News18. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Arjun Ashokan's 'Theeppori Benny' trailer promises a rollercoaster of fun, romance, and political intrigue!". Times of India. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
- ^ "'Theeppori Benny' Review: Is Arjun Ashokan's movie worth watching? Read THIS". Asianet News. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ a b Madhu, Vignesh (18 March 2023). "Arjun Ashokan's next titled Theepori Benny". Cinema Express. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ Devan, Aswin (24 April 2023). "Filming of Arjun Ashokan's Theeppori Benny wrapped up". CinemaExpress. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Arjun Ashokan's Theepori Benny teaser is here". Cinema Express. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ "Arjun Ashokan's Theeppori Benny clears censorship formalities". Cinema Express. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
- ^ ls, Gopika (23 September 2023). "Theeppori Benny Movie Review : A half-baked entertainer". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ P. Ajith, Swathi (22 September 2023). "'Theeppori Benny' falls short of becoming a 'Vellimoonga' successor | Review". OnManorama. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ Ramachandran, Arjun (22 September 2023). "Theeppori Benny review: An engaging political satire that also explores the generational gap". The South First. Retrieved 29 September 2023.