Bougainvillea (film)
| Bougainvillea | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Release Poster | |
| Directed by | Amal Neerad |
| Written by | Lajo Jose Amal Neerad |
| Based on | Ruthinte Lokam by Lajo Jose |
| Produced by | Jyothirmayi Kunchacko Boban |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Anend C. Chandran |
| Edited by | Vivek Harshan |
| Music by | Sushin Shyam |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | A & A Release |
Release date |
|
Running time | 144 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Box office | ₹35.5 crore[2] |
Bougainvillea is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language psychological crime thriller slasher film directed by Amal Neerad, who co-wrote the script with Lajo Jose. It is jointly produced by Amal Neerad Productions and Udaya Pictures.[3] The film stars Jyothirmayi in title and lead role alongside Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Veena Nandakumar, Sharaf U Dheen and Srinda in supporting roles. It was inspired by Lajo Jose's novel Ruthinte Lokam (2019) and marks Jyothirmayi's comeback to cinema after an 11-year hiatus.[4][5][6]
Bougainvillea was released worldwide on 17 October 2024 in theatres and received mixed to positive reviews from audience and was declared as a moderate success at box office. [7]
Plot
[edit]Royce and Reethu, a happily married couple with two children, find their lives shattered after a devastating accident leaves Reethu with amnesia. As they struggle to rebuild their lives, Reethu becomes embroiled in a mysterious investigation led by ACP David Koshy, who is looking into the unexplained disappearances of tourists in Kerala. With Reethu as the prime suspect, Royce must navigate a web of suspicion and uncover the truth, all while helping his wife reclaim her lost memories. This gripping tale, inspired by the novel "Ruthinte Lokham," explores themes of love, trust, and the quest for identity amid chaos.[8]
Cast
[edit]- Jyothirmayi as Reethu, Royce's wife / Esther Emmanuel(real)
- Kunchacko Boban as Dr. Royce Thomas
- Fahadh Faasil as ACP David Koshy IPS, the investigating officer
- Sharaf U Dheen as Biju
- Veena Nandakumar as Meera Yasodhara, criminologist
- Srinda as Rema
- Shobi Thilakan as CI Suresh Rajan
- Amala Rose Kurian as Amala Kurian
- Jinu Joseph as Dr. Manu Philip
- Nisthar Sait as Devassy, Royce's grandfather
- Vijilesh Karayad as Art gallery Manager
- Athira Patel as Chhaya Karthikeyan
- Varsha Ramesh as Varsha
- Geethi Sangeetha as Sangeetha
- Naveena V M as Vareeth's wife
- Rohini Rahul as Dr. Royce's Mother
Production
[edit]Principal photography started in September 2023 and went on until April 2024 in secret. The music is composed by Sushin Shyam, the cinematography is handled by Anend C. Chandran and the editing is done by Vivek Harshan. It is an adaptation of the 2019 novel Ruthinte Lokam, an intriguing title written by Lajo Jose.[9]
Music
[edit]| Bougainvillea | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | 24 October 2024 |
| Recorded | 2023–2024 |
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
| Length | 12:50 |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Label | Sony Music India |
| Producer | Sushin Shyam |
| Official audio | |
| Bougainvillea (Jukebox) on YouTube | |
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sthuthi" | Vinayak Sasikumar | Mary Ann Alexander, Sushin Shyam | 2:59 |
| 2. | "Maravikale" | Rafeeq Ahamed | Madhuvanthi Narayan | 4:18 |
| 3. | "Transcendence" (Instrumental) | – | – | 2:56 |
| 4. | "Dead Can Dance" (Instrumental) | – | – | 2:43 |
| Total length: | 12:50 | |||
Reception
[edit]Vignesh Madhu of The New Indian Express rated 2.5 out of 5 and stated: "we have seen many celebrated filmmakers becoming victims of their own formulas. Though not yet there, it would only help if Amal opts for fresher treatments rather than rehashing his own templates".[10] S. R. Praveen of The Hindu said that "Bougainvillea ends up as an unsatisfying psychological thriller, carrying much of the imperfections of the original story [Ruthinte Lokam]". He also criticized the casting of Faasil and Sharaf U Dheen, they did not have much to play in it.[11]
Controversy
[edit]A formal complaint has been filed against a promo song from the film, titled "Sthuthi". The complaint, submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification by Tony Chittilappilly, Secretary of the Syro-Malabar Sabha Almaya, claims the song distorts Christian beliefs and is offensive to the community.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "Bougainvillea". Book My Show. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ^ "'Bougainvillea' box office collections day 13: Amal Neerad's thriller mints Rs 35.5 crores". The Times Of India. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ "Amal Neerad's next titled Bougainvillea; first-look poster featuring Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban exudes a sense of dread". The Indian Express. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "ഇടവേളയ്ക്കു ശേഷം മാസ് ലുക്കിൽ ജ്യോതിർമയി: അമൽ നീരദിന്റെ ബോഗയ്ൻവില്ല വരുന്നു". Manorama Online. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "Amal Neerad's Multi-starrer titled Bougainvillea; Check Out First Look posters of Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban". Times Now. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "Blood-red hues and high drama: Amal Neerad's 'Bougainvillea' first look revealed". Onmanorama. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "Amal Neerad's 'Bougainvillea' gets a release date". Times of India. 27 September 2024.
- ^ "Bougainvillea Review: Amal Neerad's psychological thriller falters despite strong performances". Hindustan Times.
- ^ "Amal Neerad's next titled Bougainvillea". Cinema Express. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ Madhu, Vignesh (18 October 2024). "'Bougainvillea' movie review: Jyothirmayi, familiarity stands out in this middling film". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ Praveen, S. R. (17 October 2024). "'Bougainvillea' movie review: An unsatisfying psychological thriller". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
- ^ "Bougainvillea: 'Sthuthi' under fire from Church". The Times of India. 30 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 October 2024.