In a significant milestone, Blessy’s acclaimed directorial venture ‘Thanmathra’ has reached the 18-year mark since its release on December 16, 2005. The film, featuring the iconic Mohanlal in the lead role, stood out in an era dominated by Malayalam cinema’s comedy entertainers, addressing the poignant theme of Alzheimer’s disease and its profound impact on individuals and their families.
Despite the prevailing trend in the industry, ‘Thanmathra’ emerged both critically and commercially successful, solidifying its status as a classic over the years. The cast, including Meera Vasudev, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, and Arjun Lal, played pivotal roles, contributing to the film’s enduring appeal.
Reflecting on the film’s reception, Blessy expressed, “Apart from being the director of ‘Thanmathra,’ it gives me immense joy that ‘Thanmathra’ has helped create awareness about Alzheimer’s disease in society. On this occasion of 18 years since the release of the film, I would like to express my gratitude to the audience and the cast and crew involved in the production of the film.”
Blessy shared that the concept of ‘Thanmathra’ had been brewing in his mind even before his debut directorial venture, ‘Kazhcha.’ The film, he noted, explores the dynamics of relationships and portrays the universal aspiration within middle-class families to witness their children achieve more than they did. The director praised the cast for their convincing portrayals, emphasizing the dedication of each actor, including Mohanlal, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Arjun Lal, and Meera Vasudev.
The film garnered significant recognition, securing five awards at the 2005 Kerala State Film Awards. Notably, ‘Thanmathra’ clinched accolades for Best Film, Best Actor (Mohanlal), Best Director (Blessy), Best Screenplay, and a Special Jury Award for debutant Arjun Lal.
For cinephiles eager to relive the cinematic brilliance, ‘Thanmathra’ is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
In a glimpse of Blessy’s future endeavors, the director is presently immersed in the production of his upcoming film, ‘Aadujeevitham,’ featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran. Scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on April 10, 2024, the film promises to be another noteworthy addition to Blessy’s impressive directorial repertoire.
