Pathram


Pathram is a 1999 Malayalam-language political thriller film written by Renji Panicker and directed by Joshi, starring Suresh Gopi, Manju Warrier, Murali, N. F. Varghese, Biju Menon, Abhirami.

Synopsis

Nandagopal, an Associate Editor with Kerala Reshmi, one of the leading newspapers, is an aggressive and daring journalist who enjoys a good reputation among the media circle. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Nandan is the son of Venugopal, an iconic journalist who was killed by the textile mafia long back for being a staunch supporter of trade unions. Nandan, in Kochi meets Shekaran, an old naxalite and his father's friend who is running Jagratha, a newspaper which is feared by the hypocritical political class. Shekaran's outspoken and belligerent nature had earned him more enemies than friends. He is constantly fighting Vishwanathan, an estranged ideological disciple of Shekaran who rules Kochi with his muscle and money.
Vishwanathan holds a large share in Kerala Reshmi and enjoys a huge political clout at state and central levels. C.I Haridas, a police officer close to Shekaran, informs him about a vital source to collect evidences against Vishwanathan. Shekaran decides to expose the role of Vishwanathan in the murder of Vincent Peter and numerous other crimes, by publishing the confessions made by a henchman of Vishwanathan. The plan is revealed to Vishwanathan by a key journalist in Jagratha effectively double crossing Shekaran. A bomb explosion orchestrated by Vishwanathan eliminates Shekaran and C.I Haridas. Jagratha, the newspaper run by Shekaran is inherited by Devika Shekar, the only daughter of Shekaran, who is a fiery journalist like her father. Nandan, who was very close to Sekharan, manages to ensure that the case is investigated by an incorruptible officer. Firoze Mohammed, the investigating officer, who is also an old admirer of Nandan, is gradually gathering evidences to incriminate Vishwanathan. Nandan is arrested by the police in a fabricated case and sacked from Kerala Reshmi. Meanwhile, Firoz decides to arrest Vishwanathan as he makes a drastic headway into the case. While arresting Vishwanathan, Firoz is killed by the latter and his henchmen. Nandan is released on bail and takes law into his hands. He shoots down Vishwanathan in the climax and takes over as the new Chief Editor of Jagratha.

Cast

The film collected over 5.15 crore in 25 days in box office. It became a huge blockbuster and it was the highest grossing movie in 1999. The film was commercial success.
The film was known for the controversies surrounding it when leading Malayalam dailies Malayala Manorama and Mathrubhumi boycotted the film for portraying them in bad light. Manju Warrier won the Asianet Film Award for Best Female Actor and her record setting fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Malayalam for this film. Biju Menon won the Asianet Film Award for Best Supporting Actor - Male for this film.
Music by S. P. Venkatesh, Lyrics by Gireesh Puthenchery, Art Direction By Sabu pravadas and Publicity designing by Gayathry Ashok. The Location of the film was Ernakulam and Surrounding places.