Poppins is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language anthology film directed by V. K. Prakash. It stars ten lead actors, appearing as five couples; the characters are played by Kunchacko Boban and Nithya Menen, Jayasurya and Meghna Raj, Indrajith and Padmapriya, Shankar Ramakrishnan and Mythili, and Siddique and Ann Augustine.[1] The film was shot with two cameras at the same time by Jomon T. John and Arun.

Poppins
Theatrical release poster
Directed byV. K. Prakash
Written byJayaprakash Kuloor
Based on18 Natakangal
by Jayaprakash Kuloor
Produced byDarshan Ravi
Starring
Cinematography
Edited byMahesh Narayanan
Music byRatheesh Vegha
Production
company
Dimac Creations
Distributed byCentral Pictures
Release date
  • 30 November 2012 (2012-11-30)
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

The film is an adaptation of the Sahitya Akademi award-winning play 18 Natakangal by Jayaprakash Kuloor. Prakash had already adapted this play into a Kannada film titled Aidondla Aidu. The plot is centred on man-woman relationships which is weaved into a single story encapsulating the struggles of a filmmaker, exploring different facets of the institution called marriage. Nithya Menen and Padmapriya reprised their role from the Kannada film.[2]

Plot

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All the tales revolve around the relationships between a husband and wife and although each explores different facets of the marital relationship, at their core, they involve communication and the consequences of misconception.

Cast

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Production

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It is a new thought that the director wanted his critically acclaimed film Aidondla Aidu to be made into Malayalam. After completing Trivandrum Lodge, the director wanted to try a different Aidondla Aidu. The director was selective in choosing hardworking young and character-suiting actors. Kunchacko Boban and Nithya Menen were chosen to play a pivotal couple, and Jayasurya and Meghana Raj were chosen to play a supporting couple. This is the second time the pair has come together; the first was the director's Beautiful. Jayasurya was cast again after V. K. Prakash's Trivandrum Lodge in which he played the lead role.

The shooting of the film began on 10 June 2012. Jomon T. John is the cinematographer. The film was shot in Bangalore and Trivandrum in two schedules.[3]

Soundtrack

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The audio release of Poppins by V. K. Prakash was a star-studded affair with the entire cast and other guests attending the function. Among the cast, Jayasurya, Meera Nandan, Aparna Nair, and Sarayu were present. Ratheesh Vegha's music was the highlight of the day. He had also penned the lyrics of the songs. G. Venugopal and Sithara lent their voices. The audio release was officially carried out by East Coast Vijayan, and the CD was first given to Shankar Ramakrishnan by Jayasurya. East Coast Vijayan had coordinated the entire function that was held on 24 Nov 2012. Nithya Menon sings the Malayalam version of the same song she sang for in "Aidu Ondla Aidu".[4]

Reception

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The film opened to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. Sify.com gave the verdict "Below Average" and said, "Poppins is a lazy film, which takes the viewer for a ride. Unlike the sweet that it has named after, this one is disturbingly tasteless and has been made without much honesty."[5] Paresh C Palicha of Rediff.com rated the film two out of five start and concluded his review saying that the film is a "very bland one."[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Four couples ready for 'Poppins'". Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  2. ^ Parvathy S Nayar (30 May 2012). "5 Ondu Aidu in Malayalam". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 May 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  3. ^ "Poppins is VK Prakash's next". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  4. ^ ""Poppins" Audio Released. :News – Movie News , Film News , Cinema News – Malayalam Movie News". metromatinee.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2012.
  5. ^ "Movie Review: Poppins"
  6. ^ "Review: This Poppins is bland"