Dr. Pasupathy is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film directed by Shaji Kailas, written by Renji Panicker. The film stars Innocent in the title role along with, Rizabawa, Parvathy, Nedumudi Venu, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kuthiravattom Pappu, Jagadish, KPAC Lalitha, Kalpana in supporting roles. The film follows Bhairavan, a con artist who is hired by the Panchayat leader of a small village to pose as a veterinary doctor.[2][3]

Dr. Pasupathy
Poster
Directed byShaji Kailas
Written byRenji Panicker
Produced byV. C. George
Starring
Narrated byM. G. Soman
CinematographySantosh Sivan
Music byJohnson Master
Production
company
Saga Films
Release date
  • 4 May 1990 (1990-05-04)[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

This film was produced and distributed by V. C. George under the banner of Saga Films, in his second production venture after the 1989 cult classic Dasharatham. The film features original songs composed by Johnson. The cinematography was done by Watson D'Cruz. M. G. Soman appeared in a cameo role as the narrator of the film. The film marked the onscreen debut of actor Rizabawa.

The film was released on 4 May 1990 and was a box office success.[4] The film is noted for being directed by Kailas, who later became known for his political thrillers.[5][6] The film is written by Renji Panicker, who went on to collaborate with Kailas in many films.[7] The character UDC Kumari played by Kalpana is considered one of the best comedy characters in Malayalam cinema and eventually developed a cult following several years after the release of the film.[8][9]

Plot

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The comical film introduces us to a small village and its funny characters. The narrator informs of its developments and day-to-day activities. Soon, it slowly focus to the problems discussed in the Panchayat office (fights do occur between two factions in a comical way), in which the main problem is the absence of a veterinary doctor. The leaders of the opposition faction, Nanappan and Uthpalakshan, gives a final ultimatum to the Panchayat president Unnikannan Nair to resign his post if he can't find a vet within days.

Unnikannan Nair's daughter Ammukutty falls love with Pappen. However Unnikannan Nair disapproves due to the rivalry of Pappen's friends for The Panchayat President – Nanappan, Uthpalakshan and 'Society' Balan. Also the animosity between Pappan's Grandfather and Kunjulakshmi, Unnikannan Nair's mother adds fun to the tale. The romantic angle includes 'Society' Balan's romance with U. D. C. Kumari who is also followed by Balan's father and Unnikannan Nair's associate Parameswara Kurup.

While Parameswara Kurup travels to find a vet he encounters an old friend and thief, Bhairavan and encourages him to act. Thus Bhairavan is introduced in the village in his new avatar, Dr. Pasupathy. Unnikannan Nair soon takes a liking to him and arranges Ammukutty's marriage. Heartbroken, Pappen soon leaves the village for work and finds solace and shelter from a friend who is Police Circle Inspector.

Soon when Dr. Pasupathy's 'uncle', his associate in fact Velayudhan Kutty, enters the village to see Bhairavan and joins his scam, it's up to Pappen's friends to call back Pappen to save Ammukutty.

Cast

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Themes and influences

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This film's main character has failed to achieved masculinity as dictated by societal standards.[14]

Soundtrack

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The film features music by Johnson Master. Rajamani, who composed music for Kailas' News (1989), was present for the recording and re-rerecording for this film and Sunday 7 PM (1990).[15]

  • "Kanakam Mannil" – M. G. Sreekumar, Sujatha Mohan

Legacy

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The film is well known for its comedic track involving Kalpana's character UDC Kumari.[16] Alphonse Puthren listed this film as one among his fifty favorite Malayalam films.[17]

References

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  1. ^ "ഡോക്ടര്‍ പശുപതി (1990)". malayalasangeetham.info (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  2. ^ "ഡോക്ടർ പശുപതി". M3DB.COM (in Malayalam). Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Popular villain of the 90s, Malayalam actor Riza Bava passes away". The New Indian Express. 13 September 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  4. ^ Mansoor (13 September 2021). "Popular Malayalam actor Rizabawa passes away". The Siasat Daily. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  5. ^ "Shaji returns to comedy with Madirashi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  6. ^ "Out of comfort zone: 7 films you won't believe were made by these famous Malayalam directors". The News Minute. 29 July 2017. Archived from the original on 28 February 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  7. ^ "Mammootty and Suresh Gopi team up". Rediff. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  8. ^ "A tribute to actress Kalpana". The Hindu. 28 January 2016. Archived from the original on 27 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  9. ^ George, Vijay (14 July 2011). "Two of a kind". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d Rajan, Silpa (18 February 2022). "#FilmyFriday! Dr. Pasupathy: The story of a strange doctor starring Innocent". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  11. ^ "Malayalam actor Rizabawa passes away at 55". The Hindu. 13 September 2021. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  12. ^ Kris (24 January 2022). "Six years without Kalpana: Why the Malayalam actor can never be replaced". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  13. ^ Menon, Mrinalini (25 January 2018). "From comedy to roles that make you tear up: A look at Kalpana's best films". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  14. ^ Ahammad A., Arshad; Rajan, Nada (2 June 2021). Literature Theory and the History of Ideas. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 170. ISBN 9781527570412. Archived from the original on 28 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  15. ^ "Rajamani the Backbone of Catchy BGM". The New Indian Express. 16 February 2016. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  16. ^ * Krishnan, Aishwarya (25 January 2016). "Kalpana Ranjani dies at 51: Top 7 best performances by National award-winning Malayalam actress". India. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  17. ^ "Alphonse Puthren lists his favourite Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and English movies". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 January 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
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