Aadhi

Aadhi
International poster (GCC)
Directed by Jeethu Joseph
Produced by Antony Perumbavoor
Written by Jeethu Joseph
Starring Pranav Mohanlal
Music by Anil Johnson
Cinematography Satheesh Kurup
Edited by Ayoob Khan
Production
company
Distributed by Maxlab Cinemas and Entertainments
Release date
  • 26 January 2018 (2018-01-26) (India)
Running time
 159 minutes
Country India
Language Malayalam
Box office ₹50 crore[1]

Aadhi is a 2018 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film written and directed by Jeethu Joseph. The film stars Pranav Mohanlal in the title role. It was produced by Antony Perumbavoor through Aashirvad Cinemas. The principal photography took place between August and November 2017 in Kochi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Aadhi released in India on 26 January 2018 and met with widely positive critical response. It ran over 100 days.

Plot

Adhithya Mohan (aka Aadhi) (Pranav Mohanlal) aspires to become a music director in the film industry. He has his other part of desire left for parkour with friends through the beach. He is seen as a singer at the start of the film. He is not too much supported by his dad Mohan Varma (Siddique) and his boss, both of whom, wants him to follow his dad's footsteps and start working for livelihood. His mother, Rosy (Lena) though, is the exact opposite and is clearly supportive of his tenure as a music-director aspirant. His mother is not supporting his parkour desire. He is seen trying hard to get a breakthrough.

In the shade of pursuing him to follow his dad's footsteps, his dad's boss urges Aadhi to take his car to Bangalore where he plans on attending a meeting after his arrival from foreign and has a week's commute. his dad's boss's driver is sick. Aadhi, having heard of a cine-workers pub, through his friend Nadhir (Krishna Shankar), and his potential opportunity of getting the people there to catch an attention on him, decides to take the car there. So he has an opportunity to stay there and perform and can help his dad's boss get his car.

Aadhi gets a shot at performing in the bar and meets a colleague of his, Anjana (Aditi Ravi) at the pub. She is accompanied by her boss's son and nephew, both of whom does not take her acquaintance with Aadhi lightly. Aadhi performs and is instantly seen as a superhit and moves all the gathering to his tones. When Anjana extensively involves with the song, her colleagues start making a fuss and Aadhi is forced to leave. He goes to the roof and hangs out himself. Anjana on the behest of apology, goes to him, only for others to intervene and create a commotion, in which Jayakrishnan (Siju Wilson) accidentally kicks his colleague of the roof to his death. Jayakrishnan frames Aadhi for the death, and Narayan Reddy (Jagapati Babu), the owner of Pinnacle Group and a greatly influential person in the whole of Bangalore city, seeks to take revenge on Aadhi. He uses his influence to make this an accidental death and starts an underground hunt for Aadhi, using a pic of him taken through the security cam in the pub.

Reddy gets hold of the car that Aadhi brought to the pub, his dad's boss's one, and through the security cam footages that he stays somewhere in the Bangalore-Mysore road. He sends his goons to catch Aadhi, while unbeknownst to all of it, is in the streets. But using his free running skills, he evades the goons only to end up with Sharath (Sharafudheen). Sharath takes him home and tells him about the bounty Reddy has placed on him. Sharath also tells him that he will help him as Reddy has caused ill fates to his family, and is the sole reason why his family is this way. Sharath agrees to help him and his sister Jaya (Anusree) to approves of that. Sharath takes help from his friend Mani Annan (Meghanathan) and decides to plot an escape plan, all to go waste. Aadhi meets up with his dad at Sharath's home and decides to go abroad. He takes refuge in an abandoned factory until his escape plan is done.

In the meantime, Reddy urges the cops to have a lookout for Aadhi and all the transport routes are inspected for Aadhi's suspected departure. Aadhi having lost his phone, keeps on his communication with his parents through Sharath and this intrigues Reddy, who decides to go for call tracing on that. Suspecting of his activities being disclosed, Jayakrishnan readily takes over the responsibility of monitoring the calls. He overhears the call and confirms Aadhi's location and goes with some goons to get done with Aadhi. Aadhi somehow escapes from them and interprets that Jayakrishnan has been tapping his phone calls. Jayakrishnan, having learned of Sharath's role in Aadhi's hideout, captures him and murders him before Sharath discloses Jayakrishnan's role in the death of Reddy's son. This creates a stir and Aadhi is forced to leave the hideout.

Aadhi plots a new plan to disclose things to Reddy, as the situation brings him to the conclusion that Jayakrishnan devised the whole plan to save face, owing to the fact that Reddy might kill him if he is found guilty. Aadhi takes help from Mani Annan and a former employee of the Pinnacle Group, Ebin (Tony Luke) to disclose Reddy on all the happenings at his office in Bangalore. As per Ebin's request, he gets hold of gadgets to gain access to the security cam footage of the building and thereby get to Reddy's office. He also uses Anjana to device a plan so that Jayakrishnan stays out of the office and passes information that he is going to meet Reddy at an event outside his office late one day. Jayakrishnan leaves the office soon. Aadhi gets inside the office through the service exit, and Anjana through the front door, which alerts Jayakrishnan who returns soon after.

Meanwhile, both reach Reddy's office, only for Reddy to attack Aadhi, who later convinces Reddy of Jayakrishnan's part in the ploy. Jayakrishnan soon comes and shoots Reddy, and leaves him for dead, and along with Siddharth aka Siddhu (Sijoy Varghese) discloses them as partners intending on killing Reddy and take his wealth. Siddhu never intended on sharing and turns on Jayakrishnan and kills him and moves to kill Aadhi and Anjana as well. Aadhi makes a quick run for it and reaches the 10th floor of the building. He is taken out by the guards before he could rappel out. He is taken down by the guards and Siddhu gets down to kill him. Before Siddhu could shoot him, it is revealed that the 10th-floor exit was an escape plan and Aadhi performs a Dülfersitz just before Ebin turns the fire alarm on, to shower gasoline on them. Aadhi throws a lighter and escapes out in the ensuing explosion. Reddy recovers and it is revealed that Aadhi is set free and Jayakrishnan and Siddhu was killed because of the explosion on the 10th floor.

Cast

Production

Development

On 30 September 2016, Mohanlal announced that his son Pranav Mohanlal would be acting in a film directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Aashirvad Cinemas, which would be a thriller. The film marks the return of Pranav as an actor, who had earlier appeared as child actor. He had worked with Jeethu as an assistant director in two films—Papanasam and Life of Josutty.[2] The project was green-lit a few days before the announcement when Jeethu had a discussion with Pranav.[3] After learning Pranav wanted to return to acting, Jeethu approached him with an abstract idea of a film and received positive feedback.[4]

Jeethu was in charge of writing; he had completed the story by the time of the announcement and had begun writing the screenplay, intending it to be his next directorial.[3] He described the film as an action movie and a thriller, but it will not resemble a thriller like his 2013 film Memories.[4] Jeethu had developed the story idea during his college education. His protagonist was a marathon or cross country runner, whose athletic skills aid him in the story. For the film, it was changed to parkour since Pranav had learned it during his academic life. The entire plot takes place within one week or 10 days.[5] By the end of March 2017, Jeethu said he was working on the script and hoped to start filming by June, with the rest of the cast finalizing after the first draft is prepared.[6] In early May, Jeethu confirmed that the first draft was complete and they were about to enter pre-production,[7] with the filming planned to begin in the second half of 2017.[8] In mid-May he stated that he is still working on the screenplay.[9]

In early July 2017, Jeethu said he intended to start filming by the end of that month.[10] For the film, Pranav trained in parkour.[11] The title Aadhi along with an animated digital poster were revealed on 5 July at the puja function of the film held at hotel Vivanta by Taj in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram. The venue was shared with the puja of Aashirvad Cinemas's Odiyan. Aadhi is billed with the tagline, "some lies can be deadly". Satheesh Kurup was signed as the cinematographer, while Anil Johnson as music composer.[12]

Casting

Pranav plays Aadhi, an urban youth who loves music and aspires to become a music director.[13] Although Pranav was described about his character, Jeethu gave him freedom to mould the character accordingly.[14] In August 2017, Siddique, Sharaf U Dheen, and Siju Wilson were confirmed in prominent roles. Initially Sunny Wayne was signed for a role but had to cancel because of scheduling conflicts. The film has no romantic track.

The leading female roles are played by Anusree, Aditi Ravi, and Lena.[15] Aditi plays Anjana, a Bangalore-based Malayali banking professional.[16] She was suggested to Jeethu by cinematographer Satheesh Kurup, who worked in her debut film Alamara; Aditi was cast after a screen test.[17] Siddique and Lena play Aadhi's father and mother.[18] Also in August 2017, confirming his presence, Tony Luke shared his character look on a social networking site, sporting a thick beard.[19] By the end of the month, Jagapati Babu was confirmed to be in the cast in a significant role.[20]

Filming

Ramoji Film City, where parts of the film were shot.

Preliminary principal photography commenced on 5 July 2017 at hotel Vivanta by Taj in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram after a puja function held at the same venue—it was a single brief shot featuring Pranav.[21] The regular filming began on 1 August 2017 in Nedumbassery, Kochi.[15] Pranav was seen playing a guitar in the scene stills taken on the day.[22] Early in this schedule, some scenes were filmed inside a studio near Pathadipalam in Kochi, inside which a house was created in set. Pranav and Anusree were present in that segment.[23] The first schedule in Kochi continued until 10 August[24] and the second schedule began in Bangalore the following week.[25] The schedule was expected to continue until mid-September and then shift to Hyderabad by the end of the month.[26]

In early September, Jeethu said the crew had already filmed two songs of the three songs. The unit finished filming in Bangalore and shifted to Hyderabad earlier than scheduled due to rain. Filming began at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad from 3 September; the scenes including an office, a building, a club, and a dance bar had originally been planned for Bangalore but were shot in Ramoji Film City instead. The schedule in Ramoji Film City was planned for 20 days. The film also had location shooting in a few streets in Hyderabad.[27][28] Pranav, Aditi, and Anusree took part in this schedule.[29] Jeethu's spouse Linta Jeethu was the film's costume designer.[27]

Pranav received the screenplay early and had several discussions with Jeethu, who said, "because he has been through the script so many times, he is able to add his improvisations" and "directing him has been a seamless experience". By the end of September 2017, Jeethu said they had one month of shoot left in Hyderabad and would soon film the action scenes, for which a foreign stunt director would join the unit. After completing the action scenes, the crew would shift again between Kochi and Bangalore.[13] On 23 October, the unit returned to Kochi to begin the final phase of filming; the climax scenes were shot in the next two days.[30] Pranav was injured while breaking glass for a scene.[31] While performing an action scene in Kochi, Pranav's finger bruised and bled; he was taken to a hospital and was prescribed two days' rest. The crew had only three days of filming left and were about to return to Hyderabad for the weekend. Since the upcoming action scenes require many hand movements, filming was postponed to the next week. They were permitted to shoot only at weekends.[32] When the first poster of the film was released on 4 November, Jeethu wrote on his social networking page that the final phase of filming was progressing in Hyderabad.[33] Filming wrapped on 8 November 2017.[34]

Music

Anil Johnson composed the music for the film, which will feature three songs. Besides acting, Pranav made his debut as a playback singer and songwriter with a retro English track in the film. When Jeethu asked, Pranav expressed interest in writing and singing the track that appears in a live performance scene in the film. He also played the guitar for the scene.[5] Johnson was also confident of Pranav's singing and guitar skills. Titling the song, finalizing the tune, and recording occurred in Kochi after Pranav returned from the final filming schedule in Hyderabad.[35] "Sooryane", a single from the film was released by Goodwill Entertainments label on 5 January 2018 for digital download and as music video on YouTube. It was sung by Najim Arshad and written by Santhosh Varma. The music work was done at Blacknoise studio in Kochi and 20 dB Studios in Chennai.[36][37]

Aadhi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
No.TitleWriter(s)SingerLength
1."Gypsy Woman"Pranav MohanlalPranav Mohanlal3:35
2."Sooryane"Santhosh VarmaNajim Arshad4:14
3."Piriyum Naam"Santhosh VarmaNajim Arshad3:36

Release

The makers initially targeted a release by Christmas 2017, but in August that year, Jeethu confirmed the film would not be released at Christmas because filming was expected to finish by October and the film would have an extensive post-production.[38] In early November 2017, Jeethu stated they had a few more days of filming left but had already begun the post-production work to ensure a release by the end of January 2018.[35] Release date was confirmed in December 2017.[39] Aadhi released in India on 26 January 2018.[40]

Reception

Aadhi opened to widely positive critical response.[41][42][43][44] The New Indian Express, Firstpost, and Malayala Manorama awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars.[45][46][47] Sify gave the verdict "a thrilling ride".[48] The Indian Express, Deccan Chronicle, and The Times of India rated 3 out of 5 stars.[49][50][51]

The film grossed ₹50 crore from the box office worldwide.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Pais, Nichola (21 April 2018). "Star scions". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  2. ↑ "It's official! Pranav Mohanlal to debut as lead in Jeethu Joseph film". Deccan Chronicle. 30 September 2016. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  3. 1 2 K. S., Aravind (2 October 2016). "Pranav to make his entry". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  4. 1 2 ടോണി (30 September 2016). "പ്രണവിന്റെ വേഷമെന്ത് ? ജീത്തു ജോസഫ് പറയുന്നു". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  5. 1 2 ബൈജുനാഥ്, ടി. ജി. (22 January 2018). "സിംപിളാണ് പ്രണവ് ; ഫാമിലി എന്‍റർടെയ്നറാണ് ആദി: ജിത്തു ജോസഫ്". Deepika (in Malayalam). Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  6. ↑ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (31 March 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal's debut movie to start shooting in June". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  7. ↑ K. S., Aravind (8 May 2017). "Donning a new hat". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  8. ↑ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (8 May 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal's debut movie will be shot outside Kerala". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  9. ↑ "പ്രണവ് മോഹന്‍ലാലിന്റ ചിത്രത്തിന്റെ പേരില്‍ തട്ടിപ്പ്". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). 19 May 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  10. ↑ "Pranav Mohanlal's debut to go on the floors by July end". The New Indian Express. Express News Service. 5 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  11. ↑ Chandran, Cynthia (5 July 2017). "Suspense, is thy name Pranav?". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  12. ↑ "Mohanlal's son Pravav's debut movie as lead is titled Aadhi". The New Indian Express. Express News Service. 5 July 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  13. 1 2 Sidhardhan, Sanjith (27 September 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal plays an aspiring music director in Aadhi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  14. ↑ U. R., Arya (5 July 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph movie is titled as 'Aadi'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  15. 1 2 "Pranav Mohanlal starrer Aadi doesn't have a love track". The New Indian Express. Express News Service. 1 August 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  16. ↑ Manu, Meera (24 October 2017). "Spilling her fan girl moments". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  17. ↑ "Aditi Ravi thrilled to be part of Aadi". The New Indian Express. Express News Service. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  18. ↑ "പാർക്കൗർ; ആദിയിൽ പ്രണവ് പറക്കും". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). 9 November 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  19. ↑ Soman, Deepa (11 August 2017). "Tony Luke joins Pranav Mohanlal's Aadhi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  20. ↑ Suresh, Meera (29 August 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal's Aadi to have Jagapati Babu in it". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  21. ↑ "ഏട്ടന് അനിയത്തിയുടെ ക്ലാപ്പ്; ചുവടുവച്ച് ആദി, ഒടിയനായി അച്ഛനും". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). 5 July 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  22. ↑ Express Web Desk (1 August 2017). "Aadhi on-set pictures: Pranav Mohanlal gets a new makeover for his debut film". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  23. ↑ സുരേഷ്, കെ. (3 September 2017). "തികഞ്ഞ പെർഫെക്ഷനിസ്റ്റാണ് പ്രണവ് - ജീത്തു ജോസഫ്". Magzter (in Malayalam). Nana. p. 13. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  24. ↑ സ്വന്തം ലേഖകൻ (1 August 2017). "ആദിയിൽ പ്രണവിന്റെ നായികയാര്? ജീത്തു ജോസഫ് പറയുന്നു". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  25. ↑ സ്വന്തം ലേഖകൻ (14 August 2017). "പ്രണവ് മോഹൻലാൽ ബംഗലൂരുവിൽ". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  26. ↑ "തൊടാൻ കിട്ടില്ല; ചാടിയും പറന്നും പോവും പ്രണവ്". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). 2 September 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  27. 1 2 റിംജു, സി. കെ. (8 September 2017). "തിമിര്‍ത്താടി ആദിയും കൂട്ടരും". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  28. ↑ മാത്യു, ടോണി (8 September 2017). "ആദിയായി ഹൈദരാബാദിൽ പ്രണവിന്റെ ഓണം". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  29. ↑ Onmanorama staff (5 September 2017). "When Pranav Mohanlal danced to 'Jimikki Kammal'". Malayala Manorama. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  30. ↑ "നരസിംഹം വന്ന ദിവസം പ്രണവിന്റെ 'ആദി' വരും". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  31. ↑ വിജയൻ, അശ്വതി (2 November 2017). "പ്രണവിന് പരിക്ക്, ഷൂട്ടിംഗ് നിറുത്തി". Kerala Kaumudi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 3 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  32. ↑ George, Anjana (3 November 2017). "Pranav's injury is no cause for concern: Jeethu Joseph". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  33. ↑ Jayaram, Deepika (4 November 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal starrer Aadi's first look is out". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  34. ↑ Jayaram, Deepika (10 November 2017). "Team Aadhi wraps up shoot". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  35. 1 2 Sidhardhan, Sanjith (6 November 2017). "Pranav Mohanlal to sing a retro English track in Aadhi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  36. ↑ Goodwill Entertainments (5 January 2018). "Sooryane (From "Aadhi") - Single". iTunes. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  37. ↑ Goodwill Entertainments (5 January 2018). Aadhi Official Video Song | Sooryane | Pranav Mohanlal | Jeethu Joseph | Anil Johnson. YouTube. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  38. ↑ "Pranav Mohanlal's debut film 'Aadi' starts rolling". The Hindu. Indo-Asian News Service. 1 August 2017. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  39. ↑ Express News Service (30 December 2017). "'Aadhi' is not all about parkour, says Jeethu Joseph". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  40. ↑ Hooli, Shekhar H. (28 January 2018). "Aadhi movie review: Audiences say Pranav Mohanlal proves his mettle in debut film". International Business Times. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  41. ↑ Jayaram, Deepika (29 January 2018). "Pranav Mohanlal starrer Aadhi's Gypsy Woman making video is about wanderlust". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  42. ↑ Warrier, Unni K. (26 January 2018). "As Aadhi gets rave reviews, Pranav Mohanlal is out of coverage area". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  43. ↑ "As 'Aadhi' gets rave reviews, Pranav is in Himalayas". Mangalam. 27 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  44. ↑ Express Web Desk (29 January 2018). "Mohanlal on Aadhi: Pranav has done a good job". The Indian Express. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  45. ↑ Suresh, Meera (26 January 2018). "Aadhi Review: An impressive debut from Pranav". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  46. ↑ Vetticad, Anna M. M. (27 January 2018). "Aadhi movie review: Pranav Mohanlal is a perfect fit for a smashing action flick". Firstpost. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  47. ↑ Ragesh, G. (27 January 2018). "'Aadhi' review: a perfect entry for Pranav Mohanlal". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  48. ↑ Moviebuzz (26 January 2018). "Aadhi review: A thrilling ride (2018)". Sify. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  49. ↑ R., Manoj Kumar (27 January 2018). "Aadhi movie review: Pranav Mohanlal shines in this thriller". The Indian Express. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  50. ↑ "Aadhi movie review: Pranav parkours to stardom". Deccan Chronicle. 28 January 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  51. ↑ Soman, Deepa (27 January 2018). "Aadhi Review {3/5}: The movie deserves your time if you can look past the familiarity of the story". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
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