Uyare

Uyare (transl. Up Above) is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Manu Ashokan (in his directorial debut), written by Bobby & Sanjay and produced by the sister-trio Shenuga, Shegna, and Sherga.[1] The film stars Parvathy Thiruvothu, Asif Ali and Tovino Thomas. The story follows the life of Pallavi Raveendran (Parvathy), an aviation student who survived acid attack that disfigured her face and jeopardize her career.[2] Filming that began in November 2018 was completed by the end of January 2019.

Uyare
Theatrical release poster
Directed byManu Ashokan
Produced byShenuga
Shegna
Sherga
Screenplay byBobby–Sanjay
StarringParvathy Thiruvothu
Asif Ali
Tovino Thomas
Music byGopi Sundar
CinematographyMukesh Muraleedharan
Edited byMahesh Narayanan
Production
company
S Cube Films
Grihalakshmi Productions
Distributed byKalpaka Films
Indywood Distribution Network
Release date
  • 26 April 2019 (2019-04-26)
Running time
125 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Budget7.25 Cr

Uyare was released in India on 26 April 2019. It received widespread critical acclaim and was a major box office success of the year in Malayalam. It was nominated for the Best Debut Feature Film of a director at the 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held from 20 to 28 November 2019.

Plot

The story revolves around the life of Pallavi Raveendran (Parvathy Thiruvothu), a girl whose ambition is to become a pilot. She is in love with Govind Balakrishnan (Asif Ali), who is highly possessive of her. She gets admission at a pilot training centre in Mumbai. Finally, she starts to dread his authoritarian nature and musters courage to break free from the abuse by telling him to get lost from her life after he pressures her to abandon her classes and insults her in front of her friends. However, next morning when she wakes up her life changes when she is attacked by Govind, who throws acid on her face as revenge. Pallavi’s face is disfigured and, as her eyesight is damaged, she gets her flight license revoked.

Pallavi takes her case to court but it is dismissed since there is not enough proof that Govind is the one who disfigured her. She goes back home but her friend at the academy asks to accompany her on a flight for courage. She re-meets Vishal Rajashekharan (Tovino Thomas) on the flight and reveals what happened to her. She has to move to another seat when a mother of a child complained that Pallavi’s face scared her child. Vishal tries to assure her that she can be anything she wants, but is quickly shut down by Pallavi, who says, that’s only possible if you’re beautiful.

After the flight, Vishal decides to take up the challenge and puts forward the idea of hiring her as cabin crew on account of her efficiency. However, his father turns down the idea and insults him. Later, Vishal holds a press release and live-streams, saying Pallavi has the brains and the attitude to be an air-hostess which matters more than having a beautiful face.

During the press conference, he convinces his higher-ups to meet with Pallavi. Vishal calls her but she yells at him and hangs up for publicizing her story. Afterwards, her father convinces her to give him a chance and she meets with Vishal and begins training as an air hostess with her friend.

On her first flight, she is given a hug, which comforts her amongst the stares of other passengers. Vishal starts developing feelings for her and confesses it but Pallavi turns him down saying she treasures his friendship the most and doesn't want to ruin it by romanticizing it. On her next flight, Govind, a passenger tries to meet and talk to her, attempting to get her to take back the case, saying it’ll ruin his future. This angers Pallavi and she throws a glass of water at him. Govind then leaves, after filing a complaint against her. Vishal confronts Pallavi, showing her a viral video of her throwing water at Govind and saying that others complained. When asked to publicly apologize, she refuses, stating she’ll react the same way if it happens again and quits.

Pallavi’s father attacks Govind that night and, the next day, the captain of Pallavi’s flight becomes unconscious and Pallavi takes over, even though she is still unable to see in one eye. Throughout the film, it had cut to a group of people talking about an emergency flight, the flight that is occurring in this scene. Vishal and another man argue about her flying and, when asked to get Pallavi out of the cockpit, he contacts Pallavi and tells her that the flight depends on her and he trusts her to navigate the flight.

Pallavi is able to emergency land the flight and everyone is relieved.

Govind, learning that he’ll get 5 years in prison willingly closes his eyes while motorcycling and gets in an accident. In the morning of her last flight, Pallavi bids farewell to Vishal. She thanks him for letting her into a cockpit and flying a plane once in her life. On her last flight, a boy gives her a rose for saving his father, who was on the dangerous flight, and Pallavi notices that other passengers from that flight were on this flight. The film ends as the pilot commends her.

Cast
  • Parvathy Thiruvothu as Pallavi Raveendran
  • Asif Ali as Govind Balakrishnan
  • Tovino Thomas as Vishal Rajashekaran
  • Siddique as Raveendran, Pallavi's Father
  • Anarkali Marikar as Sariya D Costa
  • Prathap Pothen as Senior Air Traffic Controller
  • Prem Prakash as Balakrishnan Nair, Govind's Father
  • Rajani Murali as Govind's Mother
  • Preetha Pradeep as Pallavi's Elder Sister
  • Bhagath Manuel as Abhi, Pallavi's Brother-In-Law
  • Sreeram Ramachandran as Deepak, Vishal's Friend
  • Anil Murali as Pallavi's Advocate
  • Irshad as Govind's Advocate
  • Ajay Mathew as Pilot
  • Blessy Kurien as Air Hostess
  • Nazeer Latheef as Judge
  • Evelin as Young Pallavi Raveendran
  • Samyuktha Menon as Tessa (Cameo Appearance)
  • Mathew Arun as Avinash (Cameo Appearance)

Production

Development

Manu started as an assistant director to Rajesh Pillai. While working in Pillai's Traffic in 2011, Manu interacted with its writers Bobby & Sanjay. According to Manu, it was two years ago that Bobby & Sanjay asked him if he would like to direct a story they have written based on an acid attack survivor.[3] After Pillai's death in 2016, Manu was looking to direct a film himself. Bobby & Sanjay agreed to develop the subject into a script. The film was produced by sisters Sherga, Shegna, and Shenuga—daughters of producer P. V. Gangadharan—under the company S Cube Films.[4]

From the early development stage itself, the makers wanted Parvathy Thiruvothu in the leading role. She immediately agreed after hearing the story. Parvathy used a prosthetic make-up in the film for the acid burn which has to wear four hours prior to the shooting, she has prosthetic make-up in almost 70 percent of the film.[5] On the challenges of doing the role, Parvathy said: "this is the kind of trauma one cannot ever relate to unless a person goes through it. The nervousness of not ever knowing if I am capturing their pain, confusion and trauma in the right way was always there. No matter how many survivors that you speak to, the trauma cannot be internalised".[6]

Filming

Filming that began in November 2018 was completed by the end of January 2019.[7][8] It was shot in Kochi and Dhule. Part of the film was shot at Sheroes Hangout in Agra, a cafe run by acid attack survivors.[3] Prosthetic makeup was done by Zuby Johal and Rajiv Subba of Dirty Hands Studio, a Bangalore-based makeup effects and FX company. Uyare was their debut Malayalam film.[9]

Soundtrack
Uyare
Soundtrack album by
Gopi Sunder
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length11:08
LanguageMalayalam
LabelManorama Music
Gopi Sunder chronology
Argentina Fans Kaattoorkadavu
(2018)		 Uyare
(2019)		 Ulta
(2019)

The music of the film was composed by Gopi Sundar while the lyrics were written by Rafeeq Ahammed.

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Pathinettu Vayassilu"Christa Kala2:10
2."Nee Mukilo"Vijay Yesudas, Sithara3:28
3."Kaattil Veezha"Shakthisree Gopalan5:30
Total length:11:08

Release

The first look poster of Uyare was released on 27 February 2019, featuring Parvathy.[10] The trailer of the movie was released on 17 April 2019.[11] The film was released on 26 April 2019. It was the first Malayalam film and second Indian film to be released in South Korea.[12] The film was screened at the International Children’s Film Festival of Kerala (ICFFK).[13] It has been nominated for the Best Debut Feature Film of a director at the 50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held from 20 to 28 November.[14][15]

Reception

Box office

In 10 days, the film grossed ₹9.4 crore worldwide, with ₹5.1 crore from Kerala alone.[16] It collected ₹15 crore worldwide in 17 days, with ₹9 crore from India and ₹5 crore (with more than 50,000 admissions) from the Gulf Cooperation Council territories.[17] As of 21 June 2019, Uyare is the third highest-grossing Malayalam film of 2019 in the United States and the rest-of-India territories, behind Lucifer and Kumbalangi Nights.[18] It grossed $93,597 (₹64.98 lakh) in the US in eight weeks.[19] In May first week, Uyare was ranked among the top 10 best grossing films of that week in the multiplexes in India.[20] However, in the United Kingdom, it grossed just £637 (₹58,095) in two weeks.[21]

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the film grossed $355,336 in the opening weekend (2 – 5 May) and was the best opener and the second best grossing film of that weekend (behind Avengers: Endgame).[22] It grossed $647,059 in six weeks run in the UAE. The film was released on 9 May in Australia and New Zealand, grossing $3,041 and $2,937 respectively in the opening weekend, and a total of $10,146 and $3,809 from two weeks. It collected $216 in the opening weekend in Nigeria.[23] As of June 2019, Uyare remains in the top 50 highest-grossing films of the year in Nigeria and it is the only Malayalam film in the list.[24]

Critical reception

Rating the film 4.5 on a scale of 5 and describing the film as "poignant" and "classy", Sajin Shrijith of The New Indian Express said, "From the first frame to the last, Uyare is an exercise in restrained, sensitive filmmaking."[25] Gautam S. of Deccan Chronicle wrote: "Uyare is an engaging and inspirational movie, which will remain in our hearts. It flies high on a gratifying script and performances."[26]

Sify.com rated the film 4 on a scale of 5 and wrote that the film is "an overwhelming experience that narrates a highly relevant issue in a fabulous way."[27] Film critic Veeyen wrote: "The structural elements of ‘Uyare’ are bound to be familiar and the genre expectations are all in place, in that it has all the essential prerequisites of a survivor story. And yet, it's a story that needs to be told, time and again, in a world that has turned a bit too dark with relationships that have gone all adrift."[28]

Litty Simon from Malayala Manorama rated 4 out of 5 stars and wrote that, "The biggest strength of Uyare lies in its screenplay with minimal yet powerful dialogues. by Sanjay-Bobby is crisp and well etched by director Manu. Uyare is highly engaging right from the beginning to end.[29] S. R. Praveen from The Hindu felt that "predictability is a problem" [in the film] and was also critical about the background score. He however praised Parvathy's performance, writing: "Despite the minor quibbles, ‘Uyare’ soars high on Parvathy's wings."[30]

Awards and nominations
Award Category Recipient(s) Result
Asianet Film Awards Best Film Uyare Won
Best Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu Won
Best Supporting Actor Siddique Won
Performer Of The Year Asif Ali Won
Best Male Playback Singer Vijay Yesudas ("Nee Mukilo") Won

References
  1. "Uyare trailer: The sky's the limit for Parvathy". The Indian Express. 17 April 2019.
  2. "In Malayalam film 'Uyare', an acid attack survivor faces up to tragedy with courage". scroll.in.
  3. Nagarajan, Saraswathy (24 April 2019). "Through 'Uyare', we are redefining the idea of beauty: Manu Ashokan". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  4. "Parvathy doesn't need many retakes: 'Uyare' director". The New Indian Express.
  5. "Parvathy was our first and only choice for Uyare, says debutant director Manu Ashokan". Firstpost. 16 May 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  6. George, Vijay (17 April 2019). "'Uyare' has made me more empathetic and sensitive': Parvathy". The Hindu.
  7. Gokulan, Dhanusha. "Uyare is a movie about survival, says Parvathy". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  8. "'Uyare' starring Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas and Parvathy starts rolling". dailyhunt.in.
  9. "Scriptwriter Sanjay speaks on the film 'Uyare' starring Parvathy". The News minute.
  10. "Parvathy, Tovino and Asif in 'Uyare' first look poster".
  11. "Trailer of Parvathy-Asif starrer 'Uyare' out".
  12. "Uyare becomes the first Malayalam movie to get a release in South Korea – Times of India".
  13. "Parvathy starrer Uyare to be screened at ICFFK". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  14. "Indian films 'Hellaro', 'Uyare' to vie for Best Debut Feature Award at IFFI". 20 October 2019 – via Business Standard.
  15. "Indian films 'Hellaro', 'Uyare' to vie for Best Debut Feature Award at IFFI". www.aninews.in.
  16. M. K., Surendhar (10 May 2019). "Raghava Lawrence's Kanchana 3 pulls in Rs 70 cr in Tamil Nadu; Uyare earns Rs 9.4 cr worldwide in 10 days". Firstpost. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  17. Surendhar M. K. (16 May 2019). "Mahesh Babu's Maharshi breaks into Rs 100 cr club in four days; Parvathy's Uyare pulls in Rs 15 cr worldwide". Firstpost. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  18. Surendhar M. K. (21 June 2019). "Unda earns Rs 11.9 cr in Kerala in 6 days; Kolaigaran tops Tamil Nadu box office for second consecutive weekend". Firstpost. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  19. "Kabir Singh collects 1.365 mil. USD [Rs. 9.45 cr.] in overseas". Bollywood Hungama. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  20. Sanjith Sidhardhan (10 May 2019). "Parvathy's Uyare soars outside Kerala too". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  21. "Mom collects 5.96 mil. USD [Rs. 41.85 cr.] at the China box office". Bollywood Hungama. 13 May 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  22. "United Arab Emirates Box Office, May 2–5, 2019". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  23. "Uyare". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  24. "2019 Nigeria Yearly Box Office Results". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  25. "'Uyare' film review: Poignant, classy drama worth cheering for"
  26. "Uyare movie review: Uyare soars high"
  27. "Uyare review: Two big thumbs up for this one. It's a must watch"
  28. "Uyare (2019) Malayalam Movie Review – Veeyen"
  29. "'Uyare' movie review: Parvathy joins the inspiring 'Sheroes'". OnManorama. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  30. "‘Uyare’ movie review: Despite minor quibbles, film soars high on Parvathy's wings"
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