Thuramukham (2023 film)
Thuramukham () is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language period drama film directed and filmed by Rajeev Ravi and written by Gopan Chidambaran. It is based on the play of the same name by K. M. Chidambaran, Ravi's father. The film stars Nivin Pauly, Indrajith Sukumaran, Joju George, Arjun Ashokan, Sudev Nair, Manikandan R. Achari, Senthil Krishna, Nimisha Sajayan, Poornima Indrajith and Darshana Rajendran in prominent roles. In the film, the harbor workers protest against the Chappa labor allocation system practiced during the 1940s and 50s in Cochin district of Kerala. After multiple delays, Thuramukham was theatrically released on 10 March 2023. Plot The story is set in the backdrop of workers' struggles, and protests against the infamous ‘Chappa’ system of casual labour allocation and primitive "work guarantee" scheme that was practiced at the Mattancherry harbour in Kochi during the 1940s and 50s. Metal tokens called Chappa were thrown into the waiting crowds of labourers, where they would fight for the tickets (Chappa). Whoever manages to get one would be given work for the day at the wharves or godowns. The protests against this system had resulted in the police firing and killing of three labourers. The story further revolves around two brothers being on opposing sides, in the day labourers epic struggle against dock bosses. Cast Nivin Pauly as Mattancherry Moidu Indrajith Sukumaran as Santo Gopalan Joju George as Mymoo, Moidu's father Arjun Ashokan as Hamza, Moidu's brother Darshana Rajendran as Khadeeja, Moidu's sister Nimisha Sajayan as Umani, Moidu's wife Poornima Indrajith as Moidu's mother Sudev Nair as Pacheek Manikandan R. Achari as Umboocha, Mymoo's friend Senthil Krishna as Srank Production The principal photography of the film was completed in January 2020, but the release was delayed for a long time due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Release Theatrical Thuramukham was scheduled for worldwide theatrical release in Summer 2021, but was postponed due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Kerala. The film was later scheduled to be released on 10 December 2021, but it was postponed again, to avoid the clash with Mohanlal starrer Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham which released on 2 December 2021. Later, the film was announced to be released on 24 December 2021 during the festival time of Christmas, but it was postponed. The film was postponed yet again after being scheduled to be released on 7 January 2022. The film was finally released in theatres on 10 March 2023. Marketing On 13 May 2021, the makers released the first teaser trailer. Accolades Music The film features songs and background score composed by K and Shahabaz Aman. Reception Anna Mathews critic of Times of india gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote that "Director Rajeev Ravi infuses his usual atmospheric heft to the film". Anandu Suresh critic of The New Indian Express stated that "But for those who enjoy the slow pace, this movie is unquestionably a gem." and agve 4 out 5 stars. The Hindu critic S.R.Praveen wrote that "Rajeev Ravi’s film is an