Vamanapuram Bus Route


Vamanapuram Bus Route is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama film directed by Sonu Shishupal and written by Sudheesh John, starring Mohanlal and Lakshmi Gopalaswamy. Shishupal also composed the songs featured in the film, while C. Rajamani provided the background score. The film was released on 23 January 2004.

Plot

The hamlet of Vamanapuram has no bus service. The conflict between the ruling party and the opposition in the Panchayath prevents any development in the village. The Panchayath President Gopalan Nair plans to become a minister or at least an MLA. To finance this venture, he wants to tar the roads and get money from that. But the opposition stirs up trouble every time he tries. Then comes Lever Johny and how he solves the problems forms the rest of the story.

Cast

Beside directing, Sonu Shishupal also composed the songs featured in the film, lyrics were by Gireesh Puthenchery. The background score was composed by C. Rajamani. The film reused the song "Rajavin Paarvai" from the 1966 Tamil film Anbe Vaa, originally composed by M. S. Viswanathan. The soundtrack album was released by MC Audios & Videos.

Release and reception

Vamanapuram Bus Route was released on 23 January 2004. It opened in 36 theatres across Kerala. The film received unfavourable reviews from critics. Critic writing for Sify wrote that "our heart goes out to Mohanlal, one of the finest actors in the country who is being wasted in insipid films". Despite the criticism, the film managed to remain in all 36 theatres in its third week. In a 19 February 2004 box office report, The Hindu wrote: "Mohanlal's Vamanapuram Bus Route is doing its third week in 36 centres in Kerala and doing good business outside Kerala".