Varavelpu


Varavelpu is a 1989 Indian Malayalam-language black comedy film directed by Sathyan Anthikad and written by Sreenivasan, starring Mohanlal, Revathi, Sreenivasan, Thilakan, Murali, Innocent, and Jagadish. The film was produced by K. Rajagopal. The film depicted trade union problems plaguing Kerala in a satirical dark comedy.
The film was based on a real-life incident in Sreenivasan's father's life. The film was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of the year. The movie was remade in Hindi as Chal Chala Chal.

Plot

Murali returns back to his home town after spending 7 long years in gulf with an intention to settle down peacefully in his hometown. Much against to the greedy wishes of his family members, he decides to buy a second hand bus that comes along with a route permit. This is when he faces a lot of hurdles. From an inefficient driver to cheating conductor to a cunning union leader, Murali's life is taken for a toss with ever growing challenges one after the other.

Cast

The film was based on a real-life incident in Sreenivasan's father's life. Sathyan Anthikkad got the story idea while listening to Sreenivasan when he recalled how his family ended in financial debt after his communist father was labeled as a capitalist after he bought a bus. The film was initially planned to be directed by actor Prem Nazir before his death.

Soundtrack

Reception

In 2003, the then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee mentioned the film and Mohanlal in his inaugural speech at the Global Investor Meet held in Kerala. He said: "I am told that there is a Malayalam movie called Varavelppu in which your famous actor Mohanlal acts as a Gulf-returned Keralite. He invests his savings in a small business venture with high hopes. But in the end, he is forced to close it down after going through many unpleasant experiences. Therefore, this conference should serve as an occasion for introspection".