Underplayed Gems

Thanichalla Njan (2012)

Thanichalla Njan poster
Directed by
Babu Thiruvalla
Country
India
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How it feels

A suicidal Hindu woman is rescued by a Muslim social worker. The film follows their encounter and the bond that forms between them.

touchinghopefulgroundedearnestslow-pacedemotionalinspirationalrestrained

What happens

Thanichalla Njan is a 2012 Malayalam language film that was directed by Babu Thiruvalla. It is based on the true story of Chellamma Antharjanam, a suicidal woman that was rescued by a Muslim social worker, Razia Beevi. The movie performed well at the 60th National Film Awards, where it won the award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Actress Kalpana also received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Razia Beevi. Kalpana later remarked that she had not initially wanted to take on the role of Razia, as it was so different from what she had done up to that point in her career, and had urged Thiruvalla to hire Urvashi in her stead. Filming for Thanichalla Njan took place in Kidangara and Thiruvalla during early 2012. That same year writer K. S. Noushad had filed a complaint against Thiruvalla, claiming that he had written the film's screenplay and that the director had refused to give him credit. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

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