Ranjith – The Visionary Filmmaker of Malayalam Cinema
Ranjith Balakrishnan, popularly known as Ranjith, is a celebrated screenwriter, director, and producer in Malayalam cinema. He is known for his sharp storytelling, strong characters, and socio-political themes. His films often blend realism with commercial entertainment, making him one of the most influential filmmakers in modern Malayalam cinema.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Ranjith Balakrishnan
- Born: 4 September 1964, Balussery, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
- Occupation: Screenwriter, Film Director, Producer, Actor
- Industry: Malayalam Cinema
- Style: Realistic social dramas, satire, character-driven storytelling
- Key Collaborations: Mohanlal, Mammootty, Prithviraj, Asif Ali, Shankar Ramakrishnan
Ranjith started as a screenwriter in the 1990s and later transitioned into directing critically acclaimed films that redefined Malayalam cinema.
Notable Films by Ranjith
As a Screenwriter (1990s – Early 2000s)
- Devasuram (1993) – One of the most iconic films of Mohanlal, based on a real-life feudal lord.
- Aaram Thamburan (1997) – A period drama starring Mohanlal, a massive blockbuster.
- Narasimham (2000) – A high-energy mass action film that became a cult classic.
- Ravanaprabhu (2001) – The sequel to Devasuram, directed by Ranjith himself.
- Valyettan (2000) – A Mammootty-starrer with themes of family and revenge.
As a Director (2002 – Present)
- Nandanam (2002) – His directorial debut, a feel-good romantic drama with a divine touch.
- Kaiyoppu (2007) – A soulful, offbeat drama starring Mammootty.
- Thirakkatha (2008) – A critically acclaimed film inspired by the life of yesteryear actress Srividya.
- Kerala Café (2009) – A landmark anthology film where he directed the segment Puram Kazhchakal.
- Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009) – A neo-noir thriller starring Mammootty, based on a real-life murder mystery.
- Pranchiyettan & The Saint (2010) – A brilliant satire on wealth and social acceptance, starring Mammootty.
- Indian Rupee (2011) – A National Award-winning film about financial ambition and morality, starring Prithviraj.
- Spirit (2012) – A social drama about alcoholism, featuring Mohanlal.
- Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty (2013) – A drama with Mammootty in the lead role.
- Njaan (2014) – A historical drama starring Dulquer Salmaan.
- Loham (2015) – A crime thriller with Mohanlal, focusing on gold smuggling.
- Puthan Panam (2017) – A hard-hitting drama about black money, starring Mammootty.
Awards & Recognition
🏆 National Film Award – Best Feature Film (Indian Rupee, 2011)
🏆 Kerala State Film Award – Best Director (Thirakkatha, 2008; Indian Rupee, 2011)
🏆 Multiple Filmfare and Asianet Film Awards
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ftp91_tBDY&pp=ygUkbWFsYXlhbGFtIGRpcmVjdG9yIFJhbmppdGggYmlvZ3JhcGh5
