Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (film)

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja is a 2009 Indian Malayalamlanguage epic historical drama film based on the life of Pazhassi Raja, a Hindu king who fought against the British in the 18th century. The film was directed by Hariharan, written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and produced by Gokulam Gopalan. It stars an ensemble cast consisting of Mammootty, Manoj K. Jayan, Kanika Subramaniam, Sarath Kumar, Padmapriya, Thilakan, Peter Handley Evans, Harry Key, Linda Arsenio and Jagathi Sreekumar. The music score and soundtrack were created by Ilaiyaraaja, while its sound design is by Resul Pookutty. The political situation of the time is portrayed from an Indian viewpoint in the film, and the locals are treated sympathetically.

The film starts in 1796, four years after the occupation of Malabar by the English East India Company and towards the end of the First Pazhassi Revolt 17931797. The revolt is led by Kerala Varma Mammootty, the Raja of Pazassi Palace, of Kottayam house. The exploitation of the native Indian resources by the Company had culminated in popular revolts against its authority across the district. With the help of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajas uncle Kurumbranadu ruler Veeravarma Thilakan, who is jealous of Pazhassi Raja for his success and influence, and Rajas old companion Pazhayamveedan Chandhu Suman, the Company act against Pazhassi Raja. This forces Pazhassi Raja to escape to the forests of Wayanad. The tribal force led by Neeli captures Assistant Collector Thomas Hervey Baber Harry Key and his fiance Dora Linda Arsenio in the jungle, in spite of his commanders objection. The Raja treats Thomas Baber and Dora as his guest and releases them.From there he begins a guerrilla battles against the Company. He is supported by his army chief Edachena Kunkan Sarathkumar and his brotherinlaw Kaitheri Ambu Suresh Krishna. In the guerrilla battlefront, Pazhassi Raja uses the expertise of Thalakkal Chandu Manoj K. Jayan, a Kurichya soldier, and Chandus fiance Neeli Padmapriya. ........

Source: Wikipedia