Diwanjimoola Grand Prix

Diwanjimoola Grand Prix
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAnil Radhakrishnan Menon
Screenplay byAnil Radhakrishnan Menon
Prasanth M. Nair
Story byAnil Radhakrishnan Menon
Produced byMasood TP
Safeer K. P.
Sherin Vennemkattil
StarringKunchacko Boban
Nyla Usha
Vinayakan
CinematographyAlex J. Pulickal
Music byGopi Sunder
Production
companies
Mars Entertainment
Silver Ocean
Grand Pixels
Distributed byCentral Pictures
Release date
  • 5 January 2018 (2018-01-05)
Running time
124 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam

Diwanjimoola Grand Prix is a 2018 Indian Malayalam language sports comedy film directed by Anil Radhakrishnan Menon and produced by Masood TP, Safeer K. P., and Sherin Vennemkattil.[2] The screenplay was co written by Menon and former Kozhikode District Collector Prasanth M. Nair, with dialogues by Riyas Marath.

The film stars Kunchacko Boban, Nyla Usha, Vinayakan, Nedumudi Venu, Siddique and Sijoy Varghese.[3] It was theatrically released on 5 January 2018.

Plot

Sajan Joseph IAS is appointed as the District Collector of Thrissur, known for his disciplined approach and commitment to public service. While assessing the district’s social and cultural decline, he learns about Diwanjimoola, a locality that once thrived due to its popular motorcycle racing tradition, which had been discontinued decades earlier because of political interference and internal conflicts.

Believing that the revival of the Diwanjimoola motorcycle race could restore community spirit and address long standing grievances, Sajan initiates efforts to bring back the event after thirty years. His decision draws opposition from influential local figures, particularly Jithendran, whose past is closely tied to the downfall of the race and unresolved personal rivalries.

As preparations progress, several individuals with emotional and personal stakes become involved. Vareedh, a rebellious local youth, sees the race as an opportunity for redemption, while Effy Mol emerges as a strong presence influencing the unfolding events. The revival effort brings suppressed tensions to the surface, exposing political manipulation, broken relationships, and social inequality.

The Diwanjimoola Grand Prix eventually transcends its identity as a sporting event. It becomes a catalyst for reconciliation and reform, uniting different sections of society while reinforcing the importance of integrity, cultural heritage, and responsible governance.

Cast

Production

Anil Radhakrishnan Menon co wrote the screenplay with Prasanth M. Nair, the former Kozhikode district collector.[2] Principal photography began on 12 April 2017 in Thrissur, Kerala.[4] The film was shot across various locations in Thrissur and parts of Ernakulam.[5]

Several actors were selected through auditions, and the film marked the debut of many cast members.[3] A motion poster was released on 18 October 2017, coinciding with Diwali.[6]

Critical reception

Meenakshy Menon of Cinema Express rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and praised its narrative flow and thematic clarity.[7] Sanjith Sasidharan of The Times of India rated the film 3 out of 5, noting its social commentary and light satirical tone.[8] Filmibeat rated the film 3.5 out of 5, highlighting its performances and humour.

Soundtrack

The songs and background score were composed by Gopi Sunder. Lyrics were written by Harinarayanan.

References

  1. ^ "Diwanjimoola Grand Prix". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Diwanji Moola Grand Prix decoded!". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Kunchacko Boban to play a bureaucrat in Diwanji Moola Grand Prix". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  4. ^ Mathrubhumi News (12 April 2017). Diwanji Moola Grand Prix ദിവാന്‍ജി മൂലയുടെ ചിത്രീകരണം ആരംഭിച്ചു.
  5. ^ "Diwanji Moola Grand Prix to shoot its bike racing portions in Kochi". The Times of India.
  6. ^ "Kunchacko Boban's Diwanji Moola Grand Prix motion poster features a catchy tune". The Times of India.
  7. ^ Meenakshy Menon (5 January 2018). "Diwanjimoola Grand Prix: Has a lot going for it". Cinema Express.
  8. ^ Sanjith Sasidharan (5 January 2018). "Diwanji Moola Grand Prix Movie Review". The Times of India.