# Peruchazhi > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Peruchazhi > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Peruchazhi.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peruchazhi > Source revision: 1356702128 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{EngvarB|date=March 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}} {{Infobox film | name = Peruchazhi | image = Peruchazhi.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = [Arun Vaidyanathan](/source/Arun_Vaidyanathan) | producer = {{plainlist| * [Vijay Babu](/source/Vijay_Babu_(actor%2C_born_1976)) * [Sandra Thomas](/source/Sandra_Thomas) }} | writer = {{plainlist| * Arun Vaidyanathan * [Ajayan Venugopalan](/source/Ajayan_Venugopalan) (dialogues) }} | starring = {{plainlist| * [Mohanlal](/source/Mohanlal) * [Sean James Sutton](/source/Sean_James_Sutton) * [Ragini Nandwani](/source/Ragini_Nandwani) * [Mukesh](/source/Mukesh_(actor)) * [Baburaj](/source/Baburaj_(actor)) * [Aju Varghese](/source/Aju_Varghese) * [Vijay Babu](/source/Vijay_Babu_(actor%2C_born_1976)) }} | music = [Arrora](/source/Navin_(music_director)) | cinematography = [Arvind Krishna](/source/Arvind_Krishna_(cinematographer)) | editing = [Vivek Harshan](/source/Vivek_Harshan) | studio = [Friday Film House](/source/Friday_Film_House) | distributor = {{plainlist| * [Friday Tickets](/source/Friday_Film_House) ([Kerala](/source/Kerala)) * [Fox Star Studios](/source/Fox_Star_Studios)
(rest of India) }} | released = {{Film date|2014|8|29|df=y}} | runtime = 154 minutes | country = India | language = Malayalam | budget = | gross = }} '''''Peruchazhi''''' ({{translation|[Bandicoot](/source/Greater_bandicoot_rat)}}) is a 2014 Indian [Malayalam](/source/Malayalam)-language [political satire](/source/political_satire) film written and directed by [Arun Vaidyanathan](/source/Arun_Vaidyanathan). The dialogues were co-written by [Ajayan Venugopalan](/source/Ajayan_Venugopalan). [Vijay Babu](/source/Vijay_Babu_(actor%2C_born_1976)) and [Sandra Thomas](/source/Sandra_Thomas) produced the film for [Friday Film House](/source/Friday_Film_House). It features [Mohanlal](/source/Mohanlal) in the lead role, and [Sean James Sutton](/source/Sean_James_Sutton), [Ragini Nandwani](/source/Ragini_Nandwani), [Mukesh](/source/Mukesh_(actor)), [Baburaj](/source/Baburaj_(actor)), [Aju Varghese](/source/Aju_Varghese), and [Vijay Babu](/source/Vijay_Babu_(actor%2C_born_1976)) appear in supporting roles. Arrora composed the [background score](/source/Film_score) and [soundtrack](/source/soundtrack), while [Arvind Krishna](/source/Arvind_Krishna_(cinematographer)) and [Vivek Harshan](/source/Vivek_Harshan) did the cinematography and editing. The film received mostly negative reviews from critics. Jagannathan (Mohanlal), an Indian politician is good at solving problems using his wit and unorthodox ideas. To get rid of him, fellow politician Francis Kunjappan (Mukesh) offers him a task he has never done before in the United States which could give him enough money to fulfill his dream of owning a sports academy. Jagannathan ends up being the chief political adviser for a struggling candidate, John Kory (Sean James Sutton), in the [California](/source/California) governor's election campaign and uses tactics standard in Indian politics to help win the election. Vaidyanathan got the story idea when he watched a political debate on television in the [United States](/source/United_States). He originally wrote the screenplay in [Tamil](/source/Tamil_language) and English. Ajayan Venugopalan translated it into Malayalam in 2013. The same year the film was announced, he converted it into a [Malayali](/source/Malayali) context. [Principal photography](/source/Principal_photography) began in mid-April 2014 in [Kollam](/source/Kollam), [Kerala](/source/Kerala). Set almost entirely in the United States, the majority of the film was shot in [Burbank, California](/source/Burbank%2C_California). Some parts were shot in [Thiruvananthapuram](/source/Thiruvananthapuram) and [Kochi](/source/Kochi), where filming wrapped in July 2014. ''Peruchazhi'' was released worldwide on 29 August 2014 on 500 screens, the widest release for a Malayalam film at the time. It was distributed in Kerala by Friday Tickets, and by [Fox Star Studios](/source/Fox_Star_Studios) in the rest of India. The film had a good opening at the box office however couldn't keep up the collections at the box-office and ended up an average grosser. The film was released on DVD on 22 December 2014. ==Plot== In [California](/source/California), [Republican](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)) gubernatorial candidate John Kory is trying to raise his dismal poll numbers. Sunny Kurishingal, Kory's chief adviser, is running out of ideas to ensure Kory's victory. Sunny asks Francis Kunjappan, a [Public Works Department](/source/Kerala_Public_Works_Department) minister in [Kerala](/source/Kerala) and his friend, for advice on hiring a political consultant. Kunjappan recommends his friend (and political rival) Jagannathan, hoping to rid himself of a threat to his ministerial position. Jagannathan is a politician and a talented sports enthusiast who knows no English but has a talent for solving serious problems prudently (as Kunjappan knows firsthand). However, Kunjappan thinks that Jaganathan's unorthodox ideas will fail in the [United States](/source/United_States). Kunjappan meets Jagannathan and offers him the job for {{INR}}30 [crore](/source/crore) ({{INR}}300 million), enough to realize Jagannathan's dream project of owning a sports academy. Jagannathan accepts the assignment and flies to the US with his assistants, Pottakuzhi Jabbar and [Vayalar](/source/Vayalar) Varkey. They are met by Sunny, who explains the job and the US political system. Unlike [India](/source/India), there are only two major parties: Republican and [Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)). The Democratic Party is leading in California and their candidate, George Hope is well-liked by the public. Jagannathan must increase the Republican poll numbers, enabling them to win the election, and decides to use Indian political tactics; he influences the media, recruiting screenwriters to craft effective speeches. He meets a Chinese man, Dupli who sells counterfeit electronic equipment. Jagannathan is also looking for a girl to marry. He meets a prostitute, Jessy and they fall in love. Kory's poll numbers are rising rapidly because of Jagannathan's tactics. One night though, Sunny and Kory visit him with bad news. Sunny tells him that a compromising video of Kory and a girl has been leaked; although all copies have been destroyed, the original is believed to be in Hope's vault room. Jagannathan takes the video from Hope's house, giving Sunny the message that the tape has been destroyed. The election campaign is declared over, and Kory is certain to win. When Sunny learns that the campaign has overshot the budget, they decide to withhold Jagannathan's fee. Sunny promises that if he makes the campaign cost-effective, he will be considered for a cabinet post. Jagannathan asks for his fee one last time, saying that he needs it to ransom Jessy's child, but Sunny dismisses him. Knowing that he has been cheated, Jagannathan warns Sunny that he will make Kory loses the election the following day. He comes with the money, but it is not known where it came from. Kory loses the election and Hope wins and becomes the governor, which is a shock to the Republican Party. Jagannathan calls Sunny and tells him that he joined Andy and Hope, who paid his fee. With Dupli's help, Jagannathan replaced the voting machines with duplicates. The video was not completely destroyed as Jabbar had made a copy, which was then released to the media. Jagannathan and his friends return to India with Jessy, and he opens his sports academy. ==Cast== {{Cast listing| * [Mohanlal](/source/Mohanlal) as Jagannathan * Sean James Sutton as John Kory * John Wusah as Dup Lee * [Ragini Nandwani](/source/Ragini_Nandwani) as Jessy * [Mukesh](/source/Mukesh_(actor)) as Francis Kunjappan * [Baburaj](/source/Baburaj_(actor)) as Pottakkuzhy Jabbar * [Aju Varghese](/source/Aju_Varghese) as Vayalar Varkey * [Vijay Babu](/source/Vijay_Babu_(actor%2C_born_1976)) as Sunny Kurishingal * [Shankar Ramakrishnan](/source/Shankar_Ramakrishnan) as Sachidanandan “Andy” * [Sandra Thomas](/source/Sandra_Thomas) as Sunny's wife * [Ramesh Pisharody](/source/Ramesh_Pisharody) as Sathyasheelan, Francis Kunjappan's assistant * Vyom Mathrani as Jamie * [Sanoop Santhosh](/source/Sanoop_Santhosh) as Ryan Philip (cameo appearance, reprising his character from the movie ''[Philips and the Monkey Pen](/source/Philips_and_the_Monkey_Pen)'') * Josekutty Valiyakallumkal as Toy Store Owner (cameo appearance) * [Vineeth Mohan](/source/Vineeth_Mohan) as Kunjappan's driver (cameo appearance) * [Ashvin Mathew](/source/Ashvin_Mathew) as Rohit aka Rohit Ji, party high command leader (cameo appearance) * [Aneesh G Menon](/source/Aneesh_G_Menon) as Joby Kuruvilla (cameo appearance) * [Poonam Bajwa](/source/Poonam_Bajwa) as [Item number](/source/Item_number) ([Cameo appearance](/source/Cameo_appearance)) * [Delhi Ganesh](/source/Delhi_Ganesh) as [Tamil Nadu](/source/Tamil_Nadu) delegate (Cameo appearance) * [Ajayan Venugopalan](/source/Ajayan_Venugopalan) as Flight Passenger (cameo appearance) }} ==Production== ===Writing=== Following some unconfirmed reports, [Mohanlal](/source/Mohanlal) announced the film officially in February 2013. It was said to be a comedy and [Tamil film](/source/Tamil_cinema) director [Arun Vaidyanathan](/source/Arun_Vaidyanathan) was to be the director, making his debut in [Malayalam cinema](/source/Malayalam_cinema).{{cite news|last=Nayar|first=Parvathy S.|title=Mohanlal confirms his presence in Peruchaazhi|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mohanlal-confirms-his-presence-in-Peruchaazhi/articleshow/18609521.cms?|access-date=14 February 2017|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=22 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215120407/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mohanlal-confirms-his-presence-in-Peruchaazhi/articleshow/18609521.cms|archive-date=15 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Vaidyanathan got the idea for the script during his stay in the United States, when he watched a debate between two political leaders on television: "It was fun and something unheard of in India. I thought that would make an interesting script."{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/india/south-india/kerala-s-onam-box-office-wars-1.1377128|title=Kerala's Onam box office wars|first=Mythily|last=Ramachandran|date=28 August 2014|work=[Gulf News](/source/Gulf_News)|access-date=28 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831015548/http://gulfnews.com/arts-entertainment/celebrity/india/south-india/kerala-s-onam-box-office-wars-1.1377128|archive-date=31 August 2014|df=dmy-all}} According to Vaidyanathan, ''Peruchazhi'' is an original script, although [Cho Ramaswamy](/source/Cho_Ramaswamy)'s 1971 [Tamil](/source/Tamil_language) political satire, ''[Muhammad bin Tughluq](/source/Muhammad_bin_Tughluq_(1971_film))'', which he considers is still relevant and ahead of its time, influenced the kind of humour used in the film.{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/mohanlal-s-peruchazhi-has-tughlaq-style-satire-arun-vaidyanathan-114082200213_1.html|title=Mohanlal's 'Peruchazhi' has '...Tughlaq' style satire: Arun Vaidyanathan|date=22 August 2014|work=[Business Standard](/source/Business_Standard)|access-date=28 September 2014|agency=[Indo-Asian News Service](/source/Indo-Asian_News_Service)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906151319/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/mohanlal-s-peruchazhi-has-tughlaq-style-satire-arun-vaidyanathan-114082200213_1.html|archive-date=6 September 2014|df=dmy-all}} Vaidyanathan wrote two drafts of the screenplay, one in English and one in Tamil. He had no plans initially to direct the film in Malayalam. When he met Mohanlal, he had an English script. After Mohanlal signed on for the project, Vaidyanathan then planned to make it in Malayalam.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/underbelly-of-politics/article6217112.ece|title=Underbelly of politics|last=George|date=17 July 2014|work=[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)|first=Vijay|access-date=22 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129170555/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/underbelly-of-politics/article6217112.ece|archive-date=29 November 2014|df=dmy-all}} Writer-director [Ajayan Venugopalan](/source/Ajayan_Venugopalan), known for his Malayalam television [sitcom](/source/sitcom) ''[Akkara Kazhchakal](/source/Akkara_Kazhchakal)'' (set in the US), was chosen to translate the dialogue into Malayalam; he converted the story into a [Malayali](/source/Malayali) context. Venugopal said, the story was inspired by political stunts that happen in India in the name of democracy. It is "a spoof-cum-satirical take on what happens when an Indian politician gets to lead a Gubernatorial election in the U. S." The characters are "larger than life" and the film was to be a tribute to Mohanlal with many references from his earlier films.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/ajayan-scripts-his-way-to-mollywood/article5989233.ece|title=Ajayan scripts his way to Mollywood|last=Sathyendran|date=8 May 2014|work=[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)|first=Nita|access-date=28 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614083046/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/ajayan-scripts-his-way-to-mollywood/article5989233.ece|archive-date=14 June 2014|df=dmy-all}} He began the translation in 2013. The title ''Peruchazhi'' refers to the [bandicoot](/source/Bandicota) (a rodent). Of the title Vaidyanathan said: "A bandicoot has its own instincts. For instance, we have no idea where it comes from and where it vanishes to. It just appears and takes what it wants in the process. Jagannathan, the character played by Lal Sir [Mohanlal], is like that. He will do anything to win." He describes ''Peruchazhi'' as a spoof about how a politician from Kerala ends up being the chief political adviser to a state election campaign in [California](/source/California) and the havoc he creates while chasing success there.{{cite news|title=When the netas meet Uncle Sam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/arun-vaidyanathan-director-of-the-new-mohanlalstarrer-peruchazhi-talks-about-the-ribtickler/article6356821.ece|access-date=22 October 2014|work=[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)|date=28 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129235702/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/arun-vaidyanathan-director-of-the-new-mohanlalstarrer-peruchazhi-talks-about-the-ribtickler/article6356821.ece|archive-date=29 November 2014|df=dmy-all}} Since Vaidyanathan wanted the protagonist to have international appeal, he named him "Ulaganathan" (conqueror of the world) in his original Tamil script; in Malayalam the name was changed to "Jagannathan", its meaning unchanged. ===Cast and crew=== {{multiple image |align = left |direction = horizontal |footer = [Pooja Kumar](/source/Pooja_Kumar) (''left'') was initially signed as the female lead, but she was replaced by [Ragini Nandwani](/source/Ragini_Nandwani) (''right''). |image1 = Pooja Kumar at Promotions of 'Vishwaroop' with Videocon (01) (cropped).jpg |width1 = 175 |alt1 = Pooja Kumar with earrings, in a white top |image2 = Ragini Nandwani Audio release of Dehraadun Diary01.jpg |width2 = 100 |alt2 = Ragini Nandwani, in a black dress }} According to Vaidyanathan, he was not thinking of Mohanlal while writing the screenplay, but eventually after he had finished it he thought Mohanlal would be the right actor because he considers him "an amazing humourist" with "great comic timing." Mohanlal agreed to do the film right after briefing the script. Vaidyanathan's wife, a native of Kerala, suggested Mohanlal's name. He plays Jagannathan, a politician from Kerala, his crooked strategies gave him the nickname "Peruchazi". Vaidyanathan defined Jagannathan as a "gentle [Chanakyan](/source/Chanakyan)." [Mukesh](/source/Mukesh_(actor)), who plays Francis Kunjappan, was among the first actors to be signed after Mohanlal.{{cite news|last=Sathyendran|first=Nita|title=Hot shot!|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hot-shot/article4633596.ece|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)|date=19 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128225830/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/hot-shot/article4633596.ece|archive-date=28 November 2014|df=dmy-all}} In October 2013, American actress, and former [Miss India USA](/source/Miss_India_USA), [Pooja Kumar](/source/Pooja_Kumar) was announced as the heroine, making her Malayalam film debut. She was reported to be playing an Indian girl born and brought up in the United States. [Baburaj](/source/Baburaj_(actor)) and [Aju Varghese](/source/Aju_Varghese) were also confirmed playing comical sidekicks to Mohanlal's Jagannathan.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Pooja-Kumar-to-romance-Mohanlal-in-Peruchazhi/articleshow/23972987.cms|title=Pooja Kumar to romance Mohanlal in Peruchazhi|first=Asha|last=Prakash|date=12 October 2013|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=23 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306101853/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Pooja-Kumar-to-romance-Mohanlal-in-Peruchazhi/articleshow/23972987.cms|archive-date=6 March 2017|df=dmy-all}} However, in early March 2016, North Indian actress [Ragini Nandwani](/source/Ragini_Nandwani) was confirmed as the female lead; the makers zeroed in on Nandwani after considering several other actresses.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Mohanlal-gets-a-Mumbai-girl-for-Peruchazhi/articleshow/31218645.cms|title=Mohanlal gets a Mumbai girl for Peruchazhi|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|first=Deepa|last=Soman|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422001457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Mohanlal-gets-a-Mumbai-girl-for-Peruchazhi/articleshow/31218645.cms|archive-date=22 April 2014|df=dmy-all}} In March 2014, Tamil actor [Delhi Ganesh](/source/Delhi_Ganesh) was confirmed to be making a cameo appearance.{{cite news|last=Prakash|first=Asha|title=Delhi Ganesh to do a cameo in 'Peruchazhi'|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Delhi-Ganesh-to-do-a-cameo-in-Peruchazhi/articleshow/32235415.cms|access-date=13 February 2017|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=18 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214231340/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Delhi-Ganesh-to-do-a-cameo-in-Peruchazhi/articleshow/32235415.cms|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} [Poonam Bajwa](/source/Poonam_Bajwa) was signed for an [item number](/source/item_number) in a song.{{cite news|last=Prakash|first=Asha|title=Poonam Bajwa to perform an item dance|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Poonam-Bajwa-to-perform-an-item-dance/articleshow/31845847.cms|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=12 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219221253/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Poonam-Bajwa-to-perform-an-item-dance/articleshow/31845847.cms|archive-date=19 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} In early April 2014, [stand-up comedian](/source/Stand-up_comedy) turned actor Ashvin Mathew announced through his social networking pages that he had been cast in a small comic role.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/theatre/Theater-person-Ashvin-Mathew-to-star-in-Mohanlals-next/articleshow/33603316.cms|title=Theater person Ashvin Mathew to star in Mohanlal's next|date=11 April 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=19 June 2014|last=Times News Network|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414215501/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Kannada/Theatre/Theater-person-Ashvin-Mathew-to-star-in-Mohanlals-next/articleshow/33603316.cms|archive-date=14 April 2014|df=dmy-all}} At the same time, producers [Sandra Thomas](/source/Sandra_Thomas) and [Vijay Babu](/source/Vijay_Babu_(actor%2C_born_1976)) announced that since they were travelling with the crew to the U. S. for the filming, they would also appear in the film as a cost-saving measure.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/We-decided-to-act-in-Peruchazhi-to-save-costs-Vijay-Babu-and-Sandra-Thomas/articleshow/33552728.cms|title=We decided to act in Peruchazhi to save costs: Vijay Babu and Sandra Thomas|first=Asha|last=Prakash|date=10 April 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=24 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808204201/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/We-decided-to-act-in-Peruchazhi-to-save-costs-Vijay-Babu-and-Sandra-Thomas/articleshow/33552728.cms|archive-date=8 August 2016|df=dmy-all}} Babu plays Sunny Kurishingal. Initially the producers approached a number of actors who fit the "requisites of a savvy Indian-American," but none of them was ready to afford the length filming schedule in the United States. Hence Babu himself took the part. [Taiwanese-American](/source/Taiwanese_Americans) actor John Wusah was cast as Dup Lee after attending an audition in the United States for the role.{{cite news | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140806/entertainment-mollywood/article/mortal-kombat-man-bonds-mohanlal | title=Mortal Kombat man bonds with Mohanlal | work=[Deccan Chronicle](/source/Deccan_Chronicle) | date=6 August 2014 | access-date=19 September 2014 | last=Sam | first=Serin | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911115047/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140806/entertainment-mollywood/article/mortal-kombat-man-bonds-mohanlal | archive-date=11 September 2014 | df=dmy-all }} [Shankar Ramakrishnan](/source/Shankar_Ramakrishnan)'s role as an [American Senator](/source/United_States_Senate) was confirmed in early June 2014.{{cite news|last=Vipin|first=Manu|title=Shankar Ramakrishnan rocks as an American senator|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Shankar-Ramakrishnan-rocks-as-an-American-senator/articleshow/36292991.cms|access-date=13 February 2017|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=9 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214224235/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Shankar-Ramakrishnan-rocks-as-an-American-senator/articleshow/36292991.cms|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Aneesh G. Menon was confirmed in July 2014, playing a politician in the film.{{cite news|last=Pillai|first=Radhika C.|title=Mohanlal fans treat me like his real life 'aliyan'|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mohanlal-fans-treat-me-like-his-real-life-aliyan/articleshow/39112122.cms|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=28 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802124308/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Mohanlal-fans-treat-me-like-his-real-life-aliyan/articleshow/39112122.cms|archive-date=2 August 2014|df=dmy-all}} [Vineeth Mohan](/source/Vineeth_Mohan) got his first speaking role as Kunjappan's driver.{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Shreejaya|title=No regret quitting job for acting: Vineeth Mohan|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151029/entertainment-mollywood/article/no-regret-quitting-job-acting-vineeth-mohan|access-date=13 February 2017|work=[Deccan Chronicle](/source/Deccan_Chronicle)|date=29 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215215740/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151029/entertainment-mollywood/article/no-regret-quitting-job-acting-vineeth-mohan|archive-date=15 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Arrora ([Navin](/source/Navin_(music_director))) composed ''Peruchazhi''{{'s}} songs and [background score](/source/Film_score).{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Peruchazhi-music-review/articleshow/40604154.cms|title=Peruchazhi music review|first=Asha|last=Prakash|date=21 August 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306110504/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/Peruchazhi-music-review/articleshow/40604154.cms|archive-date=6 March 2017|df=dmy-all}} [Aravind Krishna](/source/Aravind_Krishna) was the film's cinematographer, and N. Madhusudhanan was signed to provide [visual effects](/source/visual_effects).{{cite web|author=[Friday Film House](/source/Friday_Film_House)|title=Friday Film House - Timeline {{!}} Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/FFHofficial/photos/a.344140925699710.84102.337049613075508/532572803523187/?type=1&theater|publisher=[Facebook](/source/Facebook)|access-date=29 July 2016|date=24 February 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131191532/https://www.facebook.com/FFHofficial/photos/a.344140925699710.84102.337049613075508/532572803523187/?type=1&theater|archive-date=31 January 2018|df=dmy-all}} M. Bawa and Julie Ziah were the [art director](/source/art_director)s.{{cite news|last=V. P.|first=Nicy|title=Malayalam Wrap up: Fahadh Faasil Injured During Shoot; Mohanlal's 'Peruchazhi' Songs to Release Soon and More|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/malayalam-wrap-mohanlals-peruchazhi-songs-release-soon-dubbing-bhaiyya-bhaiyaa-progress-606415|access-date=13 February 2017|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|date=8 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214102040/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/malayalam-wrap-mohanlals-peruchazhi-songs-release-soon-dubbing-bhaiyya-bhaiyaa-progress-606415|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Preethi S. Kanthan designed the costumes. According to Vaidyanathan, Jagannathan's [dhoti](/source/dhoti) (designed by Kanthan) was "inspired by [ancient Roman](/source/Ancient_Rome) design. The same border was used on the toga worn by [Julius Caesar](/source/Julius_Caesar) and his ministers. The leaf in the border denotes power."{{cite web|last=Gayathry|title=Mohanlal Is Perfect As A Peruchazhi, Says Mukesh|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2014/mohanlal-perfect-peruchazhi-says-mukesh-136129.html|publisher=[Filmibeat](/source/Filmibeat)|access-date=19 June 2014|date=8 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223005217/http://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2014/mohanlal-perfect-peruchazhi-says-mukesh-136129.html|archive-date=23 December 2015|df=dmy-all}} [Raymonds](/source/Raymond_Group) provided the coats for the film's characters.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/costume-hungama-for-peruchazhi-malayalam-news-106624|title=Costume Hungama for Peruchazhi|last=IG|date=25 April 2014|website=IndiaGlitz|access-date=19 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924170828/http://www.indiaglitz.com/costume-hungama-for-peruchazhi-malayalam-news-106624|archive-date=24 September 2015|df=dmy-all}} ===Filming=== At an event in September 2013, Mohanlal announced that the film would begin shooting in February 2014.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Mohanlal-to-do-a-full-length-comedy-film-next/articleshow/22992208.cms|title=Mohanlal to do a full-length comedy film next|date=25 September 2013|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=19 June 2014|first=Asha|last=Prakash|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003022139/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Mohanlal-to-do-a-full-length-comedy-film-next/articleshow/22992208.cms|archive-date=3 October 2015|df=dmy-all}} In March 2014, it was reported that filming would begin in the second week of April 2014. Principal photography actually began in mid-April 2014 in [Kollam](/source/Kollam), Kerala.{{cite news|last=Kurian|first=Shiba|title=And it's a pack up for team Peruchazhi|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/And-its-a-pack-up-for-team-Peruchazhi/articleshow/37960125.cms|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=7 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306101833/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/And-its-a-pack-up-for-team-Peruchazhi/articleshow/37960125.cms|archive-date=6 March 2017|df=dmy-all}} Two of the film's sequences{{mdash}}a fight and an [item song](/source/item_number), which take place in the U. S. were shot on a [set](/source/Set_construction) created inside the compound of [The Raviz Hotel, Kollam](/source/The_Raviz_Hotel%2C_Kollam). The Kollam schedule was completed on 8 May 2014.{{cite web|author=Admin|title=Peruchazhi.progressing in American Kollam|url=http://metromatinee.com/news/peruchazhiprogressing-american-kollam|publisher=Metromatinee|access-date=29 July 2016|date=5 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808190534/http://metromatinee.com/news/peruchazhiprogressing-american-kollam|archive-date=8 August 2016|df=dmy-all}} Filming in Kollam for a film set in America, was criticised by some of the media in Kerala. Replying to it Vaidyanathan said in an interview: "If you are making ''Titanic'', you don't have to build an entire ship and make it sink. The news of us shooting in the U. S. got lesser prominence in the media than the shooting in Kerala, which was there for three or four days. There are certain things that we thought would be better if we shot it here [Kollam]. What matters in the end is the content on screen." [[File:Burbank media district from Griffith Park 2015-11-07.jpg|thumb|[Burbank, California](/source/Burbank%2C_California) where most of the filming took place]] The cast and crew travelled to the United States on 12 May 2014, on a schedule which was expected to wrap on 16 June 2016. Filming took place for around 35 days in America.{{cite news|title=Peruchazhi team heading to US!|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-team-heading-to-US/articleshow/34525134.cms|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|agency=Times News Network|date=2 May 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306110453/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-team-heading-to-US/articleshow/34525134.cms|archive-date=6 March 2017|df=dmy-all}} Most of the crew members were from the U. S. and worked six hours per day. [Los Angeles International Airport](/source/Los_Angeles_International_Airport) was one of the locations.{{cite news|last=V. P.|first=Nicy|title='Peruchazhi is Worth Spending', Says Producer Sandra Thomas|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-worth-spending-says-producer-sandra-thomas-603762|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|date=5 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815192154/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-worth-spending-says-producer-sandra-thomas-603762|archive-date=15 August 2016|df=dmy-all}} ''Peruchazhi'' was filmed almost entirely in [Burbank, California](/source/Burbank%2C_California), near [Hollywood](/source/Hollywood%2C_Los_Angeles) in [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles).{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Malayalam/Movies/News-and-Interviews/Mohanlal-and-gang-in-Hollywood/articleshow/36377034.cms|title=Mohanlal and gang in Hollywood!|date=11 June 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|first=Asha|last=Prakash|access-date=19 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628031119/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Mohanlal-and-gang-in-Hollywood/articleshow/36377034.cms|archive-date=28 June 2014|df=dmy-all}} In early June 2014, Vaidyanathan said that almost 60 percent of the filming had been completed.{{cite news|title=Kamal Haasan to remake Peruchazhi in Tamil?|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamal-Haasan-to-remake-Peruchazhi-in-Tamil/articleshow/36131232.cms?from=mdr|access-date=12 February 2017|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|agency=Times News Network|date=6 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213003900/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Kamal-Haasan-to-remake-Peruchazhi-in-Tamil/articleshow/36131232.cms?from=mdr|archive-date=13 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} It is the first Malayalam film to be shot at [Universal Studios](/source/Universal_Pictures) in Los Angeles. The production cost was around {{INR}}4.5 crore ({{INR}}45 million) for the U. S. schedule.{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-gallops-universal-studios-603158|title='Peruchazhi' Gallops at Universal Studios|date=26 June 2014|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|last=V. P.|first=Nicy|access-date=28 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924130643/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-gallops-universal-studios-603158|archive-date=24 September 2015|df=dmy-all}} Although ''Peruchazhi'' is mostly set in the U. S., the film opens and ends in Kerala, for which a number of scenes were shot in [Kochi](/source/Kochi) and [Thiruvananthapuram](/source/Thiruvananthapuram). The film wrapped on 5 July at [Sacred Heart College](/source/Sacred_Heart_College%2C_Thevara) in [Thevara](/source/Thevara), Kochi.{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mohanlals-peruchazhi-releasing-29-august-603753|title=Its Confirmed: Mohanlal's 'Peruchazhi' Releasing on 29 August for Onam [Update]|date=5 July 2014|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|first=Nicy|last=V.P.|access-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924125221/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mohanlals-peruchazhi-releasing-29-august-603753|archive-date=24 September 2015|df=dmy-all}} ''Peruchazhi'' was made using the [Auro 11.1](/source/Auro_11.1) sound format, making it the second Malayalam film to use it; the first was ''[Swapaanam](/source/Swapaanam)'' (2014), directed by [Shaji N. Karun](/source/Shaji_N._Karun).{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/After-Swapanam-Peruchazhi-uses-Auro-11-1-sound-format/articleshow/39053143.cms|title=After Swapanam, Peruchazhi uses Auro 11.1 sound format|last=Prakash|date=26 July 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|first=Asha|access-date=18 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730114528/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/After-Swapanam-Peruchazhi-uses-Auro-11-1-sound-format/articleshow/39053143.cms|archive-date=30 July 2014|df=dmy-all}} According to Sandra Thomas, ''Peruchazhi'' cost four times more than the average Malayalam film.{{cite news|last=Soman|first=Deepa|title=Peruchazhi costs four times a normal Malayalam film: Sandra Thomas|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-costs-four-times-a-normal-Malayalam-film-Sandra-Thomas/articleshow/38976983.cms|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=24 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731014109/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-costs-four-times-a-normal-Malayalam-film-Sandra-Thomas/articleshow/38976983.cms|archive-date=31 July 2014|df=dmy-all}} The film's total production cost is estimated to be {{INR}}10 crore ({{INR}}100 million).{{cite news|last1=Gauri|first1=Deepa|title=Peruchazhi: Mass entertainment|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/peruchazhi-mass-entertainment|access-date=29 July 2016|work=[Khaleej Times](/source/Khaleej_Times)|date=4 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809140436/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/peruchazhi-mass-entertainment|archive-date=9 August 2016|df=dmy-all}} ==Music== {{Main|Peruchazhi (soundtrack)}} Naveen "Arrora" Iyer composed the film's original [soundtrack](/source/soundtrack) and background score. ''Perruchazhi'' was Arrora's debut as a composer for [Malayalam cinema](/source/Malayalam_cinema). He had worked before as a flautist for [A. R. Rahman](/source/A._R._Rahman). The soundtrack consists of six tracks written by [Rajeev Nair](/source/Rajeev_Nair), R. Venugopal, and [Blaaze](/source/Blaaze). The label [Think Music](/source/Think_Music_India) released the soundtrack album, on 30 July 2014.{{cite web|author=[Think Music India](/source/Think_Music_India)|title=Peruchazhi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Arrora on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/peruchazhi-original-motion/909399409|publisher=[iTunes](/source/iTunes)|access-date=13 February 2017|date=30 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214104445/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/peruchazhi-original-motion/id909399409|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|last=V. P.|first=Nicy|title=Songs of 'Peruchazhi' Starring Mohanlal and Ragini Nandwani Released [AUDIO+LYRICS]|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/songs-peruchazhi-starring-mohanlal-ragini-nandwani-released-audiolyrics-607157|access-date=13 February 2017|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|date=30 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214003447/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/songs-peruchazhi-starring-mohanlal-ragini-nandwani-released-audiolyrics-607157|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} ==Release== The film's release date was announced in early July 2014 during the final stage of filming.{{cite news|last=Prakash|first=Asha|title=Peruchazhi releasing on August 29|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-releasing-on-August-29/articleshow/37896242.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2 August 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|date=6 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213003921/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-releasing-on-August-29/articleshow/37896242.cms?from=mdr|archive-date=13 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} ''Peruchazhi'' was released on 29 August 2014 in 500 screens worldwide, the widest release for a Malayalam film at that point. The film was distributed by Friday Tickets in Kerala and [Fox Star Studios](/source/Fox_Star_Studios) elsewhere in India.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/malayalam-wrap-mohanlals-peruchazhi-release-500-screens-prithviraj-inaugurates-asif-alis-607690|title=Malayalam Wrap up: Mohanlal's 'Peruchazhi' to Release in 500 Screens; Prithviraj Inaugurates Asif Ali's New Cafe and More|last=V.P.|first=Nicy|date=26 August 2014|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|access-date=2 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305013645/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/malayalam-wrap-mohanlals-peruchazhi-release-500-screens-prithviraj-inaugurates-asif-alis-607690|archive-date=5 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} ''Peruchazhi'' was the first Malayalam film to be released simultaneously in the United States and India.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-to-release-in-US-too-on-the-same-day-as-India/articleshow/41000837.cms|title=Peruchazhi to release in US too on the same day as India|last=Soman|date=27 August 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|first=Deepa|access-date=13 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827205350/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-to-release-in-US-too-on-the-same-day-as-India/articleshow/41000837.cms|archive-date=27 August 2014|df=dmy-all}} PJ Entertainment distributed the film in Europe,{{cite news|title=Mohanlal and Mukesh starrer film Peruchazhi' to be screened all over UK (Schedule)|url=http://www.ukmalayalee.com/association-news/news.php?id=Mjg5NQ==|access-date=2 August 2016|work=Ukmalayalee.com|date=29 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131191532/http://www.ukmalayalee.com/association-news/news.php?id=Mjg5NQ==|archive-date=31 January 2018|df=dmy-all}} while Achu & Achu's Creations handled distribution in [Australia](/source/Australia).{{cite news|title=Mohanlal's Peruchazhi Movie Review, Rating|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2014-08-29/Mohanlals-Peruchazhi-review/106295|access-date=12 February 2017|work=[The Hans India](/source/The_Hans_India)|date=29 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213002036/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2014-08-29/Mohanlals-Peruchazhi-review/106295|archive-date=13 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} The [Middle East](/source/Middle_East) release was on 4 September 2014 — a premiere was held on the same day in the Golden Cinema theatre in [Dubai](/source/Dubai).{{cite news|last=Sathish|first=V. M.|title=Malayalam superstar Mohanlal's 'Peruchazhi' to premiere in Dubai|url=http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/malayalam-superstar-mohanlal-s-peruchazhi-to-premiere-in-dubai-2014-09-02-1.561510|access-date=12 February 2017|work=[Emirates 24/7](/source/Emirates_24%2F7)|date=2 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702005605/http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/malayalam-superstar-mohanlal-s-peruchazhi-to-premiere-in-dubai-2014-09-02-1.561510|archive-date=2 July 2015|df=dmy-all}} Friday Home Cinema and Empire Video released ''Peruchazhi'' on DVD on 22 December 2014.{{cite web|title=Peruchazhi DVD|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Peruchazhi-DVD/100949/|publisher=Blu-ray.com|access-date=2 August 2016|date=22 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213001909/http://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Peruchazhi-DVD/100949/|archive-date=13 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} The film was broadcast on television by [Amrita TV](/source/Amrita_TV); it premiered in [Vishu](/source/Vishu) on 14 April 2015.{{cite news|title=Peruchazhi to be screened on TV|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/trade-news/malayalam/Peruchazhi-to-be-screened-on-TV/articleshow/46875612.cms|access-date=2 August 2016|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|agency=Times News Network|date=10 April 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213003916/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/trade-news/malayalam/Peruchazhi-to-be-screened-on-TV/articleshow/46875612.cms|archive-date=13 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} ===Marketing=== The first-look poster for ''Peruchazhi'' was unveiled at Dreams Hotel in Kochi in April 2014, in conjunction with the 111-day celebration of the Friday Film House venture ''[Philips and the Monkey Pen](/source/Philips_and_the_Monkey_Pen)''.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kochi/Ragini-Nandwani-spotted-at-the-first-look-launch-of-Peruchazhi-movie-in-Kochi-/articleshow/33610325.cms|title=Ragini Nandwani spotted at the first look launch of Peruchazhi movie in Kochi.|date=11 April 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=19 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131191532/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kochi/Ragini-Nandwani-spotted-at-the-first-look-launch-of-Peruchazhi-movie-in-Kochi-/articleshow/33610325.cms|archive-date=31 January 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|author1=Kerala9|title=Philips And The Monkey Pen Movie 111th Day Celebration Photos|url=http://www.kerala9.com/event/philips-and-the-monkey-pen-movie-111th-day-celebration-photos|publisher=Kerala9.com|access-date=12 February 2017|date=11 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215235226/http://www.kerala9.com/event/philips-and-the-monkey-pen-movie-111th-day-celebration-photos|archive-date=15 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Friday Peeps handled the film's promotion and advertising. A conceptual photoshoot was conducted separately to create the posters. The film's advertisers mounted a campaign in which Mohanlal's character gradually becomes more detailed.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140410/entertainment-mollywood/article/bitten-marketing-bug|title=Bitten by the marketing bug!|last=Sam|date=11 April 2014|work=[Deccan Chronicle](/source/Deccan_Chronicle)|first=Serin|access-date=19 June 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418102136/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140410/entertainment-mollywood/article/bitten-marketing-bug|archive-date=18 April 2014|df=dmy-all}} On 21 May 2014, Mohanlal's 54th birthday, Friday Film House released a 34-second trailer.{{cite web|url=http://indiasnaps.com/peruchaazhi-teaser-becomes-a-viral-rage/|title='Peruchaazhi' teaser becomes viral rage|last=Indiasnaps News Network|date=22 July 2014|website=India Snaps|access-date=3 March 2016|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030813/http://indiasnaps.com/peruchaazhi-teaser-becomes-a-viral-rage/|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} A full-length trailer was released on 1 August 2014 which, according to ''[Zee News](/source/Zee_News)'', "created a buzz in social media."{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/watch-suave-mohanlal-in-peruchazhi-trailer_159342.html|title=Watch: Suave Mohanlal in 'Peruchazhi' trailer|last=Mudi|date=1 August 2014|work=[Zee News](/source/Zee_News)|first=Aparna|access-date=17 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819125425/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/watch-suave-mohanlal-in-peruchazhi-trailer_159342.html|archive-date=19 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/ON-THE-STAR-TRACK/articleshow/40377759.cms|title=On The Star Track|date=18 Aug 2014|work=[Bangalore Mirror](/source/Bangalore_Mirror)|last=Bangalore Mirror Bureau|access-date=31 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903082227/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/south-masala/ON-THE-STAR-TRACK/articleshow/40377759.cms|archive-date=3 September 2014|df=dmy-all}} It was the most viewed Malayalam film trailer receiving 150,000 views in 12 hours.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-trailer-an-instant-hit/articleshow/39480876.cms|title=Peruchazhi trailer, an instant hit|last=Pillai|date=2 August 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=28 September 2014|first=Radhika C|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131191532/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Peruchazhi-trailer-an-instant-hit/articleshow/39480876.cms|archive-date=31 January 2018|df=dmy-all}} ''Peruchazhi'' was promoted in [train station](/source/train_station)s served by the [Parasuram](/source/Parasuram_Express) and [Ernad Express](/source/Ernad_Express), using [wrap advertising](/source/wrap_advertising) with images, logos and posters of the film throughout the trains.{{cite web|last=Ashokan|first=Gayathri|title=Kerala gets 'Peruchazhi' trains!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kerala-gets-peruchazhi-trains-news-malayalam-oiukJzfbchhee.html|website=[Sify](/source/Sify)|access-date=12 February 2017|date=20 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213003229/http://www.sify.com/movies/kerala-gets-peruchazhi-trains-news-malayalam-oiukJzfbchhee.html|archive-date=13 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} The production team introduced a [strategy game](/source/strategy_game) app, developed by Raklin, titled "Be a Peruchazhi" for the [Android platform](/source/Android_(operating_system)) on 25 August 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.apkmonk.com/app/com.Raklin.Peruchazhi/|title=Be a Peruchazhi|date=25 August 2014|publisher=Apkmonk|author=Raklin|access-date=24 September 2014|df=dmy-all}} ==Reception== === Critical response === Nicy V. P. of the ''[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)'' gave the film four stars out of five, calling it a "clean entertainer." She wrote, "The film has a few moments, which will take you back to good old days of Mohanlal film. If you are a Mohanlal fan, the film will be a feast for you and Arun Vaidyanathan has nailed a good political satire for this festive season."{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-clean-entertainer-starring-mohanlal-607907|title='Peruchazhi': A Clean Entertainer Starring Mohanlal|date=29 August 2014|first=Nicy|last=V.P|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|access-date=29 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901234825/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-clean-entertainer-starring-mohanlal-607907|archive-date=1 September 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{Rating|4|5}} Aswin J. Kumar of ''[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)'' gave the film three out of five stars, noting: "The attempt at political satire in this film is feeble, mindless and boring. It's more like a mask over disfigurement, for there is hardly any scope for satire in a narrative riddled with superfluous acts of a star who has begun to show signs of insecurity."{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/Peruchazhi/movie-review/41328865.cms|title=Peruchazhi movie review|last=Kumar|first=Aswin J.|date=31 August 2014|work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)|access-date=1 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030044451/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/Peruchazhi/movie-review/41328865.cms|archive-date=30 October 2015|df=dmy-all}}{{Rating|3|5}} Sujit Chandra Kumar of ''[Deccan Chronicle](/source/Deccan_Chronicle)'' gave the film two-and-a-half stars out of five, writing: "Arun Vaidyanathan has packed [the film] with so much spice that even if one ingredient fails to please, there is still something else for that die-hard fan."{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140830/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-peruchazhi-there-no-real-difference-between|title=Movie review 'Peruchazhi': There is no real difference between Jagannathan and Mohanlal|first=Sujit Chandra|last=Kumar|date=30 August 2014|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=30 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831045916/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140830/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-peruchazhi-there-no-real-difference-between|archive-date=31 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}{{Rating|2.5|5}} ''[Malayala Manorama](/source/Malayala_Manorama)'' critic Arathi Kannan also awarded it two-and-a-half stars out of five: "'Peruchazhi' is an exaggerated belief of a mediocre idea. And how it ends, reinforces the aforementioned statement! It isn't so much a political mockery, as a political idiocy. But as for undying loyalties, the star with his '[mundu](/source/mundu)' action, alternatively 'suited and booted' is quite hoot-inspiring," the director has "randomly put in some Mohanlal nostalgia from yonder. Once, twice, it's okay. The eleventh time, you'd start to think the movie has slowly transformed into an [Onam](/source/Onam) cassette of sorts, a compilation of yesteryear Mohanlal gems."{{cite news|last1=Kannan|first1=Arathi|title=Peruchazhi: Strange game of cat-and-mice|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/peruchazhi-a-strange-game-of-cat-and-mice.html|access-date=14 February 2017|work=[Malayala Manorama](/source/Malayala_Manorama)|date=22 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216230830/http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/peruchazhi-a-strange-game-of-cat-and-mice.html|archive-date=16 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Paresh C. Palicha of [Rediff.com](/source/Rediff.com) rated it two out of five stars, saying the film is "not up to the mark especially since it underutilises an actor of Mohanlal's caliber...it can easily pass off as a television programme, a tribute to the long innings of Mohanlal, one of the most mesmerising actors to grace the Indian screen...every comic sequence is punctuated by a reference to one of Mohanlal's films or lines from one of those films. This strategy becomes cumbersome after a while."{{cite web|last=Palicha|first=Paresh C.|title=Review: Mohanlal's Peruchazhi disappoints|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-mohanlals-peruchazhi-disappoints-south/20140901.htm|work=[Rediff.com](/source/Rediff.com)|access-date=14 February 2017|date=1 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214180301/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-mohanlals-peruchazhi-disappoints-south/20140901.htm|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} Writing for ''[The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express)'', Pramod Thomas criticised the script, saying "the sequences where the intelligence of the protagonist is shown as an election-winning tactic are difficult to chew ... the screening of yesteryear scenes from the popular Mohanlal starrers seems to be okay in the beginning, but with weary repetition, even the hardcore fans will lose patience."{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Pramod|title=It's Time to Burn the House Down And KILL THe RAT|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2014/aug/31/it%e2%80%99s-time-to-burn-the-house-down-and-kill-the-rat-654513.html|access-date=14 February 2017|work=[The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express)|date=31 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214181259/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2014/aug/31/It%E2%80%99s-Time-to-Burn-the-House-Down-And-KILL-THe-RAT-654513.html|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} The critic from [Sify](/source/Sify) called it "average," and said: "In all fairness, the initial moments of the film are pretty fine and more so, when compared to the rest of the film ... Mohanlal's comic lines and sequences from his yesteryear hits are used ... in the first half, in an impressive way." He described the second half as "boring" with "inane scenes that go on and on," calling it far from entertaining. He also criticised the "poor" script.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/peruchazhi-review-malayalam-15058209.html|title=Movie Review: Peruchazhi|last=Moviebuzz|website=[Sify](/source/Sify)|date=8 October 2014|access-date=30 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830132017/http://www.sify.com/movies/peruchazhi-review-malayalam-15058209.html|archive-date=30 August 2014|df=dmy-all}} ===Box office=== ''Peruchazhi'' had an opening-day gross of {{INR}}3 [crore](/source/crore) ({{INR}}30 million), the highest worldwide opening for a Malayalam film till then.{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-box-office-collection-mohanlal-starrer-earns-112crore-first-day-607945|title='Peruchazhi' Box Office Collection: Mohanlal Starrer Earns ₹3 Crore on First Day|last=V. P.|first=Nicy|date=30 August 2014|work=[International Business Times](/source/International_Business_Times)|access-date=1 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901094458/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/peruchazhi-box-office-collection-mohanlal-starrer-earns-3-crore-first-day-607945|archive-date=1 September 2014|df=dmy-all}} According to ''Sify'', the film's box-office receipts fell over the following weeks.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=15058401&cid=14625530|title=Kerala Box-Office – September|last=Sify|date=8 October 2014|website=[Sify](/source/Sify)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009183742/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=15058401&cid=14625530|archive-date=9 October 2014|df=dmy-all}} The film released in the United Kingdom on 9 September 2014, grossed a total of $46,265 from 16 screens in two weekends.{{cite web|author=Box Office Mojo|title=Peruchazhi|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?id=_fPERUCHAZHI01&country=UK&wk=2014W37&id=_fPERUCHAZHI01&p=.htm|publisher=[Box Office Mojo](/source/Box_Office_Mojo)|access-date=14 February 2017|date=14 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214180119/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?id=_fPERUCHAZHI01&country=UK&wk=2014W37&id=_fPERUCHAZHI01&p=.htm|archive-date=14 February 2017|df=dmy-all}} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * {{IMDb title|3686242}} {{Friday Film House}} Category:2014 films Category:Indian political comedy-drama films Category:Films shot in Kollam Category:Films shot in California Category:Films about Indian Americans Category:Indian political satire films Category:2014 Malayalam-language films Category:2014 Indian films Category:Films set in California Category:Films about elections Category:2010s political comedy-drama films Category:Films shot in Kochi Category:Films shot in Thiruvananthapuram Category:Fox Star Studios films Category:Films directed by Arun Vaidyanathan Category:Films about American politicians Category:Films about American politics Category:Films shot in Burbank, California Category:Films shot in Los Angeles --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Peruchazhi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peruchazhi) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peruchazhi?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.