Poomaram

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}} {{Infobox film | name = Poomaram | image = Poomaram film poster.jpg | alt = | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Abrid Shine | producer = Dr. Paul Varghese Abrid Shine | writer = Abrid Shine | starring = Kalidas Jayaram Neeta Pillai | music = Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath Gopi Sundar Faisal Razi Leela L Girish Kuttan Arackal Nandakumar Nasil P K.A Anish Vishnu manu Sivasankar Sayoojya Das | cinematography = Gnaanam Subramanian | editing = KR Midhun | studio = Dr. Paul's Entertainment | distributor = Central Pictures, Popcorn Entertainments (Asia Pacific release) | released = {{Film date|df=yes|2018|3|15|India}} | runtime = 152 minutes<ref>{{cite web|title=Finally, 'Poomaram' is releasing on Mar 33 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/finally-poomaram-is-releasing-on-mar-15-news-malayalam-sdnj6nccfhjgd.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314034454/http://www.sify.com/movies/finally-poomaram-is-releasing-on-mar-15-news-malayalam-sdnj6nccfhjgd.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 March 2018|website=Sify|accessdate=13 March 2018|date=13 March 2018}}</ref> | country = India | language = Malayalam }}

'''''Poomaram''''' is a 2018 Indian Malayalam-language musical drama film written, co-produced and directed by Abrid Shine.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gopalakrishnan |first1=Aswathy |title=Poomaram Review: A Half-Hearted Yet Charming Tribute To Adolescence |url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/reviews/poomaram-review-a-half-hearted-yet-charming-tribute-to-adolescence/ |website=Silver Screen India |date=16 March 2018 |accessdate=27 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Poomaram |url=https://moviesofthesoul.com/2018/03/18/poomaram/ |website=Movies of the Soul |date=18 March 2018 |accessdate=27 September 2020}}</ref> The film stars Kalidas Jayaram and Neeta Pillai in the lead roles. <ref name="TOI delay">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kalidas-jayaram-takes-trolls-about-poomarams-release-in-good-stride/articleshow/62219943.cms|title=Kalidas Jayaram takes trolls about Poomaram's release in good stride - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India |date=23 December 2017 |publisher=|accessdate=4 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/2018/03/20/was-poomaram-delayed-i-learned-it-from-the-trolls-abrid-shine.html|title=Was 'Poomaram' delayed? I learned it from the trolls: Abrid Shine|website=Malayala Manorama|date=20 March 2018|access-date=22 April 2020}}</ref> The film marks the debut of Kalidas Jayaram as a lead actor in Malayalam cinema. The film received mixed reviews.

==Plot== {{More plot|date=October 2023}} The film is based on the Mahatma Gandhi University Youth Festival, which takes place every year, where different colleges under the university participate to win the champion trophy.

==Cast== *Kalidas Jayaram as Gauthaman C.A, Chairman of Maharaja's College Union<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-reviews/2018/03/15/poomaram-malayalam-movie-review-kalidas-abrid-shine.html|title=പാട്ടിൽ‌ പൂത്ത പൂമരം; റിവ്യു|work=ManoramaOnline|access-date=2018-03-15}}</ref> *Neeta Pillai as Irene George, Chairperson of St. Teresa's College Union<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/neeta-pillai-im-not-a-leader-like-irene/articleshow/63951469.cms Neeta Pillai: I'm not a leader like Irene]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/malayalam-cinema/celebrity-news/poomaram-actress-neetha-pillai-gets-wide-acceptance/articleshow/63344247.cms|title=ഇതാണ് നീത പിള്ള!!! വേനലിൽ പൂത്ത 'പൂമര'ത്തിലെ ഐറിൻ|date=2018-03-17|website=Malayalam|language=ml|access-date=2020-03-07}}</ref> * Merin Philip as Friend of Irene<ref>[https://www.manoramanews.com/news/entertainment/2018/03/24/poomaram-film-fame-merin-philip-interview.html ‌ജീവിതത്തിലും പൂമരം; പോരാട്ടത്തിനൊടുവിൽ വിജയപഥം: അഭിമുഖം]</ref> * Architha Anish as Malavika<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/abrid-shine-picks-youth-festival-star-archita-anish-kumar-for-poomaram/articleshow/57670881.cms|title=Abrid Shine picks youth festival star Archita Anish Kumar for Poomaram|date=March 17, 2017|website=Times of India}}</ref> * Joju George as Police Inspector Daya Swaroop * Professor Jayaraman Chakiat Siva Rama Menon as Gauthaman's father * Rohini Nair as Teacher<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/movie-news/rohini-teacher-the-real-life-character-in-poomaram-bids-adieu-to-maharaja-s-college-1.4657035|title = Rohini teacher, the real-life character in 'Poomaram' bids adieu to Maharaja's College}}</ref> * Rajesh varma (Script Writer) as Teacher * Sangeetha S kumar as Gowri * Sarvasri as Singer * Shikha Prabhakar as Singer * Ismath P.I as Singer * Ramya Krishnan as Chenda player * Pooja Suchithran as Harmonium player * Aparna as Tablist * Sreeshma Chandran as Meenakshi(Meenu) * Vivek as Vivek C.B(Kili) * RLV T K Anil Kumar as Dance Master of St.Teresa's College * Mintu Maria Vincent * Noufal PN ( Gauthaman's Friend ) *Kunchacko Boban as himself (Cameo appearance)<ref name=km/> *Renju Renjimar as herself (Make-up artist) *Meera Jasmine as herself (Cameo appearance)<ref name=km>{{cite news|title=Meera Jasmine, Kunchacko Boban join Poomaram cast|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Meera-Jasmine-Kunchacko-Boban-join-Poomaram-cast/articleshow/55244146.cms|accessdate=12 December 2016|work=timesofindia|date=5 November 2016}}</ref> *Suresh Thampanoor as Suresh (Cameo Appearance) *Rasnesh Kannadikuzhi as Sunikuttan

==Production== Principal photography began on 12 September 2016 in Ernakulam.<ref name="Sify">{{cite web|title=By God's grace, Poomaram will release on Mar 9, says Kalidas Jayaram|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/by-god-s-grace-poomaram-will-release-on-mar-9-says-kalidas-jayaram-news-malayalam-scmpf2bhiaehc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214073400/http://www.sify.com/movies/by-god-s-grace-poomaram-will-release-on-mar-9-says-kalidas-jayaram-news-malayalam-scmpf2bhiaehc.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 February 2018|website=Sify|accessdate=13 February 2018}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia">{{cite news| title=A fantastic welcome to Kalidas's Poomaram song|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/A-fantastic-welcome-to-Kalidass-Poomaram-song/articleshow/55509483.cms|accessdate=12 February 2017|work=timesofindia|date=16 January 2017}}</ref> Shooting of the movie commenced on 12 September 2016 at Maharaja's College, Ernakulam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalidas Jayaram's 'Poomaram' with Abrid Shine starts rolling|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/kalidas-jayaram-poomaram-abrid-shine-movie-starts-rolling.html|accessdate=20 January 2018|work=Malayala Manorama|date=13 September 2016}}</ref> St. Kuriakose Senior Secondary School Kaduthuruthy, Mangalam College of Engineering and St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2017/feb/22/poomaram-director-scouts-for-actors-at-mg-varsity-fest-1573276.html|title='Poomaram' director scouts for actors at MG varsity fest|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2017-07-14}}</ref><ref name="indiatimes">{{cite news|title=Abrid Shine's next|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Abrid-Shines-next-titled-Poomaram/articleshow/54001996.cms|accessdate=6 September 2016|work=indiatimes|date=4 September 2016}}</ref>

==Soundtrack== The first track "Njanum Njanumentallum" was released by Muzik 247 on their YouTube channel in November 2016.<ref>[https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kalidas-jayarams-poomaram-song-becomes-most-liked-malayalam-video-youtube-705989 Kalidas Jayaram's Poomaram song becomes the most liked Malayalam video on YouTube]</ref> The second song "Kadavathoru Thonni" was released in May 2017.<ref>[https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/poomaram-song-kadavathoru-thoni-kalidas-jayaram-film-song-hits-you-at-the-right-spots-watch-video-4654309/ Poomaram song Kadavathoru Thoni: Kalidas Jayaram film's song hits you at the right spots. Watch video]</ref>

{{Track listing | headline = Track listing | extra_column = Singer(s) | total_length = {{Duration|m=|s=}} | title1 = Kadavathoru Thonni | lyrics1 = Ajeesh Dasan | music1 = Gireesh Kuttan | extra1 = Karthik | length1 = 4:12

| title11 = Ghosham Dundhubi | lyrics11 = Harinarayanan BK | music11 = Perumbavoor G Ravindranath | extra11 = Kavalam Sreekumar, MK Shankaran Namboothiri | length11 = 4:03 }}

==Release== === Theatrical === The film was scheduled for release in late December 2017,<ref name="TOI delay" /> but was postponed to March 2018.<ref name="Deccan delay">{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/050318/poomaram-not-on-march-9.html|title=Poomaram not on March 9|date=5 March 2018|publisher=|accessdate=4 March 2018}}</ref> The film later released on 15 March 2018.

==Reception== ===Critical reception=== ''Poomaram'' received mixed reviews from critics.

Deepa Soman of ''The Times of India'' rated the film 3/5 stars and wrote that ''Poomaram'' "rides on the strength of a handful of playful moments from the campus and if that wouldn’t trouble you as a viewer, the movie merits your time."<ref>{{cite news |last=Soman |first=Deepa |date=15 March 2018 |title=Poomaram Review {3/5}: The movie rides on the strength of a handful of playful moments from the campus and if that wouldn’t trouble you as a viewer, the movie merits your time |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/poomaram/movie-review/63317770.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=29 September 2025}}{{Rating|3|5}}</ref>

Meera Suresh of ''The New Indian Express'' rated the film 3/5 stars and wrote, "''Poomaram'' isn't a please-all movie. It is rich in art, aesthetics and realism, but low in entertainment."<ref>{{cite news |last=Suresh |first=Meera|date=16 March 2018 |title='Poomaram' review: A realistic take on youth fests |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/Mar/15/poomaram-review-a-realistic-take-on-youth-fests-1787758.html |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=29 September 2025}}{{Rating|3|5}}</ref>

Sowmya Rajendran of ''The News Minute'' wrote, "'Nice', they say, is a boring adjective that doesn't say much. And yet, it's this word that describes ''Poomaram'' best. This is a nice film with nice people and nice moments. The film doesn't aspire to rise above this and at times, the niceness may get boring. But with so many vibrant faces on screen, so many moments that trigger nostalgia, you get interested once again even if the film loses you in parts."<ref>{{cite news |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |date=16 March 2018 |title='Poomaram' review: A faithful capture of Kerala's youth festival, minus melodrama |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/poomaram-review-faithful-capture-keralas-youth-festival-minus-melodrama-78089 |work=The News Minute |access-date=29 September 2025}}</ref>

Jyothisha V. J. of ''Onmanorama'' rated the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "An intensely delightful lyrical treat, ''Poomaram'' is a poetic bloom."<ref>{{cite web |last=V. J. |first=Jyothisha |date=19 March 2018 |title='Poomaram' review: a poetic bloom in Malayalam |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/2018/03/15/kalidas-starrer-poomaram-review.html |website=Onmanorama |access-date=29 September 2025}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}</ref>

Anna M. M. Vetticad of ''Firstpost'' wrote, "''Poomaram'' is a delightfully experimental, contemplative college saga, far removed from the clichés, the ugly misogyny and loudness seen in too many campus films from Mollywood."<ref>{{cite news |author=Anna M. M. Vetticad |date=19 March 2018 |title=Poomaram movie review: Abrid Shine shines a light on college life in a reality-show-style film |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/poomaram-movie-review-abrid-shine-shines-a-light-on-college-life-in-a-reality-show-style-film-4395019.html |work=Firstpost |access-date=29 September 2025}}</ref>

Priyanka Sundar of ''Hindustan Times'' rated the film 3/5 stars and wrote, "This film was a good experience, but solely because of the music and screenplay. In terms of characters, they were very well-etched supporting characters (especially Kili and the Mohiniyattam teacher of Maharaja College). As there wasn’t enough scope to see Kalidasan perform, this might not have been his best choice for a debut."<ref>{{cite news |last=Suresh |first=Meera|date=19 June 2019 |title=Poomaram movie review: This Kalidasan Jayaram starrer is a celebration of everything art |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/poomaram-movie-review-this-kalidasan-jayaram-starrer-is-a-true-blue-musical/story-jAcqtLS5FNO3yQuvdwjGaP.html |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=29 September 2025}}{{Rating|3|5}}</ref>

Navmi Krishna of ''The Hindu'' wrote, "But for all its freshness, ''Poomaram'' can not escape the trap of 'leaving the audience with a message' and pretentious preaching. ... Movies invoke different emotions — some invoke empathy, some aspiration. In ''Poomaram'', however, you are both an emotionally invested viewer and one of the peripheral characters."<ref>{{cite news |last=Krishna |first=Navmi |date=21 March 2018 |title='Poomaram' review: This trip down the nostalgia lane is not without bumps |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/poomaram-review-this-trip-down-the-nostalgia-lane-is-not-without-bumps/article23285948.ece |work=The Hindu |access-date=29 September 2025}}</ref>

Mythily Ramachandran of ''Gulf News'' wrote, "''Poomaram'' celebrates college life and gently stirs up the nooks of nostalgia."<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramachandran |first=Mythily |date=5 November 2018 |title='Poomaram' review: A vibrant college drama |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/poomaram-review-a-vibrant-college-drama-1.2195474 |work=Gulf News |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>

== Accolades == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Award ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Date of ceremony ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Category ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Work ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Nominee(s) ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row" rowspan="4" | '''Mazhavil Mango Music Awards''' | rowspan="4" | 24 August 2018 | Best Playback Singer Female | Mruthu Mandahasam | K.S.Chithra | {{won}} | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"|<ref name="manoramaonline.com">{{cite web|title='Poomaram' wins big at Mazhavil Mango Music awards |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2018/08/07/mazhavil-mango-music-awards-winners.html}}</ref> |- |- | Best Playback Singer Male | Kadavathoru Thonni | Karthik | {{won}} |- |- | Best Debut Singer | Njanum Njaanumentallum | Faizal Razi | {{won}} |- |- | Special Jury Award | Kadavathoru Thonni | Leela L Girikkuttan | {{won}} |- |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" | '''21st Asianet Film Awards''' | rowspan="2" | 6–7 April 2019 | Best New Face Actor | Poomaram | Kalidas Jayaram | {{won}} | |- |- | Best New Face Actress | Poomaram | Neeta Pillai | {{won}} | |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1" | '''Vanitha Film Awards 2019''' | rowspan="1" | 2 March 2019 | Best Newcomer Actor | Poomaram | Kalidas Jayaram | {{won}} |<ref>[https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2019/03/02/vanitha-film-awards-winners-list-live-show-kochi.html Vanitha Film Awards: Mohanlal wins Best Actor, Manju Warrier is Best Actress]</ref> |- |- ! scope="row" rowspan="5" | '''8th South Indian International Movie Awards''' | rowspan="5" | 16 August 2019 | Best Playback Singer Female – Malayalam | Mrudumandahaasam | K.S.Chithra | {{nominated}} |rowspan=3|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/south-gossip/article/siima-2019-full-nominations-list-out-vijay-sethupathi-samantha-akkineni-and-others-bag-top-honours/455922|title=SIIMA 2019 FULL nominations list out!|website=Times Now|date=18 July 2019|access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref> |- |- | Best Playback Singer Male – Malayalam | Neramayi | Karthik | {{nominated}} |- |- | Best Lyricist – Malayalam | Neramayi | Ajesh Dasan | {{nominated}} |- |- | Best Debut Actress – Malayalam | Poomaram | Neeta Pillai | {{nominated}} |rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/television/photo-gallery-siima-2019-nominations-list-out-who-among-kiara-advani-srinidhi-shetty-and-nidhhi-agerwal-will-claim-best-debut-award-2777395|title=SIIMA 2019 nominations for best debutante actor and actresses|website=Daily News and Analysis|date=30 July 2019|access-date=18 April 2020}}</ref> |- |- | Best Debut Actor – Malayalam | Poomaram | Kalidas Jayaram | {{nominated}} |- |}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{IMDb title|6277824}}

Category:2018 films Category:Indian drama films Category:Films shot in Kottayam Category:Films shot in Pathanamthitta Category:2018 Malayalam-language films Category:2018 Indian films Category:Films scored by Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath Category:Films scored by Gopi Sundar Category:Films directed by Abrid Shine