Wikipedia

Ram (film)

Ram is an upcoming Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film written and directed by Jeethu Joseph. It is the first installment of a two-part film series. The film stars Mohanlal in the title role, with an ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Indrajith Sukumaran, Srikanth, Anoop Menon, Vasishta N. Simha, Samyuktha Menon, Krishna Kulasekharan, Suman, Durga Krishna, Leona Lishoy, Adil Hussain, Prachi Tehlan and Saikumar. The film's music was composed by Vishnu Shyam.

Ram
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJeethu Joseph
Written byJeethu Joseph
Produced by
  • Ramesh P. Pillai
  • Sudhan Sundharam
Starring
CinematographySatheesh Kurup
Edited byV. S. Vinayak
Music byVishnu Shyam
Production
companies
  • Peacock Film Production Abhishek Films
  • Passion Studios
Distributed byBliss Entertainments and Movies
CountryIndia
LanguageMalayalam
Budget₹140 crore[1]

Principal photography of the film began in January 2020 and was shot for few days. However, production was delayed for approximately two years and seven months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premise

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Ram Mohan, a R&AW agent, is summoned by the agency to deal with Bael, a terrorist group that possess nuclear weapons capable of destroying India.[2]

Cast

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Production

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Development

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Jeethu Joseph began working on the pre-production of Ram in early 2020 while simultaneously overseeing the post-production of The Body and Thambi.[3] In Nov-Dec that year, it was reported that Mohanlal and Trisha would be starring in Jeethu's high-budget thriller film, which would be shot across various locations in India and overseas, with filming scheduled to begin in Dec-Jan and last for 60 days. It was jointly produced by the UK and Chennai-based Peacock film Production as main film making company and Abhishek Films and Passion Studios as joint venturist.[4] However, the filming date was postponed to late December to coincide with the release of Thambi. Jeethu described the film as an action-thriller with a story spanning several countries.[5] On 16 December, a pooja function and press meet were held for the film, during which its title was revealed. Jeethu shared that he was approached by the producers three years ago to make a second film with Mohanlal after the success of Drishyam (2013). He further added, "I was tensed about doing another film with Lalettan [Mohanlal] because it's a huge responsibility. It took me three years to come up with the right subject".[6]

The production of the film faced a delay during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Utilizing the break, Jeethu expanded the film's scope, expanding it into a two-part film. As Jeethu explained, "we can't make a movie that is five hours long, and that's why it's been split into two parts. When I initially tried to compress everything into a single film, it turned out to be too long, and the editing process caused disruptions to the continuity of the film". He said that initially he had planned to limit Ram, a globetrotter, to a single film, "but following the success of Drishyam 2, the subsequent expansion of Lal sir's market, and the delay of the film for about two years, I felt it could be done on a bigger canvas", which the producers agreed to.[7]

Casting

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Mohanlal reportedly plays a R&AW agent in the film.[8] During the casting process, Trisha was suggested for the role by Mohanlal.[6] Trisha plays one of the lead roles in the film.[9] She plays Vineetha, a doctor.[10] Mohanlal also suggested Prachi Tehlan for a role, who was in talks in January 2020.[11] Tehlan reportedly joined the film that month.[12] Anoop Menon also joined in January.[13] Chandhunadh plays Vivek, a journalist.[14] Adil Hussain was cast in a brief but crucial role, while Indrajith Sukumaran was cast in a role with ample screen time.[15] Suresh Chandra Menon was cast in the role of a villain.[16] Durga Krishna played the character of Meera in the first schedule of filming.[17] Meera is sister to Vineetha.[18] David John, who had contested in the Mohanlal-hosted reality TV show Bigg Boss was cast in a negative role, he was suggested by Mohanlal.[19]

Samyuktha Menon joined the film's shoot in September 2022 at London. Her character was created after the film was scaled-up after the schedule break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20] Priyanka Nair also joined the shoot in London.[21]

Filming

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Initially, Ram production by Peacock film Production was planned as a single film when the production began. Principal photography commenced on 6 January 2020,[22] with the first phase of filming in India.[23] Following this, the film was shot in Kerala .[24] In February, the team completed the shoot in India. However, plans to shoot remaining portions in other countries were impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic.[25] In May, Jeethu announced that filming would resume in the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan once the spread of the virus was under control. Meanwhile, he also decided to direct another film that could be shot entirely in his home state of Kerala.[26] Post-production work for Ram began in UK, along with Drishyam 2in india which he had completed by that time.[27] The budget spent until then was approximately ₹94 crore, with additional ₹94 crore required to complete the film. The team contemplated moving the location to France due to prolonged restriction in the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but decided to wait until the restrictions were lifted due to the higher cost.[28] Jeethu said that Ram was his most expensive film to date.[29]

During the pandemic break, Jeethu increased the scope of the film and expanded it into a two-part film, with both parts planning to be shot back-to-back.[7] In the meantime, Jeethu directed three more films—Drishyam 2, 12th Man, and Kooman, between 2021 and 2022.[30] In May 2022, Jeethu said that they are conducting location scouting in the Middle East and the UK that month.[31] In July, the crew scouted in England and North Africa.[32]

After a two-year seven months production delay, filming resumed the film.[33] These portions featured Mohanlal, Indrajith, and Trisha.[20] The filming schedule in London was deferred due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September, four days before production was set to begin.[34] Filming eventually resumed that month.[21] American stunt director Peter Pedrero choreographed the action sequence for the London shoot.[35] The schedule was completed in October.[30] Following that, there was a 3-day shoot in Ernakulam.[36] In the first week of December, the crew traveled to Morocco for the next phase of filming.[37] The Moroccan schedule was wrapped on 23 December.[38]

The film has pending schedules in Tunisia, the UK, and Delhi.[39] According to Jeethu, it may have a schedule in Israel too.[40]

Music

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Vishnu Shyam composed the film's music. Ram was his debut work as a music director, even though his second film Kooman was released ahead of it.[41] The lyrics for the songs were written by Vinayak Sasikumar.[42]

Release

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Before production began, Ram was originally planned for release during Onam 2020.[43] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filming was delayed. In May 2022, Jeethu revealed that they had to push the shooting dates to secure the desired locations.

References

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  1. ^ "Director Jeethu Joseph unveils 'Ram's budget; More than Rs 140 crores!". The Times of India. 26 December 2023. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Mohanlal, Jeethu Joseph's Ram plot leaked. 'This is Pathaan 2.0,' say fans". India Today. February 2023. Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  3. ^ S., Srivatsan (17 December 2019). "Jeethu Joseph on 'Thambi', the Chinese remake of 'Drishyam' and Mohanlal's 'Ram'". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 December 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  4. ^ Express News Service (9 September 2019). "Mohanlal, Trisha to star in director Jeethu Joseph's next film". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 4 October 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  5. ^ George, Vijay (5 December 2019). "I don't want to do remakes any more: Jeethu Joseph". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 December 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  6. ^ a b Express News Service (18 December 2019). "Jeethu Joseph's next with Mohanlal titled 'Ram'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  7. ^ a b Sidhardhan, Sanjith (6 December 2022). "Jeethu Joseph reveals why he decided to split Mohanlal's Ram into 2 parts". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  8. ^ ETimes.in (23 September 2022). "Is Mohanlal playing a raw agent in Jeethu Joseph's 'Ram'?". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  9. ^ ETimes.in (29 December 2021). "'Mohanlal's Ram is my most expensive commercial entertainer', says director Jeethu Joseph". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  10. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (18 January 2020). "Trisha to play a doctor in Mohanlal's Ram". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  11. ^ Express News Service (15 January 2020). "Prachi Tehlan in talks to join Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph's 'Ram'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  12. ^ Timesofindia.com (15 January 2020). "Mohanlal looks super cool and stylish as he shoots for 'RAM'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 January 2020. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  13. ^ "ഇതിഹാസ താരത്തോടൊപ്പം; ഇതൊരു ഭാഗ്യമാണ്". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). 31 January 2020. Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  14. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (15 February 2020). "Chandhunadh: My dreams are being realised in a fancy, cinematic way". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  15. ^ Digital Native (1 February 2020). "Indrajith Sukumaran joins the sets of Mohanlal's 'Ram'". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  16. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (25 March 2020). "Lucifer villain to team up with Mohanlal again". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  17. ^ Rajan, Silpa (4 September 2021). "Durga Krisha on working with Mohanlal in 'Ram': The whole experience was nothing short of a masterclass - Exclusive!". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  18. ^ Soman, Deepa (7 February 2020). "Durga Krishna: I constantly observe Lalettan to learn how to perform well". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 October 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  19. ^ Shrijith, Sajin (24 March 2020). "Bigg Boss-fame David John part of Mohanlal's Ram". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  20. ^ a b Team OTTplay (22 September 2022). "Samyukhta Menon joins Trisha as the second female lead in Mohanlal's Ram". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  21. ^ a b Express News Service (20 September 2022). "Priyanka Nair joins Mohanlal's 'Ram' in London". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  22. ^ Express News Service (8 January 2020). "Jeethu Joseph's 'Ram' begins filming, Mohanlal joins sets". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  23. ^ Onmanorama staff (6 August 2022). "Jeethu Joseph resumes shoot of Mohanlal-starrer 'Ram' after 3 years". Onmanorama. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  24. ^ Onmanorama Staff (6 December 2022). "Mohanlal heads to Morocco for next leg of Jeethu Joseph's 'Ram'". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  25. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (26 June 2022). "Mohanlal and Jeethu Joseph's action-thriller Ram to be released in two parts?". Theatre OTT Play. Archived from the original on 16 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  26. ^ Balachandran, Logesh (19 May 2020). "Mohanlal and Trisha-starrer Ram is not shelved, clarifies director Jeethu Joseph". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  27. ^ Timesofindia.com (15 November 2020). "Mohanlal's 'Drishyam 2' and 'Ram' enter post-production". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  28. ^ കുമാർ, ഷജിൽ (10 July 2021). "25 ദിവസത്തെ ഷൂട്ട്, 5 നായികമാർ; 'ട്വൽത്ത് മാൻ' വരുന്നു". Manorama Online (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 14 July 2021. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  29. ^ Nambiar, Athulya (29 November 2021). "EXCLUSIVE: Jeethu Joseph on the delay in Mohanlal starrer Ram- "We want to release Ram in theatres"". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  30. ^ a b R., Chandhini (8 November 2022). "Jeethu Joseph Interview: Commercial success is more important than awards and accolades". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  31. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (17 May 2022). "Exclusive! Jeethu Joseph on Mohanlal's Ram: We have increased the scale of the movie since the pandemic break". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  32. ^ ETimes.in (6 August 2022). "Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph resume shoot of 'Ram'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  33. ^ ETimes.in (6 August 2022). "Mohanlal-Jeethu Joseph resume shoot of 'Ram'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 September 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  34. ^ Sidhardhan, Sanjith (6 December 2022). "Jeethu Joseph: Several locations for Ram were cancelled after the Queen's death". OTT Play. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  35. ^ ETimes.in (3 October 2022). "Hollywood stunt coordinator Peter Pedrero roped in for Mohanlal's 'Ram'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  36. ^ Web Team (15 October 2022). "'റാമി'ന്‍റെ യുകെ ഷെഡ്യൂള്‍ പൂര്‍ത്തിയാക്കി മോഹന്‍ലാല്‍; ഇനി മൊറോക്കോ, ടുണീഷ്യ, കൊച്ചി". Asianet News (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  37. ^ R., Chandhini (6 December 2022). "Mohanlal flies to Morocco to shoot for Jeethu Joseph's Ram". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  38. ^ R., Chandhini (24 December 2022). "Ram's Morocco schedule wrapped up". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  39. ^ ഫിൽമി റിപ്പോർട്ടർ (4 April 2023). "'വാലിബൻ' കഴിഞ്ഞാൽ 'റാം'; ബാക്കിയുള്ളത�� 44 ദിവസങ്ങൾ". Reporter TV (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  40. ^ Haran, Praveen V. (6 November 2022). "'Kooman' needed a young ordinary cop: Jeethu Joseph". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  41. ^ ജോയ്, ജോയ്സ് (12 November 2022). "വിദ്യാസാഗറിന്റെ ശിഷ്യത്വം നേടാൻ കാത്തിരുന്നത് 4 വർഷം; 'കൂമന്റെ' സംഗീതസംവിധായകനു പറയാനുണ്ട്, ഏറെ". Manorama Online (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  42. ^ Joy, Joys (16 December 2019). "വിഷ്ണുവും വിനായകും കൈ കോർക്കുന്നു; ജീത്തു ജോസഫിന്‍റെ മോഹൻലാൽ ചിത്രം 'റാമി'നു വേണ്ടി". News18 Malayalam (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  43. ^ India Today Web Desk (17 December 2019). "Mohanlal reunites with Drishyam director Jeethu Joseph for Ram. Reveals first look". India Today. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
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