Thazhvaram

Thazhvaram is a 1990 Indian Malayalam-language western thriller film directed by Bharathan and written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair. It stars Mohanlal, Salim Ghouse, Sumalatha, Anju, and Sankaradi. It tells the story of Balan (Mohanlal) who's on the lookout for Raju (Salim Ghouse) for avenging the murder of his wife Raji (Anju). Bharathan also composed the only song featured in the film, and the background score was provided by Johnson.

Set in the backdrop of a remote village across a valley in Palakkad, the film is made in the style of a Spaghetti Western film and has achieved a cult status in Kerala since its release. It was both a critical and commercial success with many critics praising Mohanlal’s performance. It is considered one of Mohanlal’s best performances in his career.

Plot
Balan is in search of Raju, and the search takes him to a remote village in a valley. Balan reaches a house in the hills where he is welcomed wholeheartedly by Nanu, the house owner, and Kochutty, his daughter. Balan realizes that Raju stays with them as Raghavan. Balan learns that Nanu has helped Raju start farming and that Nanu intends to have his daughter marry Raju. Balan decides to wait for Raghavan / Raju.

Raju, on his arrival, smells his enemy. The story progresses with the two having to pretend before Nanu and Kochutty that they are good friends. The film cuts to a flashback, where Raju and Balan are close friends. He, in greed for money, killed Balan's wife, Raji, on their wedding night and ran away with Balan's hard-earned money.

Balan is now back in search of Raju to avenge the death of his wife. Raju attacks Balan in one of the numerous encounters the duo has and almost kills him. Balan survives the attack to save Nanu and his daughter from Raghavan.

Cast

 * Mohanlal as Balan
 * Salim Ghouse as Raju / Raghavan
 * Sumalatha as Kochootti
 * Anju as Raji
 * Sankaradi as Nanu
 * Balan K. Nair as Kanarettan, Raji's father

Production
This is Bharathan's second film with M. T. Vasudevan Nair after Vaishali in 1988. This is the second collaboration of Mohanlal and Bharathan after Kattathe Killikudu. Bharathan, Sasi Menon, and Gayathri Ashokan did the poster designs.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack of this film had only one song composed by Bharathan himself to the lines written by Kaithapram and rendered by K. J. Yesudas.

Reception
Upon release, the film, initially a slow starter, garnered widespread positive reviews and became a success both critically and commercially. The camera work of Venu is considered the highlight of the film. Thazhvaram had just a handful of characters, and the plot was so well developed that it was a visual treat for the viewers. The fighting in the climax amidst violent vultures is regarded as one of the best climax scenes in Malayalam cinema. The film is considered a cult classic in Malayalam and the performance of Mohanlal is said to be one of his best in his acting career by the critics.

Awards

 * The film won Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam received by V.B.K. Menon