CINEMATIC CITYSCAPES: EXPLORING THE CITY OF THRISSUR IN POPULAR MALAYALAM MOVIES

Thrissur, located in the southern Indian
state of Kerala, has been a recurrent setting
and exploration subject in popular
Malayalam cinema. Often referred to as the
"Cultural Capital of Kerala," filmmakers
capitalize on the city's vibrant cultural
scene, characterized by festivals, art forms,
and historical landmarks, to create
immersive cinematic experiences. This
research paper delves into the dynamic
interplay between Thrissur City and its
depiction in cinematic narratives,
investigating how the city's distinct
cultural, social, and historical elements are
harnessed to enrich storytelling.
Filmmakers infuse their works with
authenticity and local flavor, allowing
audiences to engage with stories on a
deeper level.
The movies chosen for the study are
Pranchiyettan and The Saint (2010) and
Punyalan Agarbattis (2013). The research
paper investigates how the city's unique
sociocultural features impact character
interactions and relationships, such as its
close-knit communities and distinctive
urban layout. It discusses how these
dynamics contribute to storytelling,
creating intricate plot developments and
character arcs that reflect the essence of
Thrissur's society. It examines how the
city's heritage sites and historical events are
integrated into film plots, often providing
contexts for characters' journeys and
experiences. This research paper sheds light
on the intricate relationship between
Thrissur City and popular Malayalam
cinema. As the city evolves and cinema
continues to transform, the exploration of
Thrissur in popular Malayalam films
remains a reflection of the dynamic
interplay between culture, storytelling, and
urban landscapes.