I'm a self-declared mohanlal fan in spite of his recent crap releases. I have watched devasuram umpteen number of times and every time i watch it i do realise that it is not his best performance but then what makes me watch this film is that perhaps there is nobody in Indian cinema who can do that role better than him. When mangalessery Neelakantan depicts his street fighter and spendthrift image i got to believe it. He doesn't leave a chance to question his different forms of dominance over society in the film as questionable from the analysing viewer point of view. His arrogance has a charm not just to the people whom he insults but also to me as a viewer. Its amazing how this man can control his histrionics so well. His scolding of Warrier ironically exudes a kind of respect that probably is the best in Indian films,famous for its father-son relationship dramas,though they are not father-son. His subsequent change of attitude(after knowing the truth)is fantastic.and so is his subtle romance with revathi who herself is very good in this. A must see for all mohanlal fans and non-mohanlal fans.
14 Reviews
What a beautiful Film... Only the name "Mangalaserry Neelakandan" is enough
deepuinbox21 August 2007
Devasuram is one of the most successful Malayalam movies and was directed by I. V. Sasi starring Mohanlal. The movies has a cult following and the characters in the movies are fondly remembered by the Malayalees. The rivalry between Mangalasherry Neelakantan (Mohanlal) and Mundakkal Shekaran (Napolean) is the main theme of the movie.
Only the name "Mangalaserry Neelakandan" is enough. Beautiful Movie. Nice Direction. Devasuram adds feather to the Mohanlal acting. Acted by Mohanlal as "Mangalachery Neelakandan". Just the name says the power of the character. Character selection in this movie is excellent. Napeolean as "Sekharan" is another highlight of the movie. Then the character of Innocent. Wah... Then Revathi, Nedumudi venu and all main characters done their work extraordinary beautiful. Climax Scene is one of the highlight of the movie. Music by M.G Radhakrishan is excellent. Esp the song "Vande mukunda hare" sung by himself is amazing. Another main character is Oduvil unnikrishnan(peringodan). Nice Screenplay by renjith. Totally one of my favorite movie
Only the name "Mangalaserry Neelakandan" is enough. Beautiful Movie. Nice Direction. Devasuram adds feather to the Mohanlal acting. Acted by Mohanlal as "Mangalachery Neelakandan". Just the name says the power of the character. Character selection in this movie is excellent. Napeolean as "Sekharan" is another highlight of the movie. Then the character of Innocent. Wah... Then Revathi, Nedumudi venu and all main characters done their work extraordinary beautiful. Climax Scene is one of the highlight of the movie. Music by M.G Radhakrishan is excellent. Esp the song "Vande mukunda hare" sung by himself is amazing. Another main character is Oduvil unnikrishnan(peringodan). Nice Screenplay by renjith. Totally one of my favorite movie
Wonder why such Malayalam movies aren't made anymore...
Cinema_freak15 December 2015
This is easily one of the best Malayalam movies made. And one of the most iconic. The character of Mangalassery Neelakantan is as legendary a cult figure as it gets. The script was great, and so was the dialogue, both by Ranjith. No crass monologues as there would so often be a decade later. An example of the splendid dialogue (one example among many good ones) would be when Neelakantan talks about all the girls he'd romanced before as corpses, commending Bhanumati's character and calling her a real woman. Rarely in Indian cinema do we get a strong female lead (played so well by Revathi) going toe- to-toe with the male lead.
But the heart and soul of the movie was Mohanlal. Without him, there would be no Devasuram. The ease and spontaneity with which he essays that role is commendable. Such a role is easy to ruin with one- dimensional histrionics, but Mohanlal does not do so. Also, he always has that quality to bring a dash of vulnerability to even the most invincible of the characters he plays.
Even though this is one of my favourite movies I cannot give it a perfect 10 (I am tempted to do so). As great as it is, it could have potentially been even greater a movie, if it was handled with some more subtlety, like Irinjal rightly said. For example, the fight scenes were relevant to the plot, but a bit out of line with the realistic tone of the film, even with Mohanlal's larger-than-life character. The antagonist Shekharan could have been so much better than a bland, grimacing Napoleon. Imagine someone versatile like Siddique as Mundakkal Shekharan (sadly his versatility was exploited much later).
But the heart and soul of the movie was Mohanlal. Without him, there would be no Devasuram. The ease and spontaneity with which he essays that role is commendable. Such a role is easy to ruin with one- dimensional histrionics, but Mohanlal does not do so. Also, he always has that quality to bring a dash of vulnerability to even the most invincible of the characters he plays.
Even though this is one of my favourite movies I cannot give it a perfect 10 (I am tempted to do so). As great as it is, it could have potentially been even greater a movie, if it was handled with some more subtlety, like Irinjal rightly said. For example, the fight scenes were relevant to the plot, but a bit out of line with the realistic tone of the film, even with Mohanlal's larger-than-life character. The antagonist Shekharan could have been so much better than a bland, grimacing Napoleon. Imagine someone versatile like Siddique as Mundakkal Shekharan (sadly his versatility was exploited much later).
Easily one of the classic movies of Indian cinema
narayanan-krishnan24 June 2014
Set in a very traditional 'valluvanadan' (a region of Kerala known for its affinity to art & culture) scene, this movie is easily one of the best movies in the history of Malayalam movies and quite possibly Indian movies in general. The story line depicts how a feudal lord, given his irreverent and spend thrift nature, is much vulnerable within. The vulnerability is exposed when the lord is told about his adoption as a kid by his ailing mother. What happens after that is depicted to absolute perfection by Mohanlal. Such performances that captures every bit of imagination and attention of the viewers runs through the whole film, by all the supporting cast. Couple that needs to be mentioned are that of Innocent and Oduvil Unnikrishnan.
All in all, if you do not watch this film, you are at loss!
All in all, if you do not watch this film, you are at loss!
Neelan..One of the most powerful character witnessed in movies..
Sharaths002116 November 2014
Mangalasheri Neelakandan, the name itself creates awe and hero worship. Easily the most powerful characters created in Malayalam cinema. Neelkandan, the feudal lord is cruel, alcholic, male chauvinist, goes to any extend for his win. He is a great patron of arts and proud of his family heritage. I just don't want to go into contents of Devasuram as there are no words to describe the beauty of this masterpiece. Full marks to the director for ensuring that the heroism of Neelan is depicted by the tiniest of characters. Devasuram belonged to I.V.Sasi the director, Ranjith for his heart touching script and all the actors in the movie be it Nedumudi Venu, Revathi, Napolean and so on. But above all Devasuram and Mangalasheri Neelakandan would never be a part of your soul without the genius of Mohanlal. The genius makes you wonder with his subtle acting whether displaying the anger, sorrow or helplessness of Neelan. Sir its a honor and privilege to be a mallayali and watch you in on screen. For me the story of Devasuram ends there and don't want to see Ravanaprabhu the sequel. Because Neelan is one the most powerful character to appear in cinema and the sequel don't justify it.
Artistic movies of yesteryear
sriv-440-22828716 November 2017
Few movies can be described as artistic, and they are a joy to behold. Devasuram is one such movie from the good old, early 90's. A classic which was not even replicated by it's sequel.
A wonderful movie directed well by I.V. Sasi and wonderfully acted by Mohanlal. This has to be one of his most iconic roles ever. Revathy, who is by nature a lovely actor and a fine dancer, did her role to perfection. Her chemistry with whom the Malayalis refer to as "The complete actor" was endearing. All the supporting characters, including the likes of Nadumudi Venu and Innocent, played a significant part. The music, directed by M.G.Radhakrishnan and S.P. Venkatesh gelled with the story profoundly, especially with the help of some legendary singers. A once in a lifetime movie, not to be missed by lovers of art.
A wonderful movie directed well by I.V. Sasi and wonderfully acted by Mohanlal. This has to be one of his most iconic roles ever. Revathy, who is by nature a lovely actor and a fine dancer, did her role to perfection. Her chemistry with whom the Malayalis refer to as "The complete actor" was endearing. All the supporting characters, including the likes of Nadumudi Venu and Innocent, played a significant part. The music, directed by M.G.Radhakrishnan and S.P. Venkatesh gelled with the story profoundly, especially with the help of some legendary singers. A once in a lifetime movie, not to be missed by lovers of art.
Unforgettable Thriller
raulukmj7 September 2018
The movie is about enmity between Mangalassery Neelakanthan and Mundackal Shekharan. Mohanlal plays the character of Mangalassery Neelakanthan who is a rich brash guy who has no respect for rules or law. He and his good for nothing friends spend their time drinking and fighting. But certain incidents force Neelakanthan to revisit his ways and become a good person. Revathy plays a powerful role in the movie.
The movie shows the versatility of the actor Mohan Lal as a brutal feudal lord initially and then later becoming more human. With some wonderful songs and memorable dialogues, this is an all time best in Malayalam cinema.
The movie shows the versatility of the actor Mohan Lal as a brutal feudal lord initially and then later becoming more human. With some wonderful songs and memorable dialogues, this is an all time best in Malayalam cinema.
Devasuram.
KEVINROSHEN26 January 2023
Devasuram is the best Malayalam film I have had the chance to witness as of yet . The film commands a certain aura of its own and perfectly strikes the cordial balance between what we so simply call as ' class' and 'mass ' . The characters so brilliantly written, the story told with utmost panache and the dialogues so written as onto the pages of the industry's history itself. Magalassery Neelakandan is probably the best character written for a Malayalam film and who better to portray it than Mr. Mohanlal himself who has given on screen a performance for the ages. The film easily holds its fort as a Golden Classic.
One of the best evergreen classic movie in India
foulpsyche16 August 2021
More a powerful romance than an action flick
irinjal31 December 2003
Not many films of Mohanlal combines the romantic aspect as well as the action parts well. This film appears to belong to the minority. There is real chemistry between Revathi and Lal. This film also has one of my favorite scenes. The sequence where Revathi upstages Lal after dancing for him is certainly an all time great scene. All the characters are etched well in this film (a rarity in Malayalam films). The only short comings are the allownces made for audiences in the form of fight sequences. The movie could have been so much stronger had it been dealt with a little more subtleness.
Beyond words
arun_mr2 January 2018
This song written by Gireesh Puthenchery has been penned by MG Balakrishnan. That is Radhakrishnan. SP The background score was composed by Venkatesh.
Neelakantan is the heir apparent of Mangalassery's family. An absolutely stupid and exhausted man consuming the wealth and property of his father. He has friends who have gone for anything and he is a well-respected custodian named Warrier. Neelakantan enmity with Shekharan Nambis at the Mundakkal family. In the meanwhile, a stalwart employee Neelakantan killed Chekaran's uncle Kunhikrishnan Nambiar.
Then the course itself changes
Neelakantan is the heir apparent of Mangalassery's family. An absolutely stupid and exhausted man consuming the wealth and property of his father. He has friends who have gone for anything and he is a well-respected custodian named Warrier. Neelakantan enmity with Shekharan Nambis at the Mundakkal family. In the meanwhile, a stalwart employee Neelakantan killed Chekaran's uncle Kunhikrishnan Nambiar.
Then the course itself changes
More than critics, it's An Audience friendly classic. A Mohanlal phrenesis in the tale of retaliation and redemption.
SAMTHEBESTEST2 June 2021
Devasuram (1993) :
Brief Review -
More than critics, it's An Audience friendly classic. A Mohanlal phrenesis in the tale of retaliation and redemption. Devasuram is one of the most popular Malayalam film of 90s and highly successful as well and the reasons for it are definitely appropriate. Like i mentioned earlier, this is a film for audience more than critics because the ultimate goal of the film was to meet up the expectations and assumptions of audience's mind during the narration. See, it looks familiar to many gangster flicks of Hollywood made in 40s or for more popular instance we have many South flicks made in late 80s and early 90s just before this. While most of the films clearly mentioned their protagonist as a gangster which i feel leaves a very negative impact, Devasuram makes the protagonist look like a postive character despite his wrongdoings. The film is about Neelakanthan, who squanders away the inheritance left by his father. However, his life turns upside down when his mother reveals a terrible secret on her deathbed that changes the course of his life. His battle against his existence teaches him the value of life and goodwill which ultimately turns him into a Messiah kind of guy. Now of course because it is a 90s flick and very much in mainstream zone, it has those elements like Fights, Rivalry and Love-story to make it a commercial film. Thankfully, these factors don't cross the limits and main structure of the storyline remains unchanged. Mohanlal is like on a riot mode in the film. This is yet another powerful act from him whereas Revathi also leaves a solid impact. The rest of the cast is very supportive, music is Decent, dialogues are good, screenplay is engaging and the best thing is I. V. Sasi's direction. His grip on his storytelling leaves no loopes, in fact, it does much better than its potential just because Sasi understood the limits of the script and then explored it beautifully.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.
More than critics, it's An Audience friendly classic. A Mohanlal phrenesis in the tale of retaliation and redemption. Devasuram is one of the most popular Malayalam film of 90s and highly successful as well and the reasons for it are definitely appropriate. Like i mentioned earlier, this is a film for audience more than critics because the ultimate goal of the film was to meet up the expectations and assumptions of audience's mind during the narration. See, it looks familiar to many gangster flicks of Hollywood made in 40s or for more popular instance we have many South flicks made in late 80s and early 90s just before this. While most of the films clearly mentioned their protagonist as a gangster which i feel leaves a very negative impact, Devasuram makes the protagonist look like a postive character despite his wrongdoings. The film is about Neelakanthan, who squanders away the inheritance left by his father. However, his life turns upside down when his mother reveals a terrible secret on her deathbed that changes the course of his life. His battle against his existence teaches him the value of life and goodwill which ultimately turns him into a Messiah kind of guy. Now of course because it is a 90s flick and very much in mainstream zone, it has those elements like Fights, Rivalry and Love-story to make it a commercial film. Thankfully, these factors don't cross the limits and main structure of the storyline remains unchanged. Mohanlal is like on a riot mode in the film. This is yet another powerful act from him whereas Revathi also leaves a solid impact. The rest of the cast is very supportive, music is Decent, dialogues are good, screenplay is engaging and the best thing is I. V. Sasi's direction. His grip on his storytelling leaves no loopes, in fact, it does much better than its potential just because Sasi understood the limits of the script and then explored it beautifully.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.
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