Kunjikoonan

Kunjikoonan
VCD cover
Directed by	Sasi Shanker
Written by	Benny P. Nayarambalam
Produced by	Milan Jaleel
Starring	Dileep Navya Nair Manya Sai Kumar
Cinematography	P. Sukumar Saloo George
Edited by	Ranjan Abraham
Music by	Mohan Sitara
Production company	Galaxy films
Release date	11 October 2002 (2002-10-11)
Running time	155 minutes
Country	India
Language	Malayalam
Budget	₹1.9 crore[1]

Kunjikoonan (transl. The little hunchback) is a 2002 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Sasi Shanker and produced by Milan Jaleel. The film's script was written by Benny P. Nayarambalam, based on his own stage play Vikalanga Varsham.^[2] It stars Dileep, Navya Nair, and Manya. Dileep plays dual roles in this movie and won Asianet Film Awards for Best Actor. The film was later remade into different Indian Languages, such as Perazhagan (2004) in Tamil and Manmatha (2006) in Kannada.

The story revolves around Vimal Kumar alias Kunjan, a village youth who is sympathized for his hunchback looks but is lauded for selfless service to others. He covers up his handicap with humor. Unmindful of his looks, Vimal goes around seeking a suitable bride with the help of his friend, Thoma. Brushing aside many an insult hurled at him, he carries on. He carried the hardships of his life on his back and the pain of others too. He was of peak human morals, a man of great virtue.

In contrast to him is Prasad, a violent college student and a well-talented sports player, who loves his classmate, Lakshmi. She comes across Vimal, who assures her that he will get her married to the man of her heart. However, she is killed in a fracas by a dreaded gangster named Vasu. Prasad gets accused of the murder and is jailed. Vimal saves Prasad by telling Lakshmi's father, CI Madhavan, that Vasu actually killed her and he was helping them elope and get married. Vasu gets arrested and Prasad gets released. Meanwhile, Vimal comes across an orphaned blind girl, Chembagam. He wins her heart by helping her out.

Thanks to his efforts, Chembagam regains her vision, through Lakshmi's eyes. This results in a tussle between Vimal and Prasad, as to whom Chembagam belongs now. However, fearing his looks, Vimal decides to leave way for the other after he sees Prasad and Chembagam together and misunderstands them. Thoma later finds him and tells him that Chembagam is waiting for him. They decide to get married, but on the night before their wedding, Vasu comes to Vimal's house to kill him. After he learns that Vimal is going to get married, Vasu tries to rape Chembagam. Vimal saves her, but Vasu tries to kill Vimal. When she runs away, Prasad catches her. When he sees Vasu going to kill Vimal, he saves him by fighting off Vasu and kills him, thereby avenging Lakshmi's death. Prasad approves Kunjan and Chembagam before being sent to jail.

The film was mainly shot at various locations in Thodupuzha. It was filmed in 83 days.

The songs of this movie were composed by Mohan Sithara and penned by Yusufali Kechery.^[3] In 2002, Radhika Thilak received best female playback singer award from Kerala film critics association for the song "Omanamalare Ninmaran".^[4][5][6]

A critic from Nowrunning wrote that "Dileep scores again with his new release kunjikoonan. This time he comes in double role, one that of a handicap and has excelled in the role and the other as handsome college boy which is not worth mentioning. Those who expect an entertainer like 'Meesha Madhavan' are likely to be disappointed, at least to some extent".^[7] A critic from Sify wrote that "The highlight of the film is Dileep in the title role and he is extraordinary. Here is one of his most lovable performances as the handicap, though as the handsome Prasad he just passes muster.^[8]

• Kunjikoonan at IMDb