Director Ranjith seems to be churning out good films one after the other. His recent films - 'Thirakadha', 'Kerala Cafe' and 'Palerimanikyam' – have set new trends and standards in the industry.



'Palerimanikyam' directed by him, based on a novel by TP Rajeevan, fared well at the box-office and also won the State award for the Best Film in 2009. 'Kerala Cafe', the portmanteau experiment, with 10 directors making their own short-films on a single theme, produced by Ranjith also invited fare responses from the critics and viewers. He has always dared to experiment with the medium, and the latest flick 'Pranchiyattan and the Saint' is no different.

His strong conviction to the use of sublime humor was visible in his earlier works like 'Peruvannapurathe visheshangal' (1989) and ‘Georgekutty c/o Georgekutty’(1991). In the film 'Pranchiyettan', he uses it in its variety.



‘Pranchiyettan’ is structured around the conversations between Saint Francis of Assisi, played by Jesse Fox Allen and Pranchi, played by Mammootty. Pranchiyettan or Cherammel Enashu Francis was born into a much affluent merchant family in Thrissur. He is an uneducated lad, who is always behind vainglory in his life. His efforts to make the society recognise him makes the story of the film.

Pranchi is alone, and has only a group of friends as his kiths and kin. He is a man of many failures, and has not even completed his formal schooling. To gain a reputation in the society, he even tries to buy the ‘Padmashree’ award.

Ranjith had weaved the story in his own subtle way. The sublime spoof displayed in the film is its fun part. The Thrissur native slang used in the film also pulsates the undercurrent humor.

The film takes a subtle dig at all the hypocrisies in the society, and stresses on the importance of humanity in life. The failures in Pranchi’s life make him look beyond money, and he takes to a new life of a father and a lover.

Mamootty has yet again proved his caliber as a versatile actor. Master Ganapathy as teenager Pauli has given a shoulder-to-shoulder performance with Mamootty. Innocent, Ramu, Tiny Tom, TG Ravi, Siddique and Khushboo have done their roles with ease and charm. Priyamani in a guest leaves no stone unturned.



Yet, all the credit goes to Ranjith who doubles as a scriptwriter and director for the film. Venu, as the man behind the camera has done a flawless job. The art department and the editing have also fared well, which adds to the mood of the film.