Christian Brothers (film)

The film was announced as a big budget film but the Kerala Film Producers Association had set a norm that no Malayalam film should have a budget of more than ₹3.5 crore. The association refused to give a clearance for the film's shoot. The producers stated that given the star-cast and the subject of the film, it is not possible to make it at a lesser budget. Following the interests from stars, exhibitors and theatre-owners, the film was given a clearance despite its budget, which was many times the restriction set by the association.[2]

Tamil actor Arjun Sarja registered a complaint with Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) about using his name and photographs in connection with the film without his consent or knowledge.[3] Arjun commented that no one has approached him to act in Christian Brothers and all this has happened without his consent or knowledge.[2] However, the issue was resolved when there came an official clarification that Arjun will not be a part of the film.[4]

In February 2010, it was reported that the producers of Christian Brothers excluded actor Thilakan from the film at the request of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), the predominant film technicians association. Thilakan had been earlier signed for the role played by Saikumar in the film.[5] On 3 February 2010, Thilakan publicly protested against the unofficial ban enforced on him by FEFKA. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists issued a show cause notice to Thilakan for bringing the issue into the public domain. Thilakan accused AMMA, of which he too is a member.[6] Several political parties came out openly in support of Thilakan.[7]

The film began production on 11 January 2010. First schedule of the film occurred at various locales in Kerala from January through September 2010. Palamattam tharavadu, where the major parts of the film is set was shot from Netto's bungalow near Edakochi.[8] The second schedule, which mainly included picturisation of a song, commenced in London the same month.[9] The principal photography was completed by the end of 2010.

The film was made on a budget of ₹8 crore (US$1.1 million), a high budget for a Malayalam film at that time.[1] Christian Brothers completed 100 days run at theatres.[12] In two weeks, the film grossed ₹11.35 crore (US$1.6 million) from Kerala box office with a distributors share of ₹5.60 crore (US$790,000).[13] It did good business in initial weeks grabbing a distributors share of ₹8.5 crore (US$1.2 million) in 25 days.[14] The film grossed ₹17.4 crore (US$2.4 million) at the box office in two months. Christian Brothers was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year.[15] Apart from the box office revenue, the film made ₹5 crore (US$700,000) from satellite, overseas and outside Kerala distribution rights.[16]

The film received mixed reviews upon release.[17] Neethu Reghukumar of Bangalore Mirror gave a positive review and said, "The much-anticipated Christian Brothers proved to be worth the wait. Finally fans have something to rejoice as he has made a rollicking start this year. Back in all elements, all steals the show, firing on all cylinders. However, at no stage the multi-starrer film does appear as a one-man show."[18]

M. Ashitha of Deccan Herald commented, "True, too many cooks spoil the broth. Despite having the luxury of actors like Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Dileep and Sarath Kumar together in the movie, Christian Brothers turns out not to be a disappointment. The film, heavily depending on the star power, is a good entertainment."[19] Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff.com stated, "Christian Brothers is a typical multi-starrer that is made with an eye at the box office with not much depth in the subject. But you still get entertained."[20]

Sify.com's reviewer rated the film as a "Racy Entertainer" and stated, "Christian Brothers is a loud and high voltage thriller, for which you don't have to use your brains much. It could have definitely been more enjoyable if it was shorter by some twenty minutes or so, but even in the current form it could make you smile as the end credits start rolling. It's absolutely a no logic-popcorn fun and perhaps not meant to be taken too seriously."[21]