Pazhassi Raja gets bumper opening

Pazhassi Raja, said to be the costliest Malayalam film to date, received an overwhelming response at the box office.

Superstar Mammootty, who plays the lead in it, is on cloud nine and says this is the "movie of the century".

"My mobile hasn't stopped ringing since morning and each and every caller is as excited as I am. Believe me, this is what inspires me to work harder," says Mammootty.

Mammootty is currently shooting for his next film Chattambinadu at Palani.

The film has been made at a budget of Rs 27 crore.

"I am of course happy and what made me happier is the fact that people said they felt a sense of patriotism after seeing the film. That is why I feel that this is the cinema of the century," added the superstar who has had an excellent 2009 year with all his films becoming box office hits.

Expectations were high from Pazhassi Raja because Mammootty, eminent writer MT Vasudevan Nair and director Hariharan came together after two decades.

Other high points of the film are Illayaraja's music and the sound effects by Oscar winner Resul Pookutty.

The film took two-and-a-half years of shooting in thick forests.

The film is set in the 18th century and is about Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja of the Kottayam royal family.

Irked by the revenue policy of East India Company in Malabar, Pazhassi Raja's was one of the first voices to be raised against British rule in India, though not many people are aware of him outside Kerala.

The film's climax has been changed.

"They have changed a bit because originally Pazhassi Raja commits suicide and in the film he is seen falling to the bullet of the British. Overall it has come out well and a must see," said Aravind Sasi, film critic who saw the first show.

Expectations were high from Pazhassi Raja because Mammootty, eminent writer MT Vasudevan Nair and director Hariharan came together after two decades.

Mohanlal lends his voice for the Malayalam version. [With inputs from IANS]