Setbacks in Mollywood: Directors and Their Notable Flop Movies

Jeethu Joseph, a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, has helmed numerous successful and critically lauded movies throughout his career. Among his standout works is the acclaimed film 'Drishyam,' celebrated for its compelling narrative and stellar performances. While he has achieved box office success with many of his projects, Jeethu Joseph, like any filmmaker, has also encountered setbacks. Among his less successful ventures, 'Mr & Ms Rowdy' stands out as one of the director's biggest disappointments. Despite his notable achievements, this particular film faced challenges at the box office, marking a notable downturn in Jeethu Joseph's otherwise illustrious career.

The impact of 'Pulimurugan' on Malayalam cinema is unforgettable, marking the first Malayalam movie to surpass 100 crores globally. Directed by Vaishakh and featuring Mohanlal in the lead role, the film became a milestone in the industry's history. Despite this success, like many directors, Vaishakh has experienced setbacks in the form of box office failures.

Among these challenges, the romantic-comedy drama 'Cousins' stands out as one of Vaishakh's most significant flops. Despite its star-studded cast, the movie failed to captivate the audience due to a lackluster screenplay, contributing to its poor performance at the box office.

Fazil is considered a key figure in shaping the direction of Malayalam cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. He  has showcased versatility in his filmmaking, exploring various genres ranging from family dramas to romantic films. His ability to connect with the audience through emotionally engaging narratives has been a hallmark of his work. When reflecting on Fazil's career and his encounters with setbacks in cinema, the film 'Living Together' stands out as the initial entry on the list of his less successful endeavors. The movie, despite Fazil's established reputation, faced challenges on the big screen, contributing to its classification among his less triumphant works.

The romantic thriller 'Laila Oh Laila' stands out as the most significant setback in the career of veteran filmmaker Joishy. Featuring Mohanlal and Amala Paul in lead roles, the screenplay was penned by the renowned Bollywood writer, Suresh Nair. Adding to the film's ensemble, Tamil veteran actor Sathyaraj played a pivotal role.  What makes this production distinctive is its unique funding method — 'Laila Oh Laila' was brought to the screen through a crowdfunding initiative managed by Finecut Entertainments, spearheaded by Santhosh Kottayi, Bijou Nambiar, and Preetha Nair. Despite its high-profile cast and production approach, the film experienced a significant downturn at the box office.

Santosh Sivan, a distinguished figure in the realm of cinematography, has lent his visual brilliance to numerous Indian and international films. His collaborations with esteemed filmmakers have resulted in critically acclaimed works. Beyond his cinematographic prowess, Santosh Sivan has showcased his directorial talents in various films.

He made his Malayalam directorial venture with 'Anandabhadram' in 2005. His another directorial venture includes Urumi and Before the rain.  However, every filmmaker encounters challenges, and in Santosh Sivan's case, the Malayalam film 'Jack & Jill' stands out as his most commercially unsuccessful venture. Released in 2022 and featuring Manju Warrier and Kalidas Jayaram in lead roles, the film faced a lackluster response at the box office. 

Priyadarshan's directorial venture, 'Kunjali Marakkar,' hit the screens on December 2, 2021, featuring the renowned actor Mohanlal in the lead role. However, the film received predominantly unfavorable reactions from audiences, leading to its commercial failure at the box office. Despite the presence of multi-stars and the director's credentials, the movie faced challenges in resonating with the viewers, resulting in its lackluster performance.