Akkara Kazhchakal () is an Indian Malayalam-language sitcom that aired on Kairali TV from 2008 to 2010. The series consisted of fifty episodes which chronicled the lives of a middle-class Malayali family settled in the United States of America. The show was created by Abi Varghese and Ajayan Venugopalan and starred relative newcomers as the leads.
The show is regarded as the first true Malayalam sitcom with real-life situations and witty dialogues. The series was considered a refreshing break for the Malayali audience. It broke broadcasting conventions when it was uploaded to YouTube in its entirety by the show's creators. Akkara Kazhchakal has enjoyed widespread popularity during its initial run as well as in the subsequent years. The series has been especially commended for its realistic portrayal of day-to-day Malayali life, social commentary and satirical humour. Josekutty Valiyakallumkal has been widely praised for his portrayal of George Thekkumoottil, the patriarch of the family.
The show's popularity lead to a film titled Akkarakazhchakal: The Movie.
Premise
George Thekkinmootil is a Malayali from Aymanam. He moved to the U.S., after marrying Rincy who is a nurse working in New Jersey. Having grown up in Kerala, he is often nostalgic and emotional about his homeland. Rincy, by contrast has accustomed to the American life, and is not bothered much by it. A running gag throughout the show is the cultural divide between George and his children. Though he is critical of their embracement of the American culture, he is a loving father and often tells them how fortunate they are to enjoy such a great life in America. At the onset of the series, George is stuck in a job that he dislikes and tries launching various businesses, all of which backfire. He finally settles down as an insurance agent after clearing the Insurance License Exam, and starts his own Insurance firm.
Gregory is George's ever-stammering insurance assistant. Even though his actual name is Gregory, George calls him "Girigiri" because of his stammering. His constant need for snacks is often criticized by George. Rincy is very fond of Gregory and considers him like the younger brother she never had. Gregory walks out after being irritated by Appachan, and Candy is recruited to take his place. But soon Gregory joins back as Candy steals George's laptop & runs away and he got fired from his job.
Another plot line that runs parallel to George's is Mahesh (Mahi) and Babykuttan (Baby). They land in the U.S. from Kerala through George's friend, Jose, who is a placement agent in New Jersey. On their very first day, they almost ended up being arrested by a cop after the fire alarm went off because they burned an omelet. The police officer mistook their Puttu Kodam, used for making Puttu, for a marijuana (colloquially "pot") vaporizer. Their housemates Krish (Jayan Joseph) and Baiju (Geo Thomas) moved in with them after losing their jobs during the IT recession.
There are a few episodes in which Appachan prepares grape pickles around the grape season, and Girigiri helps him sell them in the local Indian grocery store under the brand name Appachan's Achar.
Cast Main Josekutty Valiyakallumkal as George Thekkinmootil (Chettai/Kochu Kunju), an insurance agent Sajini Sachariah as Rincy George, George's wife, a nurse by profession Febin Joseph as Matt (Mathaikunju), George's son Felisha Joseph as Chakkimol, George's daughter Jacob Gregory as Gregory John (Girigiri), George's assistant
Recurring Character Portrayed by Role Appachan Paulose Palatty George's father Mahesh (Mahi) Hari Dev Nurse Babykuttan Sanjeev Nair Nurse Baiju Geo Thomas Software engineer Krishankutty (Krish) Jayan Joseph Software engineerSunny Singh Amarpreet Nanda Roommate of Mahi and Babykuttan Shiny Shine Roy Rincy's friend Jacob Embranthiri Saji Sebastian A wine-loving scientist and Shiny's husband. Achan Joseph Mathew Kuttolamadom Parish Priest Prasava Gopi Devassy Palatti Insurance agent. George's main competitor in the field Candy Cynthia Elizabeth Giannetti George's Temporary assistant Manager Gracey James George's manager Ikkili Chacko Sunny Kalloppara Dispatcher at George's workplaceJose Kurian Valiyakallumkal Georgekutty's friend Philip Rengit Peter Madaparambath Video cassette loaner Richard Bris KocakNursing superintendent Policeman Richard Lampone Policeman who questions Mahi & BabykuttanPaul Greg Vorob Josekutty's neighbour MollyMalini Krishna Chackochan's wife Chackochan Peter NeendoorSoman SomanMalayali shop owner
Episode list
Production
Abi Varghese was unable to get producers to finance a Malayalam film. He met Ajayan Venugopalan and decided to make a television series based on their own lives. Varghese and Venugopalan discussed the scripts during lunch breaks since they both had corporate jobs. Many incidents from Varghese's real life were used in the television series. A group of local artists dubbed the "Infamous Coconuts" acted in the film for fun and were not paid. Varghese edited the episodes during the nights."Infamous Coconuts" Abi Varghese shares his inspiration for Akkara Kazhchakal
Filming locations The house of George Thekkinmootil's family is located in Englewood which is Abi Varghese's real home. Mahi and Babykuttan stay in a house that is located in North Brunswick, Ajayan Venugopalan's real home.
Soundtrack
Akkara Kazchakal - The Movie
Following the success of Akkara Kazhchakal, the team planned to release a movie calling it Akkara Kazhchakal - The Movie. The movie was released in the United States on 29 April 2011, and produced by Infamous Coconuts & BOM TV.
In the film, Thekkinmootil Family decides to move Appachan and Ammachi to an old age home in Kerala. Meanwhile, between the jobs and a new insurance office, George and Rincy finds it hard to spend time with the family. With Rincy, kids and Appachan complaining about a much needed break, George finally decides to take the family on a vacation to Niagara Falls.
Critical reception Nita Sathyendran of The Hindu reviewed, "It looks like George has not only delivered on his promise but has also managed to endear himself to his viewers."The Hindu Online review Jacob A. C. of Mathrubhumi said, "The victory of Akkara Kazhchakal lies in the fact that it was able to introduce the day to day life of an Malayali-American a lighter mood."Mathrubhumi review
Show timings Country Showtime Re-run India 10:00pm IST - 10:30pm IST (Mon) United States 15:00 EST - 15:30 EST (Sat) 22:30 EST - 23:00 EST (Fri)
Viewership This sitcom had an estimated 80,000 weekly viewers.
See also Metro Park
References
External links