“Helen” is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Mathukutty Xavier. The film follows the story of Helen (Anna Ben), a young woman working at a fast-food restaurant in Kochi, Kerala. One day, she finds herself trapped inside a freezer in the restaurant after it shuts down, with no one around to help her. The film explores her struggle to survive in the extreme conditions, while her father (Lal) and boyfriend (Noble Babu Thomas) search for her.
Review:
“Helen” received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and story. The film was noted for its ability to create tension and suspense despite being set in a confined space. Anna Ben's performance as Helen was particularly praised, with critics calling it a breakthrough role for the young actress. The film was also commended for its exploration of societal issues, including gender stereotypes and the treatment of women in the workplace.
Awards:
“Helen” won several awards at various film festivals, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for Anna Ben. The film also won the Best Debut Director award for Mathukutty Xavier at the 50th International Film Festival of India.
Popularity:
“Helen” was a commercial success in Kerala, grossing over 25 crore INR (approximately $3.4 million USD) at the box office. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising its storytelling and performances. It has since gained a cult following and is considered one of the best Malayalam films of 2019.
| Directed by | Mathukutty Xavier |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Vineeth Sreenivasan |
| Written by | Alfred Kurian JosephNoble Babu ThomasMathukutty Xavier |
| Starring | Anna Ben, Lal, Noble Babu Thomas, |
| Music by | Shaan Rahman |
| Cinematography | Anend C. Chandran |
| Edited by | Shameer Muhammed |
| Production companies |
Habit of Life Big Bang Entertainments |
| Distributed by | Funtastic Films |
| Release date | 15 November 2019 |
| Running time | 117 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |