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'''{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Action Hero Biju
| image          = Action Hero Biju (2016) - Poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Abrid Shine]]
| writer         = Abrid Shine<br />Muhammad Shafeeq
| producer       = [[Nivin Pauly]]<br>Shibu Thekkumpuram<br>Abrid Shine<ref>{{cite news|title=Nivin Pauly turns Producer|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/nivin-pauly-action-hero-biju-production-abrid-shine-starts-rolling.html|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/interview/nivin-pauly-on-action-hero-biju-and-producing-movie.html|title=Nivin Pauly won't give in, 'Action Hero Biju' can wait|work=ManoramaOnline}}</ref>
| starring       = {{ubl|Nivin Pauly|[[Anu Emmanuel]]|[[Saiju Kurup]]|Kalabhavan Prajod|[[Joju George]]|[[Rony David]]}}
| narrator       = [[Lal Jose]]
| cinematography = Alex J. Pulickal
| editing        = [[Manoj (film editor)|Manoj]]
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br>[[Jerry Amaldev]]<br>Suresh Thampanoor<br>'''Score:'''<br>[[Rajesh Murugesan]]
| studio         = [[Nivin Pauly|Pauly Jr. Pictures]]<br />[[Abrid Shine|Full On Studios]]
| distributor    = [[LJ Films]] & Tricolor Entertainment
| released       = {{Film date|2016|02|04|df=yes|[[India]]}}
| runtime        = 150 minutes<ref>{{cite web|title=Action Hero Biju {{!}} British Board of Film Classification|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/action-hero-biju-film|publisher=bbfc.co.uk|access-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = [[Malayalam]]
| budget         = {{INR}}3 [[crore]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/yearender-good-bad-retrospect-2016/highest-grossing-malayalam-movies-of-2016.html|title=Top 10 highest grossing Mollywood movies of 2016...|work=Malayala Manorama|date=5 December 2016}}</ref>
| gross          = <!--Do not remove--><!--per WT:ICTF consensus--> {{INR}}32 crore<ref name="auto">{{cite news|last=Nair|first=Aneesh|title=Mollywood's half-yearly report card is out. Guess who has beaten 'em all|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/malayalam-movie-box-office-collection-half-year-report.html|access-date=23 June 2016|work=Malayala Manorama|date=20 June 2016|quote=...went on to run for 100 days at a stretch and minted over Rs.30 crore in the process.}}</ref>
}}

'''''Action Hero Biju''''' is a [[List of Malayalam films of 2016|2016]] Indian [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]]-language [[police procedural]] [[Drama film|drama]] [[film]] directed by [[Abrid Shine]]. The film chronicles the professional life of Biju Paulose ([[Nivin Pauly]]), a sub-inspector in [[Kochi City Police]]. Nivin jointly produced the film with Shine and Shibu Thekkumpuram. It was co-written by Muhammad Shafeeq and Shine. [[Jerry Amaldev]] composed the original songs, while [[Rajesh Murugesan]] composed score. Principal photography began in May 2015 and ended in October 2015.

After being postponed several times, ''Action Hero Biju'' was released in [[Kerala]] on 4 February 2016 and rest of India the following day. The film was a commercial success at the box office. Nivin Pauly won [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam ]] for his performance in this film in [[64th Filmfare Awards South|2016]] at 64th Filmfare Awards South.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-the-64th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-21594.html|title=Winners of the 64th Jio Filmfare Awards (South)|website=filmfare.com}}</ref> [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]] only had a brief cameo in the movie, but it is considered as a turning point in his career as he underwent a complete evolution with his acting.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Madhu|first=Vignesh|date=2017-08-02|title=Action Hero Bjiu was the mega bumper after which offers started pouring in: Suraj Venjaramoodu|url=http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/action-hero-bjiu-mega-bumper-offers-started-pouring-suraj-venjaramoodu/|access-date=2021-07-12|website=onlookersmedia|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Plot==
The story opens as sub-inspector Biju Poulose is informed of the location of a few wanted criminals in his [[jurisdiction]]. As he corners and apprehends them, he gets injured when one of the criminals stabs him. Now, the story goes back to a month before the incident when Biju and other officers handle a series of different types of complaints and cases, petty and major, that are registered at the police station.

Biju receives a call from the hospital informing him of a twelve-year-old girl who gets mauled by a dog when she tried to pluck some mangoes from a highly influential businessman's house. Eyewitnesses report that the businessman had purposefully let the dog out. Biju sets out to his house to arrest the businessman. However, some local politicians try to use their political power to prevent the case from being registered. Biju tracks the culprit from a club and arrests him.

The next complaint resolved was lodged by a lady who was yet to receive her salary. When Biju tries to mediate a negotiation between the employers and the lady, the employers act callously which enrages Biju. He threatens to shut down their company for registration inaccuracies if the dues are not paid; the employers immediately comply.

Later, Biju encounters a case of a suicide attempt and missing of a [[Navy]] personnel who jumps in to rescue the woman and her child. During the subsequent search, he and his subordinates manage to save the woman. The child dies as people who rescued the child from the river assumed that she died and emergency services didn't take her to the hospital on time. This affects Biju emotionally and the search for the missing Navy man fails. Through the course of the next few days, he resolves different cases including that of an auto driver who stalks a woman he loves, bikers without helmet and a drunk who steals a wireless-set from a careless police officer.

When investigating a substance abuse and battering case by an adolescent he goes after the rising narcotic sales that targets school children, he discovers a group of teenagers purchasing [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] from a notorious criminal during random vehicle checks. He arrests them in the presence of the magistrate and takes them to police station and uses [[Third degree (interrogation)|third degree]] interrogation on the criminal and informs the parents of the teenagers. Biju after giving warnings lets them off without registering the case to avoid spoiling their future. Later he solves a case regarding eloping of a timid Pavithran's wife with their daughter.

Biju tackles a case assigned by his superiors whereby some jewelries stolen from a house. Deducing from the clues and circumstances, Biju suspects the housemaid is the thief. He visits her and during interrogation, finds flaws in her alibi. They confirm her as the culprit and arrests her. Meeting her husband and children, a child is a respected [[Student Police Cadet Project|SPC]] student cadet whom he knows; Biju faces moral dilemma when he comes to know the mother did it to pay school fees. Biju half-heartedly follows the law and takes her to station. The film cuts back to the scene in the beginning of the movie. Through an informant he finds out the location of a murderer and his cohorts in hiding. While pursuing to arrest, gets stabbed by one of them. Biju successfully manages to prevent them from escaping until the rest of the police force arrives.

As he is treated for his wounds in the hospital, he jokes with his fiancée that injuries are common in his occupation and that she is free to marry someone else. Later, it is shown that he survived and that he is apprehending another gang of criminals. In the middle of this his father calls and informs him that his wife has given birth to a daughter. He joyfully receives the news but continues his assigned task of arresting the criminals. A voice over briefs that Biju is not a superhero but one of the many dedicated police officers in the state.

==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
* [[Nivin Pauly]] as [[Sub Inspector|SI]] Biju Paulose a.k.a. Biju
* [[Anu Emmanuel]] as Benitta Dominic a.k.a. Kunjumol
* [[Saiju Kurup]] as [[Circle Inspector|CI]] Manoj Mathew
* [[Joju George]] as [[Police Constable#India|Head Constable]] Minimon
* Kalabhavan Prajod as [[Police Constable#India|Constable]] Nrupan
* [[Rony David]] as [[Police Constable#India|Constable]] Subair
* Sreeja Das as [[Police Constable#India|Constable]] Mariya Joseph
* [[Sohan Seenulal]] as [[Police Constable#India|Constable]] Madhu
* [[Major Ravi]] as [[Deputy Inspector General of Police#India|City Police Commissioner]] Rajasekhar [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
* [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]] as Pavithran
* [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] as Bhavathi
* [[Meghanathan]] as Rajendran, Bhavathi's Husband
* [[Parvathi T]] as Benitta's mother
* [[Suresh Thampanoor]] as drunkard/singer
* [[Abhija Sivakala]] as Pavithran's wife
* [[Kochu Preman]] as Benitta's relative
* Sajan Palluruthy as Kumar
* [[Balachandran Chullikkadu]] as Biju's father
* [[Valsala Menon]] as Benitta's relative
* [[Devi Ajith]] as Rizwan's mother
* [[Ambika Mohan]] as Benitta's relative
* Jayashree Sivadas as SPC cadet leader
* [[Vinduja Menon]] as Hari's wife
* Madan Mohan as the Navy witness
* Madhu Mohan as Shahjahan, [[Attingal]] [[Deputy Superintendent of Police#India|DySP]]
* Bobby Mohan as Dominic, Benitta's father
* Manju Vani as Sherly
* Sreekanth Murali as Advocate
* Prasanth Alexander as Jose Pottakuzhy, Politician
* [[Jude Anthany Joseph]] as Shinto
* Rajesh as Wireless Thief - Cobra
* Azees Nedumangad as a card player

{{colend}}

== Production ==

=== Development ===
In August 2014, after the success of Shine's debut film [[1983 (film)|''1983'']], Shine announced his next project, ''Action Hero Biju'', would star [[Nivin Pauly]]. It was reported that Nivin, Abrid and Shibu Thekkumpuram would both produce the film under Pauly's production banner ''Pauly.Jr Pictures'' and Shine's ''Full on Studios''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Nivin-turns-producer-with-Action-Hero-Biju/articleshow/47233416.cms|title=Nivin turns producer with Action Hero Biju|last=TNN|date=12 May 2015|website=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/ready-setaction/article7380119.ece|title=Ready, set ... action!|last=Vijay George|date=3 July 2015|work=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> From scripting to post-production it almost took two years and the scripting of the film taken ten months to complete which Abrid collaborated with Muhammed Shefeeq.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/abrid-shine-and-nivin-pauly-join-hands-in-action-hero-biju/article8161618.ece|title=Nivin is back in action|last=Shilpa Nair Anand|date=28 January 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

It was earlier reported that Nivin Pauly will be seen as a police officer in the film.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/nivin-pauly-on-films-and-future-projects/article8257551.ece|title=The 'Action hero'|last=Riya Datson|date=19 February 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/action-hero-biju/article8195249.ece|title=Action Hero Biju|date=5 February 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=6 July 2016}}</ref> For the role Nivin took physical training and workouts, special fighting classes and followed special diets to gain more weight and followed workout regimens, to fit the role of a police officer, he spent time with police officers to understand the real feel of a police and to make it realistic.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2015/nivin-pauly-special-training-for-action-hero-biju-200800.html|title=Nivin Pauly's Special Training For Action Hero Biju|date=7 October 2015|website=FilmiBeat|publisher=Filmibeat.com|author=Akhila Menon|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref>

About the title, the director says "The title, ''Action Hero Biju'', stems from my interest in narrating a common man's story. Biju is an extremely common and secular name in [[Kerala]] and I felt it has cuteness about it. My film tells the story of a common man who becomes a brave cop, and I felt the title is a perfect fit".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Nivin-Pauly-will-don-khaki-in-Abrid-Shines-action-film/articleshow/42036961.cms|title=Nivin Pauly will don khaki in Abrid Shine’s action film|date=9 September 2014|agency=[[The Times of India]]|author=Times News Network|access-date=31 March 2016}}</ref> He also explained "The film is a light take on policing, it is not the hardcore police kind of story – it is a mix of humour and action. It is about a police sub-inspector’s heroism. We see the world through his eyes – we experience his views, experiences and emotions".<ref name=":0" /> The title was announced in September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nivin-as-action-hero-biju-news-malayalam-ojiq8ihhagdbf.html|title=Nivin as Action Hero Biju|last=Moviebuzz|date=8 September 2014|publisher=Sify|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

=== Casting and crew ===

Nivin Pauly was selected to play the title character of the film sub-inspector Biju.<ref name=":7" /> Anu who made her debut as a child artist in [[Swapna Sanchari]] (2011) was placed to play the female lead,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/nivin-pauly-wraps-abrid-shines-action-hero-biju-652621|title=Nivin Pauly wraps up Abrid Shine's 'Action Hero Biju'|last=Sachin Jose|date=30 October 2015|work=International Business Times|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Anu-Immanuel-in-Action-Hero-Biju/articleshow/48986841.cms|title=Anu Immanuel in Action Hero Biju?|work=The Times of India|last=Asha Prakash|date=16 September 2015|access-date=2016-07-06}}</ref> who was suggested by her father and producer Thankachan Emmanuel.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/060216/action-filled-comeback.html|title=Action filled comeback|last=Aravind K S|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

In July 2015 director Jude Antony Joseph signed to play a minor role in the film. [[Joju George]], [[Saiju Kurup]], Kalabhavan Prajod, and [[Major Ravi]] were confirmed to do police roles. [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]] and Jayasree who worked on ''1983'' was called to act in the film, in addition around 35 actors were selected to play smaller roles in the film.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/A-nostalgic-romantic-number-featuring-Nivin-and-Anu/articleshow/50795021.cms|title=A nostalgic romantic number featuring Nivin and Anu|last=Deepika Jayaram|date=7 October 2015|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/jojus-joy-ride-in-tinsel-town/article8083269.ece|title=Joju’s joy ride in tinsel town|last=Athira M|date=9 January 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> Suresh Thampanoor was introduced in the film by Abrid when he saw a small [[WhatsApp]] video clip of Suresh performance, he was totally impressed and Suresh was into the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Lines-of-Glory/2016/03/02/article3305644.ece|title=Lines of Glory|last=Saranya S Nair|date=2 March 2016|website=The Indian Express|access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>

The Cinematography was given to Alex J. Pulickal, background score to [[Rajesh Murugesan]] and lyrics were written by Santosh Varma and Harinarayanan. The veteran music director [[Jerry Amaldev]] composed the music for the film, he composed songs for the film after a long break of 20 years.<ref name=":0" /> Editing for the film was panned by [[Manoj (Malayalam film editor)|Manoj]], while sound designer was Raja Krishnan, whereas art direction by M Bawa and costume design by Remya Suresh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/movie-reviews/action-hero-biju-malayalam-movie-review.html|title=ആക്ഷൻ സീറോ, റിയാലിറ്റി ഹീറോ|last=ടോണി മാത്യു (Tony Mathew)|date=4 February 2016|publisher=Manorama Online|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
Filming began in May 2015.<ref name=":2" /> The film was shot in [[Fort Kochi]] in [[Kerala]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Sai-Pallavi-is-not-Nivins-heroine/articleshow/47954704.cms|title=Sai Pallavi is not Nivin's heroine|last=Asha Prakash|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> When [[Anu Emmanuel]] came for the filming almost 50 per cent of the project was shot.<ref name=":1" /> Filming was wrapped up in October 2015 in Kochi and was given for post-production in November.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/Shooting-of-Action-Hero-Biju-winds-up/articleshow/49607884.cms|title=Shooting of Action Hero Biju winds up|last=Deepika Jayaram|date=31 October 2015|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151115/entertainment-mollywood/article/action-biju-release-january|title=Action Biju to release in January|last=Aravind K S|date=15 November 2015|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2016-07-09}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
The soundtrack for the film was composed by [[Jerry Amaldev]]&nbsp;after a long break of 20 years.<ref name=":0" /> [[Rajesh Murugesan]]&nbsp;composed the&nbsp;[[Film score|background score]]&nbsp;of the film while Santhosh Varma and BK Harinarayanan wrote the lyrics.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/music/The-Sanskrit-song-in-Action-Hero-Biju/articleshow/50717120.cms|title=The Sanskrit song in Action Hero Biju|last=Anjana George|date=25 January 2015|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> [[Satyam Audios]] own the audio rights of the film and was released in [[YouTube]] by Satyam Audios itself. The film features 4 tracks. The tracks for the film were recorded in Yesudas's studio in [[Chennai]] and were [[Audio mastering|mastered]] in [[New York City]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/jerry-amaldev-is-back-in-action/article8133231.ece|title=CALLING the tune|last=K. Pradeep|date=21 January 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/malayalam/news/2016/action-hero-biju-first-song-review-a-gem-212563.html|title=Action Hero Biju First Song Review: It's A Gem!|last=Akhila Menon|date=21 January 2016|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> Jerry Amaldev was chosen to compose the songs for the film by Abrid. Abrid met Jerry at his house a few months before the filming where he told Jerry that "he is tired of electronic music and is looking for some good melodies and acoustic instrumented songs".<ref name=":72">{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Striking-a-Right-Comeback-Chord/2016/03/26/article3344580.ece|title=Striking a Right Comeback Chord|last=26 March 2016|publisher=New Indian Express|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

Suresh Thampanoor who also acted in the film as a drunkard sung the song "Muthe Ponne Pinangalle" which is a folk song, was also composed and wrote by him it was released on 11 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/suresh-thampanoors-rise-to-stardom/article8285358.ece|title=On a high|last=Athira M|date=26 February 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> The song became popular on social media and received good reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/watch-song-muthe-ponne-pinangalle-nivin-paulys-action-hero-biju-video-666596|title=Watch the song 'Muthe Ponne Pinangalle' from Nivin Pauly's 'Action Hero Biju' [VIDEO]|last=Anu James|date=11 February 2016|work=International Business Times|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/action-hero-biju-actors-mary-baby-shine-baiju-thank-nivin-pauly-abrid-shine-video-668129#7wtEcp24x4fBGr6Y.97|title='Action Hero Biju' actors Mary, Baby, Shine, Baiju thank Nivin Pauly and Abrid Shine [VIDEO]|last=Anu James|date=24 February 2016|work=International Business Times|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> Pookkal Panineer Pookkal sung by [[K. J. Yesudas|KJ Yesudas]] and [[Vani Jairam|Vani Jayaram]], is a duet which Jerry started working on it in November 2015. Jerry Amaldev used acoustic instruments only for all songs.<ref name=":72" /><ref name=":6" /> Long ago Jerry heard a Young India gramophone version of [[Vande Mataram]] which was composed by [[Rabindranath Tagore]]. It was a monophonic composition and had a chorus he added the song to the film by adding a small difference. It was sung in the film by [[Swetha Mohan]].<ref name=":4" />
{{Track listing
|headline = Tracklist
|extra_column = Singer(s)
|total_length = 18:09
|title1 = Pookkal Panineer
|extra1 = [[K J Yesudas]], [[Vani Jayaram]]
|length1 = 4:23
|title2 = Oonjalilaadi Vanna
|extra2 = [[Chinmayi]], Jerry Amaldev
|length2 = 4:14
|title3 = Chiriyo Chiri
|extra3 = [[Vineeth Sreenivasan]], [[Vaikom Vijayalakshmi]]
|length3 = 3:27
|title4 = Hara Hara
|extra4 = [[Suchith Suresan]], Jerry Amaldev
|length4 = 4:00
|title5 = Muthe Ponne Pinangalle
|extra5 = V Suresh Thampanoor
|length5 = 1:40
|lyrics1 = Santhosh Varma
|lyrics2 = Santhosh Varma
|lyrics3 = Santhosh Varma
|lyrics4 = BK Harinarayanan
|lyrics5 = V Suresh Thampanoor
|title6 = [[Vande Mataram]] <small>(Cover)</small>|lyrics6 = [[Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay]]|extra6 = [[Swetha Mohan]]|length6 = 1:59}}

== Release ==
The film released on 4 February 2016 in 131 screens in Kerala and in 116 screens in rest of India and in more than 10 screens in the [[United States]] on 5 February.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/action-hero-biju-celebrity-review-celebs-call-nivin-pauly-starrer-clean-entertainer-665782|title='Action Hero Biju' celebrity review: Celebs call Nivin Pauly starrer a clean entertainer|date=4 March 2016|agency=[[International Business Times]]|access-date=14 April 2016|author=Anu James}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/action-hero-biju-box-office-collection-nivin-pauly-starrer-gets-fabulous-start-opening-day-665945|title=Action Hero Biju box office collection: Nivin Pauly starrer gets fabulous response on opening day|date=6 February 2016|work=[[International Business Times]]|author=Anu James|access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> It released on&nbsp;68 screens in [[United Arab Emirates]]&nbsp;on 25 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.abudhabi2.com/action-hero-biju-2016-malayalam-movies-in-abu-dhabi/|title=Action Hero Biju (2016) – Malayalam Movie in Abu Dhabi {{!}} Abu Dhabi - Information Portal|website=www.abudhabi2.com|access-date=2016-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofoman.com/article/78198/Entertainment/Film/Nivin-Pauly-starrer-Action-Hero-Biju-set-for-record-release-in-GCC|title=Nivin Pauly starrer Action Hero Biju set for record release in GCC|last=Nishad Padiyarath|date=24 February 2016|publisher=Times of Oman|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> The film was distributed by [[Lal Jose|LJ Films]] of Indian film director [[Lal Jose]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Lal-Jose-to-Team-up-With-Mohanlal-Sreenivasan/2016/02/01/article3254793.ece|title=Lal Jose to Team up With Mohanlal, Sreenivasan|last=Express Features|date=1 February 2016|publisher=New Indian Express|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> Daiwik Films distributed the film in UAE.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofoman.com/article/80497/Entertainment/Film/Nivin-Pauly-to-celebrate-success-of-Action-Hero-Biju-in-UAE|title=Nivin Pauly to celebrate success of Action Hero Biju in UAE|last=Times News Service|date=30 March 2016|publisher=Times of Oman|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref> ''Action Hero Biju'' was released on [[DVD]] and&nbsp;[[VCD]]&nbsp;by Sathyam Audios on 24 May 2016.<ref>{{Citation|title=Action Hero Biju|url=https://www.amazon.in/Action-Hero-Biju-NIVIN-PAULY/dp/B01FUHCCXA/ref=sr_1_4?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1468056698&sr=1-4&keywords=action+hero+biju|publisher=Satyam|language=ml|access-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Critical reception===
Veeyen of Nowrunning.com lauded the film. He states that "the cinematic reconstruction of the life of a police officer that Abrid Shine attempts in 'Action Hero Biju' is efficient to the core, and the craft elements on display exceptional. The mother of all gambles that the film indulges in - of keeping conventionalities at bay - makes it a level-headed film that traverses the rugged planes of law, justice, truth and life with consummate ease."<ref>{{cite web|author=Veeyen|title=Action Hero Biju Review|url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/16126/malayalam/action-hero-biju/5348/review/|website=Nowrunning|access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref>

Arathi Kannan of ''[[Malayala Manorama]]'' rated of 3.5/5 and said "With a salute to the cops, who sweat their ways through their duties and moral obligations, Abrid Shine leaves a sparkling note of thanks before the screen blackout."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kannan|first1=Arathi|title=Action Hero Biju: 'Guards' up|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/action-hero-biju-nivin-pauly-anu-emmanuel-jude-anthany-suraj-malayalam-jerry-amaldev.html|agency=[[Malayala Manorama]]|access-date=6 February 2016}}</ref>

S.R. Praveen writing for ''[[The Hindu]]'' criticised the film for glorifying custodial torture by police especially at a time when [[Kerala Police]] was facing criticism for a spate of custodial deaths across the state. Glorification of sexist and racist remarks uttered by Nivin's character were also called out in the review.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Of self-righteous policing|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/of-selfrighteous-policing/article8205079.ece|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

===Box office===
The film grossed {{INR Convert|17.2|c}} in [[Kerala]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/in-depth/yearender-good-bad-retrospect-2016/highest-grossing-malayalam-movies-of-2016.html|title=Top 10 highest grossing Mollywood movies of 2016...|work=[[Malayala Manorama]]|date=5 December 2016}}</ref> and over {{INR Convert|30|c}} worldwide. It opened well in [[Tamil Nadu]], grossing {{INR Convert|65|l}} in the opening day from more than 12 screens, which is the highest opening gross for a Malayalam film there.<ref name="IBT Biju">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/action-hero-biju-5-day-box-office-will-nivin-pauly-starrer-repeat-premam-success-tamil-nadu-666563|title='Action Hero Biju' 5-day box office: Will Nivin Pauly starrer repeat 'Premam' success in Tamil Nadu?|first=Anu|last=James|access-date=9 June 2017}}</ref> The film grossed an estimated total of {{INRConvert|32|c}} worldwide.<ref name="auto"/> The film ran over 100 days in theatres.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Malayalam films of 2016: The Top 14 highest-grossing movies|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/best-2016-top-14-highest-grossing-movies-malayalam-708394|website=[[International Business Times]]|date=29 December 2016}}</ref>

== Awards and nominations ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Date of ceremony
! Award
! Category
! Recipient(s) and nominee(s)
! class="unsortable" | Result
! class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 18 November 2016
| [[Asiavision Awards]]
| Best Actor – Malayalam
| rowspan="2"| [[Nivin Pauly]]
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/asiavision-movie-awards-2016-announced-sonam-kapoor-nivin-pauly-radhika-apte-ram-charan-others-704008|title=Asiavision Movie Awards 2016 announced|website=International Business Times|date=15 November 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"| 20 January 2017
| rowspan="2"| [[Asianet Film Awards]]
| Popular Actor
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/19th-asianet-film-awards-was-it-pulimurugans-success-meet-nivin-pauly-gets-trolled-netizens-715835|title=19th Asianet Film Awards|website=International Business Times|date=13 February 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
| Best Director
| [[Abrid Shine]]
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="4"| 12 February 2017
| rowspan="4"| [[Vanitha Film Awards]]
| Best Movie on Social Awareness
| ''Action Hero Biju''
| {{won}}
| rowspan="4"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vanitha-film-awards-2017-mohanlal-manju-warrier-win-top-honours-netizens-question-if-they-715259|title=Vanitha Film Awards 2017 winners' list|website=International Business Times|date=8 February 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
| Popular Actor
| Nivin Pauly
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Supporting Actress
| [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]]
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Lyricist – Malayalam
| Santhosh Varma ("Pookkal Panineer")
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[2nd IIFA Utsavam|28—29 March 2017]]
| rowspan="3"| [[IIFA Utsavam]]
| Best Director – Malayalam
| [[Abrid Shine]]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="3"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-utsavam-2017-malayalam-nomination-list-out-maheshinte-prathikaram-charlie-stiff-719352|title=IIFA Utsavam 2017 Malayalam Nominations|website=International Business Times|date=14 March 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
| Best Actor – Malayalam
| Nivin Pauly
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam
| [[Vani Jairam]] ("Pookkal Panineer")
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="5"| [[64th Filmfare Awards South|17 June 2017]]
| rowspan="5"| [[Filmfare Awards South]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Malayalam|Best Film – Malayalam]]
| ''Action Hero Biju''
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="5"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/64th-filmfare-south-awards-2017-heres-malayalam-tamil-telugu-tamil-nomination-lists-730110|title=64th Filmfare South Awards 2017 Nominations|website=International Business Times|date=9 June 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-the-64th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-21594.html|title=Winners of the 64th Jio Filmfare Awards|website=Filmfare|date=17 June 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Malayalam|Best Director – Malayalam]]
| Abrid Shine
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Malayalam|Best Actor – Malayalam]]
| Nivin Pauly
| {{won}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Malayalam|Best Music Director – Malayalam]]
| [[Jerry Amaldev]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam|Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam]]
| [[Chinmayi]] ("Oonjalilaadi Vanna")
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="9"| [[6th South Indian International Movie Awards|30 June – 1 July 2017]]
| rowspan="9"| [[South Indian International Movie Awards]]
| Best Film – Malayalam
| ''Action Hero Biju''
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="9"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-awards-2017-nominations-malayalam-maheshinte-prathikaram-leads-check-date-venue-ticket-728836|title=SIIMA Awards 2017 Malayalam Nominations|website=International Business Times|date=31 May 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><br /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/siima-awards-2017-mohanlal-wins-best-actor-vijay-entertainer-1021933-2017-07-02|title=Winners of the SIIMA Awards 2017 Day 2|website=India Today|date=2 July 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>
|-
| Best Director – Malayalam
| Abrid Shine
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[SIIMA Award for Best Actor|Best Actor – Malayalam]]
| rowspan="2"| Nivin Pauly
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Actor Critics' Choice – Malayalam
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Supporting Actor – Malayalam
| [[Suraj Venjaramoodu]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Supporting Actress – Malayalam
| Rohini
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Comedian – Malayalam
| [[Joju George]]
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Lyricist – Malayalam
| Santhosh Varma ("Pookkal Panineer")
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Female Playback Singer – Malayalam
| Vani Jairam ("Pookkal Panineer")
| {{nom}}
|-
|}

==References== 
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|tt5320514}}

[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:2010s Malayalam-language films]]