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{{about|the 1966 Indian film|the novel on which the film is based on|Chemmeen (novel)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Chemmeen
| image = Chemmeen.JPG
| caption = Poster
| director = [[Ramu Kariat]]
| producer = [[:ml:ബാബു_ഇസ്മയിൽ_സേട്ടു|Babu Ismail Sait (Kanmani Babu)]]
| screenplay = [[S. L. Puram Sadanandan]]
| based_on = {{based on|''[[Chemmeen (novel)|Chemmeen]]''|[[Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai]]}}
| starring = [[Sathyan (Malayalam actor)|Sathyan]] [[Sheela]] [[Madhu (actor)|Madhu]] [[Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair]]
| music = [[Salil Chowdhury]]
| cinematography = [[Marcus Bartley]] [[:ml: വർഗ്ഗം:യു._രാജഗോപാൽ_കാമറ_ചലിപ്പിച്ച_ചലച്ചിത്രങ്ങൾ|U. Rajagopal]]
| editing = [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]] [[K. D. George]]
| studio = Kanmani Films
| distributor =
| released = {{Film date|1966|8|19|df=y}}
| runtime =
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
| budget = {{INR}}8 lakhs<ref name="boxoffice">{{Cite news |last=Pradeep |first=K |date=13 August 2015 |title=Behind the scenes of Chemmeen |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/collection-of-facts-and-trivia-about-malayalam-film-chemmeen/article7530083.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411204415/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/collection-of-facts-and-trivia-about-malayalam-film-chemmeen/article7530083.ece |archive-date=11 April 2017 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
| gross = {{INR}}40 lakhs <ref name="boxoffice" />
}}
'''''Chemmeen''''' ({{translation|The [[Prawn]]}}) is a 1966 Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[romance film]], based on the [[Chemmeen (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai]]. It was adapted into a screenplay by [[S. L. Puram Sadanandan]], directed by [[Ramu Kariat]], and produced by Babu Ismail Sait under the banner Kanmani Films. The film stars [[Sheela]] as Karuthamma, [[Sathyaneshan Nadar|Sathyan]] as Palani, [[Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair]] as Chembankunju, and [[Madhu (actor)|Madhu]] as Pareekutty. The film tells the story of a pre-marital and later extra-marital relationship between Karuthamma, the daughter of an ambitious fisherman, and Pareekutty, the son of an affluent trader.

The theme of the film is a popular legend among the fishermen communities along the coastal [[Kerala]] State in southern India regarding chastity. The legend says that if a married fisherwoman is unfaithful when her husband is out at sea, the Sea Goddess (''Kadalamma'' literally meaning the Mother Sea) would consume him. It has cinematography by [[Marcus Bartley]] and U. Rajagopal, and editing by [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]] and [[K. D. George]]. The original score and songs were composed by [[Salil Chowdhury]], with lyrics by [[Vayalar Ramavarma|Vayalar]], and songs featuring the voices of [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[P. Leela]], [[Manna Dey]] and [[Santha P. Nair]].

The film was censored in late 1965 and released on 19 August 1966. It received strongly positive critical reviews and was recognised as a technically and artistically brilliant film. This movie was a blockbuster and broke many records. It is usually cited as the first notable creative film in [[South India]] and is one of the popular [[cult]] [[classic]]s in Malayalam cinema.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Venkiteswaran|first=C. S.|date=2015-08-13|title=Chemmeen: 50 Years of a Classic|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/malayalam-film-chemmeen-completes-50-years-of-its-release/article7530129.ece|access-date=2021-06-14|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=10 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710225830/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/malayalam-film-chemmeen-completes-50-years-of-its-release/article7530129.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Gupta|1980|loc=''Chemmeen'' (1965), by Ramu Kariat in Kerala, is usually cited as the first notable creative film in the South}} It was also the first South Indian film to win the [[President of India|Indian President]]'s [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|Gold Medal for the Best Feature Film]], doing so in 1965. It was screened at various international film festivals and won awards at the [[Cannes Film Festival|Cannes]] and [[Chicago International Film Festival|Chicago]] festivals. The film was included in the list of ''100 greatest Indian films'' by [[IBN Live]].<ref name=IBN2 /> ''Chemmeen'' was dubbed and released in Hindi as ''Chemmeen Lahren'' and in English as ''The Anger of the Sea''. A sequel, ''[[Thirakalkkappuram]]'', was released in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/sandakozhi-2-Tamil-film-sequels-time-between-release|title=Mind The Gap: Tamil Sequels And The Time Between Them|work=[[Film Companion]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016203230/https://www.filmcompanion.in/sandakozhi-2-Tamil-film-sequels-time-between-release|archive-date=16 October 2018}}</ref>

== Plot ==

Karuthamma is the daughter of an ambitious fisherman, Chembannkunju. She is in love with a young fish trader, Pareekutty. Chembankunju's only aim in life is to own a boat and net. Pareekutty finances Chembankunju to realise this dream. This is on a condition that the haul by the boat will be sold only to him. Karuthamma's mother Chakki learns of her daughter's affair with Pareekutty, and reminds her daughter about the life they lead within the boundaries of strict social tradition and warns her to keep away from such a relationship. The fisherfolks believe that a fisherwoman has to lead a life within the boundaries of strict social traditions.

Karuthamma sacrifices her love for Pareekutty and marries Palani, an orphan discovered by Chembankunju in the course of one of his fishing expeditions. Following the marriage, Karuthamma accompanies her husband to his village, despite her mother's sudden illness and her father's requests to stay. In his fury, Chembankunju disowns her. On acquiring a boat and a net and subsequently adding one more, Chembankunju becomes more greedy and heartless. With his dishonesty, he drives Pareekutty to bankruptcy. After the death of his wife, Chembankunju marries Pappikunju, the widow of the man from whom he had bought his first boat. Panchami, Chembankunju's younger daughter, hates her stepmother and her son and constantly taunts them. Pappikunju's son, unable to bear the constant humiliation by Panchami, decides to leave in search of a better life. Emotionally blackmailed by her son, Pappikunju steals money from Chembankunju's savings and gives it to her son. Panchami finds this out and informs Chembankunju. He ousts Pappikunju from their home, and turns mad due to the setbacks faced in his life. Alarmed by her father's madness, Panchami leaves home to join Karuthamma.

Meanwhile, Karuthamma has endeavoured to be a good wife and mother, but scandal about her old love for Pareekutty spreads in the village. Palani's friends ostracise him and refuse to take him fishing with them. Supported by Karuthamma, Palani starts to go fishing in a single-man boat. They slowly prosper and become parents to a daughter. Palani initially trusts his wife, but due to the constant vile talk by the villagers, seeds of doubt start to get sown in his mind. One day, when he hears Karuthamma enquiring about Pareekkutty to Panchami, he confronts her, and accuses Karuthamma of cheating and leaves in the night to go on his fishing expedition. By a stroke of fate, Karuthamma and Pareekutty meet that night and their old love is awakened. Palani, at sea alone and baiting a shark, is caught in a huge whirlpool and is swallowed by the sea. Next morning, Karuthamma and Parekutty, are also found dead hand in hand, washed ashore. At a distance, there lies the body of the shark which was baited by Palani.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/classic-movie-of-all-time/article38372423.ece | title=Why 'Chemmeen' remains a high point in Malayalam cinema | newspaper=The Hindu | date=3 February 2022 | last1=Roy | first1=Piyush | archive-date=6 February 2022 | access-date=6 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206115543/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/classic-movie-of-all-time/article38372423.ece | url-status=live }}</ref>

== Cast ==
{{cast listing|
*[[Sheela]] as Karuthamma
*[[Madhu (actor)|Madhu]] as Pareekutty
*[[Sathyan (Malayalam actor)|Sathyan]] as Palani
*[[Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair]] as Chembankunju
*[[Adoor Bhavani]] as Chakki
*[[Latha Raju]] as Panchami
*[[Adoor Pankajam]] as Nalla Pennu
*[[S. P. Pillai]] as Achankunju
*Rajakumari Venu as Pappikkunju
*[[Philomina]]
*[[Paravoor Bharathan]]
*[[Nilambur Ayisha]]
*Jerrardh Josekutty as Shark
}}

== Production ==

=== Development ===
{{Main|Chemmeen (novel)}}
Kariat bought the rights from Thakazhi for {{INR}}8000, a comparatively large sum for a Malayalam novel then.<ref name = hindu>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/collection-of-facts-and-trivia-about-malayalam-film-chemmeen/article7530083.ece|title=Behind the scenes of Chemmeen|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 August 2015|last1=By|first1=Compiled|last2=Pradeep|first2=K.|archive-date=11 April 2017|access-date=16 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411204415/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/collection-of-facts-and-trivia-about-malayalam-film-chemmeen/article7530083.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=9433257&programId=7940958&channelId=-1073751665&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=9|title=തകഴിയെ കാത്ത കാത്ത|newspaper=[[Malayala Manorama]]|date=1 June 2011|access-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404154713/http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=9433257&programId=7940958&channelId=-1073751665&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=9|archive-date=4 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> With adapting the novel, [[Ramu Kariat]] was taking a big risk as everybody in the film circle was almost certain that the film would be no patch on the novel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/28/stories/2008012852290300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129231946/http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/28/stories/2008012852290300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2008 |title=Cinema limits freedom of viewers |date=28 January 2008 |access-date=27 May 2011 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The project was bankrolled by Babu Ismail Sait under the banner Kanmani Films. Once Ramu Kariat had decided to make a film based on the novel, he approached several people including the [[Government of Kerala|Kerala State Government]] for funds to produce the film. On one of these journeys, he met Babu Ismail Sait (Kanmani Babu). Then in his early twenties, Kanmani Babu agreed to finance the film.<ref name="hindu" />

=== Filming ===
Although the novel was set in the coastal area of [[Alappuzha]], The film was shot from [[Nattika]] beach in Thrissur and [[Varkala Beach]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralatourism.com/php/placeDetails.php?plid=179&cid=2&did=14&linkid=&partid=|title=Thrissur " Nattika Beach|publisher=Keralatourism.com|access-date=29 May 2011|archive-date=22 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122012035/http://www.keralatourism.com/php/placeDetails.php?plid=179&cid=2&did=14&linkid=&partid=|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ramu Kariat wanted to shoot the film in the exact locations mentioned in Thakazhi's novel. But some people at [[Purakkad]] demanded rent for their boats, forcing Kariat to shift the location to [[Nattika]], a place he was familiar with.<ref name = hindu /> In the 40th anniversary of the release of the film, Madhu described how the fisherfolk of Nattika cooperated by offering their homes and clothing for the filming. He also described how Sathyan escaped being drowned in the sea during the shooting.<ref name="40 anniversary">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/11/25/stories/2005112501190200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109223953/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/11/25/stories/2005112501190200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 November 2012 |author=G. Jayakumar|title=Remembering a classic |date=25 November 2005|access-date=27 May 2011 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> After the outdoor shoot was done cinematographer Marcus Bartley had to leave as he had to complete a Dilip Kumar film and U. Rajagopal gave the finishing touches to the film.<ref name = hindu />

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Chemmeen
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Salil Chowdhury]]
| cover =
| released = 1965
| recorded = Bharani Studio Recording Theatre, Madras
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[World Music]]
| length =
| label = [[Saregama|His Master's Voice]]
| producer = Babu Ismail Sait
| prev_title = [[Chand Aur Suraj]]
| prev_year = 1965
| year = 1965
| next_title = ''Ezhuraathrikal''
| next_year = 1968
}}

The music was composed by [[Salil Chowdhary]] and the lyrics were written by [[Vayalar Ramavarma]]. ''Chemmeen'' marked Salil Chowdhary's debut in South Indian music.

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!No. !! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length (m:ss)
|-
| 1 || "Kadalinakkare Ponore" || [[K. J. Yesudas]] || [[Vayalar Ramavarma]] || 3:48
|-
| 2 || "Maanasamaine Varoo" || [[Manna Dey]] || Vayalar Ramavarma || 3:12
|-
| 3 || "Pennaale Pennaale" || K. J. Yesudas, [[P. Leela]], Chorus || Vayalar Ramavarma || 5:39
|-
| 4 || "Puthan Valakkare" || K. J. Yesudas, P. Leela, Chorus, [[K. P. Udayabhanu]], [[Shantha P. Nair]] || Vayalar Ramavarma || 3:19
|-
| 5 || Theme Music || Instrumental || ||2:20
|}

== Awards ==
* [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-04/did-you-know-/32253677_1_national-award-first-malayalam-film-best-feature-film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627114511/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-04/did-you-know-/32253677_1_national-award-first-malayalam-film-best-feature-film |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=Chemmeen won the National Award |access-date=11 October 2012}}</ref>
*[[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Malayalam]] won by ''Hasam Ismail'' (1966)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=+chemmeen|title = Collections|year = 1991}}</ref>
* Certificate of Merit at the [[Chicago International Film Festival]]
* Gold Medal at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] for Best Cinematography – [[Marcus Bartley]]<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100809115516/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/11/stories/2006081101690200.htm "Fifty and still refreshing"]}}. ''The Hindu''. 11 August 2006. Retrieved 24 May 2011.</ref>

== Controversy ==
In 2017, the fishermen community boycotted the [[Golden jubilee|Golden jubilee celebrations]] of the film, conducted by the [[State Government of Kerala|State government]]. The Akhila Kerala Deevara Sabha, an association of fisherfolk, alleged that the movie is the origin for all the insults that the community has faced over the years. Dheevara Sabha general secretary and ex-[[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] V. Dinakaran told ''[[The News Minute]]'' that Malayalam cinema and serials for the last many decades have intentionally portrayed fisherfolk as "uncultured". Further stating “I was in college when I watched ''Chemmeen''. I was shocked to see how the movie projected false stories of our community.”<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2017-02-28 |title=Tired of insulting portrayals, Kerala fisherfolk protest 50-year event on cult film Chemmeen |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tired-insulting-portrayals-kerala-fisherfolk-protest-50-year-event-cult-film-chemmeen-57889 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327111215/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tired-insulting-portrayals-kerala-fisherfolk-protest-50-year-event-cult-film-chemmeen-57889 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Legacy ==
{{quote box
| quote = ''Chemmeen'' is a landmark in Indian cinema not just for its immersive storytelling, but additionally because it is a truly all-India project, its credits serving as a roll call of cross-country icons: cinematographer Marcus Bartley, Hrishikesh Mukherjee as editor, and music by Salil Chowdhury making his Malayalam debut here with a soundtrack featuring singers [[K. J. Yesudas]], [[P. Leela]] and several other artistes, including, for one song, Manna Dey.
| source = [[Anna M. M. Vetticad]], ''[[Firstpost]]''.<ref name="firstpost" />
| align = right
| width = 32.5%
}}
''Chemeen'' is regarded as a [[classic]] in [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]] and has achieved [[Cult film|cult]] status in Malayalam cinema; one of Kariat's most celebrated films, regarded by critics as a masterpiece of [[Malayalam cinema]], credited with simultaneously helping to popularize [[Cinema of South India|South Indian cinema]] in the [[North India|North]] and influencing later South Indian films. It became the first South Indian film to win [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film|President's Gold Medal for the Best Film]].<ref name="Venkiteswaran">{{Cite news |last=Venkiteswaran |first=C. S. |date=2016-03-29 |title=Chemmeen: 50 Years of a Classic |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/malayalam-film-chemmeen-completes-50-years-of-its-release/article7530129.ece |access-date=2022-11-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=10 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710225830/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/malayalam-film-chemmeen-completes-50-years-of-its-release/article7530129.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The film also became the first Indian film to win the Certificate of Merit at the [[Chicago International Film Festival]] and the Gold Medal at the [[Cannes Film Festival]].<ref name=":0">https://web.archive.org/web/20181016203230/https://www.filmcompanion.in/sandakozhi-2-Tamil-film-sequels-time-between-release</ref> The [[Government of Kerala|Kerala State government]] conducted the golden jubilee celebrations of ''Chemmeen'' on 8 April 2017 in [[Alappuzha]]. [[Chief minister (India)|CM]] [[Pinarayi Vijayan]] had inaugurated the event.<ref name=":1" />

In March 2019, C. S. Venkiteswaran of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "Omnipotent and omnipresent like the sea is the presence of the milieu; never before has the life of fisherfolk in all its beauty and misery been portrayed more vividly in Malayalam cinema. Even when they bicker and fight, they readily share all the sorrows and celebrations of life." He further writes, "''Chemmeen'' worked with the most elemental in individual and society, communal and personal life, human emotions and yearnings, which may be the reason why it still holds its mercurial charm."<ref name="Venkiteswaran" /> In September 2020, [[Anna M. M. Vetticad]] of ''Firstpost'' wrote, "Ramu Kariat's ''Chemmeen'' gave me my maiden memory of being mesmerized by the visual aspect of the audiovisual media.<ref name="firstpost">{{Cite web |date=2020-09-22 |title=Indian films that sparked the critic in me: Ramu Kariat's Chemmeen remains misunderstood and misrepresented – even by its admirers |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/indian-films-that-sparked-the-critic-in-me-ramu-kariats-chemmeen-remains-misunderstood-and-misrepresented-even-by-its-admirers-8839641.html |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=[[Firstpost]] |language=en |archive-date=9 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109201003/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/indian-films-that-sparked-the-critic-in-me-ramu-kariats-chemmeen-remains-misunderstood-and-misrepresented-even-by-its-admirers-8839641.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2022, Piyush Roy of ''[[The Hindu]]'' called ''Chemmen'' "A highpoint of Malayalam cinema" and called it "a fine artistic work of human passion." and praised its soundtrack in particular, which Roy felt was the highpoint of the film. He writes, "The high point of ''Chemmeen'', however, is its music that brings together a talented pool of music-makers from north and south. Bollywood music director Salil Chowdhury weaves a timeless score, as he captures the unique sounds of the kaleidoscopic setting."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roy |first=Piyush |date=2022-02-03 |title=Why 'Chemmeen' remains a high point in Malayalam cinema |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/classic-movie-of-all-time/article38372423.ece |access-date=2022-11-09 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In 2013, in an online poll conducted by ''[[CNN-IBN]]'' on their website as part of the 100 years celebration of [[Indian cinema]], ''Chemmeen'' came 23rd in the poll for finding the "greatest Indian film ever".<ref name="IBN2">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130607012016/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mayabazar-is-indias-greatest-film-ever-ibnlive-poll/391184-8-66.html "'Mayabazar' is India's greatest film ever: IBNLive poll"] . [[IBN Live]]. 12 May 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.</ref><ref name="IBN1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130425235027/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/13200-78.html "100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time"]. [[IBN Live]]. 26 April 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.</ref><ref name="IBN3">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130501074840/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ibnlive-poll-vote-for-indias-greatest-film-of-all-time/387871-8.html "IBNLive Poll: Vote for India's greatest film of all time"]. [[IBN Live]]. 26 April 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.</ref> In 2017, [[Kamal Haasan]] included the film in his list of 70 favorite movies, stating "Chemeen ceased to be a Malayalam film, it became the pride of south India, a national film. It's a grown-up love story. The music by Salil Chowdhury, the editing by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the direction by Ramu Kariat...today it looks like a simple film. But it's stunning."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bollywood blockbuster to Kollywood classic: Kamal Haasan picks his 70 favourite movies |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/interactives/kamal-hassan-70-movies |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=Hindustan Times |archive-date=13 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713153725/https://www.hindustantimes.com/interactives/kamal-hassan-70-movies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, [[Mohanlal]] listed ''Chemeen'' in his list of top ten best Indian films of all time, stating "''Chemmeen'' is a classic. Even today, its charm has not diminished."<ref>{{Cite web |title=India's Best Films: Mohanlal |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/07list.htm |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=www.rediff.com |archive-date=9 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109191753/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jun/07list.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, on the occasion of India celebrating its [[Independence Day (India)|70th Independence day]], news agency ''[[NDTV]]'' compiled a list called "70 Years, 70 Great Films" and ''Chemmen'' was among the four Malayalam films that found place in the list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Happy Independence Day: 70 Years, 70 Great Films |url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/happy-independence-day-70-years-70-great-films-15114 |access-date=2022-11-09 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=9 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109191754/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/happy-independence-day-70-years-70-great-films-15114 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite journal|last=Gupta|first=CD|title=New Directions in Indian Cinema|journal=Film Quarterly|year=1980|volume=34|issue=1| pages=32–42|doi=10.1525/fq.1980.34.1.04a00070|jstor=1211852}}
* {{cite news
| url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/11/22/stories/2010112250310400.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121109070813/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/11/22/stories/2010112250310400.htm
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 9 November 2012
| title = ''Chemmeen'' 1965
| author = B. Vijayakumar
| date = 22 November 2010
| newspaper = [[The Hindu]]
| location=Chennai, India
}}
* {{cite news
| url = http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/13/stories/2005101301370200.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051103044301/http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/13/stories/2005101301370200.htm
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 3 November 2005
| title = Celebrating 40 years of a movie classic
| date = 13 October 2005
| newspaper = [[The Hindu]]
| location=Chennai, India
}}

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

{{National Film Award Best Feature Film}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Malayalam}}

[[Category:1966 Indian films]]
[[Category:1966 Malayalam-language films]]
[[Category:Best Feature Film National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Films based on Malayalam novels]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ramu Kariat]]
[[Category:Films scored by Salil Chowdhury]]
[[Category:Films shot in Thrissur]]
[[Category:Malayalam films in series|Chemmeen1]]

Chemmeen - Revision history

Silentbram at 09:22, 11 April 2026