Vaibhu at 09:22, 4 May 2026

2026-05-04T09:22:01Z

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{{short description|Indian Malayalam-language soap opera}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox television
| image =
| image_upright =
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| caption =
| alt_name =
| native_name =
| genre = [[Soap opera]]
| creator =
| based_on = {{Based on|''Manjurukum Kaalam''|Joycee}}
| inspired_by =
| developer =
| writer =
| screenplay =
| story =
| director = {{ubl|Binu Vellathooval<ref>{{cite news |last=Nair |first=Vidya |date=February 21, 2018 |title=The twists and turns of fate |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/binu-vellathooval-on-his-serial-bhramanam/article22813488.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>|Manu Joy C<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/literature/literaryworld/son-of-writer-joyce-died-in-accident.html|title=നോവലിസ്റ്റ് ജോയ്സിയുടെ മകൻ ബൈക്കപകടത്തിൽ മരിച്ചു}}</ref>}}
| creative_director =
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Monisha Arshak]]
* [[Nikitha Rajesh]]
* (''[[#Cast|See below]]'')
}}
| voices =
| narrator =
| theme_music_composer = Sanand George
| open_theme = "Aarum Kaanathe Aromalkili Paadunnu"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-news/title-song-of-the-new-novel-bhramanam-by-joysi-in-manorama-weekly.html|title=ജോയ്സിയുടെ ഹൃദ്യമായ നോവലിന് തീവ്രത നിറച്ച് ഒരു നൊമ്പര ഗാനം|work=Manorama online}}</ref>
| end_theme =
| composer = Sanand George
| country = India
| language = Malayalam
| num_seasons = 1
| num_episodes = 571
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| producer = [[Suresh Unnithan]]
| location =
| cinematography = Harilal
| editor =
| camera = [[Multi-camera]]
| runtime = 20-22 minutes
| company = Sree Movies
| budget =
| network = [[Mazhavil Manorama]]
| first_aired = {{Start date|2015|02|16|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2017|03|24|df=y}}
| related =
}}

'''''Manjurukum Kaalam''''' was an Indian [[Malayalam]]-language [[soap opera]] directed by Binu Vellathooval and produced by [[Suresh Unnithan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/manjurukum-kaalam-at-7-30-pm/articleshow/49133517.cms|title=Manjurukum Kaalam, at 7.30 pm|work=The Times of India |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=January 25, 2016 |title=A Poignant Tale |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2016/Jan/25/a-poignant-tale-873100.html |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> The show aired from 16 February 2015 to 24 March 2017 on [[Mazhavil Manorama]], spanning 571 episodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/manjurukum-kaalam-from-today/articleshow/46263162.cms|title=Manjurukum Kaalam from today|work=The Times of India |date=16 February 2015|access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/monisha-is-the-new-janikutty/articleshow/52882817.cms|title=Monisha is the new Janikutty|work=The Times of India|date=23 June 2016 }}</ref> It is an adaptation of the novel with the same name by Joycee.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 2, 2015 |title=A new soap opera to hit the screens |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/trade-news/malayalam/a-new-soap-opera-to-hit-the-screens/articleshow/46095550.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

The narrative followed the life of a young girl, Janaki who navigates a life of extreme hardship, domestic abuse, and complex family dynamics from childhood to adulthood.<ref>{{cite news |last=Soman |first=Deepa |date=February 22, 2016 |title=A Trendsetter, It Still Goes Strong |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2016/Feb/22/a-trendsetter-it-still-goes-strong-895393.html |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> The show featured Keziah Thomas, Niranjana G, Greeshma, Vedika Rajesh, [[Nikitha Rajesh]] and [[Monisha Arshak]] who portrayed the protagonist at different stages of her life. The supporting cast included Manoj Nair, Lavanya Nair, Manju Satheesh, [[Roslin (Malayalam actress)|Roslin]] and Kishore Peethambbaran.

==Plot==
The story centers on Janaki, affectionately known as Janikutty, whose life is a journey from a cherished childhood to a series of grueling hardships. Initially raised as the beloved adopted daughter of Tahsildar Vijayaraghavan and Ratnamma Teacher, her world is turned upside down when the couple finally conceives biological children. No longer the center of their world, Janikutty is treated as a domestic servant and subjected to systematic abuse by Ratnamma. She remains a brilliant and resilient student despite the trauma she endures at home. During her teenage years, Janikutty have a budding romance with Abhijith, the brother of her close friend. However, Ratnamma Teacher sabotages a formal marriage proposal from Abhijith’s family and also forces Janikutty to terminate her education after her higher secondary studies. Abhijith to move to Dubai for work while Janikutty eventually returns to her biological father, Govindankutty. She moves into his home, where she meets his second wife, Vijayamma, and her half-siblings. While Janikutty attempts to bond with her new family, she is subjected to extreme cruelty by Vijayamma’s sister, Chandramathi. Following Govindankutty’s sudden death from a heart attack—Janikutty is left vulnerable. Chandramathi and her husband hire thugs to murder her. Janikutty narrowly escapes the attempt on her life but is left severely injured and hospitalized. While recovering in the hospital, Janikutty meets Shobhana Teacher, a childhood friend of her biological mother. She reveals that Janikutty is actually the heiress to the noble Krishnamangalam family. Her mother had been disowned by the wealthy family years prior for marrying Govindankutty, who belonged to a lower social caste. Having reclaimed her identity and status, she visits a now-remorseful Ratnamma Teacher to offer her grace, maintaining the bond of a daughter despite the years of mistreatment. She finally reunites with Abhijith.

==Cast==
===Main===
*[[Monisha Arshak]] as V.R Janaki (Janikutty)<ref>{{cite web|title=ജാനികുട്ടിയാക്കാൻ സംവിധായകൻ ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടത്|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/serail-actor-janikutty-manjurukum-kalam.html|work=manoramaonline|language=ml}}</ref>
** [[Nikitha Rajesh]] as Teenage Janikutty<ref name="DeccanJaanikutty2016">{{cite news |last=Soman |first=Deepa |date=February 26, 2016 |title=Musings of Jaanikutty |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/mollywood/260216/musings-of-jaanikutty.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
Keziah Thomas,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/serial-actress-kesiya.html|title=ആരാധകരുടെ സ്നേഹസുഗന്ധം ഈ അഞ്ചുവയസ്സുകാരി!|work=Manorama online}}</ref> Niranjana G,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asianetnews.com/spice-entertainment/friends-tease-me-for-old-serial-scenes-says-janikutty-of-manjurukuma-kaalam-smbh4q|title='സ്‍കൂള്‍ കുട്ടികള്‍ എന്നെ കണ്ടാല്‍ ആ ഡയലോഗുകള്‍ പറയും'; 'മഞ്ഞുരുകും കാല'ത്തിലെ കുഞ്ഞ് ജാനിക്കുട്ടി പറയുന്നു|work=Asianet News |access-date=16 April 2026}}</ref> Greeshma,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/janikutty-grows-up-in-manjurukum-kalam/articleshow/48236284.cms|title=Janikutty grows up in Manjurukum Kaalam|work=The Times of India |date=27 July 2015|access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> and Vedika Rajesh<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/manjurukum-kalam-greeshma.html|title=ഈ ജാനിക്കുട്ടിയല്ലേ ഏറെ കരയിപ്പിച്ചത്...|work=Manorama online}}</ref> portrayed different stages of Janaki's childhood.

===Recurring===
* Lavanya Nair<ref>{{cite news|date=May 17, 2017|title=ആ റോൾ ആളുകളെ വെറുപ്പിച്ചു|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/serial-actress-lavanya.html |work=[[Malayala Manorama|Manorama Online]] |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>/ Manju Satheesh<ref name="TheHinduManju2015">{{cite news |last=M. |first=Athira |date=November 5, 2015 |title=With a steady stream of roles |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/manju-satheesh-on-her-career-in-television-and-cinema/article7845588.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> as Rathnamma, Janaki's foster mother
* Manoj Nair as Vijayaraghavan, Janaki's foster father<ref name="SamayamManojNiranjana2021">{{cite news |date=December 30, 2021 |title=മനോജച്ഛന് വയ്യെന്നറിഞ്ഞ് നല്ല ടെൻഷനിലായിരുന്നു! നേരിൽക്കണ്ടപ്പോഴാണ് അവൾക്ക് ആശ്വാസമായത്! മനോജിനെ കാണാനെത്തിയ മാനസപുത്രി! |trans-title=Was tense knowing Manoj-achan was unwell! She felt relieved only after meeting him in person! The foster daughter who came to see Manoj! |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/tv/celebrity-news/actor-manoj-nair-and-niranjana-shares-manjurukum-kaalam-memmories-new-video-went-viral/articleshow/88582958.cms |work=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Kishore Peethambaran as Govindankutty, Janaki's biological father<ref name="VanithaKishore2023">{{cite news |date=February 3, 2023 |title=ചികിത്സയ്ക്ക് ലക്ഷങ്ങളുടെ കടം, മാസം മരുന്നിന് 20000 രൂപ, കാഴ്ച എപ്പോൾ വേണമെങ്കിലും നഷ്ടമാകാം|url=https://www.vanitha.in/celluloid/movies/2023/02/03/kishore-peethambaran-actor-about-his-bad-time-special.html |work=[[Vanitha]] |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* [[Roslin (Malayalam actress)|Roslin]]
* Anish Rehman as Abhijith, Janaki's husband<ref name="TOIAnish2018">{{cite news |date=May 10, 2018 |title=Reality shows made me a better performer, says Pranayini actor Anish Rehman |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/reality-shows-made-me-a-better-performer-says-pranayini-actor-anish-rehman/articleshow/64109269.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
**Vineeth as young Abhijith
* Lekshmi Prasad as Sariga, Abhijith's sister and Janaki's friend
**Swathi as young Sariga
* Sreedevi Anil as Vijayamma, Govindankutty’s second wife
* Alice Christy as Sooryamol, daughter of Vijayaraghavan and Rathnamma<ref name="FilmibeatAlice2020">{{cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Deepu |date=December 9, 2020 |title=സീരിയല്‍ നടി ആലീസും വിവാഹിതയാവുന്നു;വിവാഹനിശ്ചയം കഴിഞ്ഞെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ് പ്രതിശ്രുത വരനൊപ്പമുള്ള ചിത്രങ്ങളുമായി നടി |trans-title=Serial actress Alice to get married; actress shares pictures with fiancé saying engagement is over |url=https://malayalam.filmibeat.com/television/manjurukum-kaalam-serial-fame-actress-alice-christy-gomez-got-engaged-067515.html |website=Filmibeat Malayalam |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Manoj Pillai as Murali Krishna Panikkar<ref name="TOIManojPillai2018">{{cite news |author=TV Papers |date=June 22, 2018 |title=Serial actor Manoj Pillai passes away |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/serial-actor-manoj-pillai-passes-away/articleshow/64695797.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* [[M. R. Gopakumar]] as Balakrishna Panikkar
* Yadu Krishnan as Madhusoodana Panikkar<ref name="ManoramaYadu2019">{{cite news |date=May 31, 2019 |title=മലയാളികളുടെ പ്രിയ താരം യദുകൃഷ്ണന്റെ വീട് വിശേഷങ്ങൾ |trans-title=House news of Malayalis' favorite star Yadu Krishnan |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/homestyle/spot-light/2019/05/31/yadukrishnan-actor-home-memories-cine-home.html |work=Manorama Online |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Sumi Santhosh as Preetha, Rathnamma's sister-in-law
* Rudra Pradap as Chandran, Preetha's husband<ref name="HinduDirectors2015">{{cite news |last=M. |first=Athira |date=June 18, 2015 |title=Quick Five: Directors on song |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/quick-five-directors-on-song/article7328982.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Avanthika as Neethu, elder daughter of Chandran and Preetha
* Malavika / Arathi Sojan as Ramya, second daughter of Chandran and Preetha<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/web-stories/movies/2022/09/29/actress-arathy-sojan-alluring-pictures.html|title=Arathy Sojan|work=Manorama Online}}</ref>
* Sreekala Sasidharan as Sarasamma, Rathnamma's mother<ref name="TOISreekala2022">{{cite news |date=November 14, 2022 |title=New talents enter the industry for fame, whereas it is our bread and butter, says actress Sreekala|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/new-talents-enter-the-industry-for-fame-whereas-it-is-our-bread-and-butter-says-actress-sreekala/articleshow/95514535.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Pratheeksha G. Pradeep as Sunitha, Rathnamma's sister
* Ardra Das as Ambili, elder daughter of Govindankutty and Vijayamma<ref name="TOIArdra2020">{{cite news |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Viewers call me 'Theppukari' and I take it as the success of my character, says Satya Enna Penkutty's Ardra Das |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/viewers-call-me-theppukari-and-i-take-it-as-the-success-of-my-character-says-satya-enna-penkuttys-ardra-das/articleshow/79626392.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Anjusha as Arunima, second daughter of Govindankutty and Vijayamma
**Vaishanvi Satheesh as teenage Arunima
* Ramesh Nair as Ravi, Sariga's husband
* Saharsh Augustin as Manikuttan<ref name="ManoramaSaharsh2017">{{cite news |date=August 29, 2017|title=' എന്തിനാ ‍ഞങ്ങടെ മണിക്കുട്ടനോട് അങ്ങനെ ചെയ്തേ? '|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/serial-actor-saharsh.html |work=Manorama Online |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Joly as Chandramathi, Vijayamma's sister
* Balan Parakkal as Surendran, Chandramathi's husband
* Sujith Kozhikodu as Sukeshan, Chandramathi's son<ref name="ManoramaSujith2019">{{cite news |date=June 22, 2019 |title=ദാരിദ്ര്യം കൊണ്ട് പഠനം നിർത്തി, ഒടുവിൽ ഭാഗ്യം തെളിഞ്ഞു; സുജിത്ത് കോഴിക്കോട് എന്ന ആർട്ടിസ്റ്റിന്റെ ജീവിതം |trans-title=Studies stopped due to poverty, finally luck shone; life of artist Sujith Kozhikode |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/love-n-life/2019/06/22/serial-artist-sujith-kozhikode-life-story.html |work=Manorama Online |language=ml |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>
* Parvathy as Suguna, Chandramathi's daughter
* Satheesh Vettikavala as Suguna’s husband
* Karthika Kannan as Lekshmi
* Pappan Ananthapuri as Purushothaman, Govindankutty's friend
* Safar as Sudharan, Govindankutty's neighbor
* Biju Thottumkal as Minister Janaki’s PA
* Adhil Siddiq / Madhav / Harun<ref name="OnmanoramaHarun2018">{{cite news |last=Onmanorama Staff |date=March 23, 2018 |title=Television industry mourns Manjurukum Kaalam actor Harun's sudden demise |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2018/03/23/young-actor-tragic-death-serial-star-manoj-posts-heart-rending-note.html |work=Onmanorama |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> as Appunni
* Aadil as Renjith, Janikutty's classmate
* Manas/ Aaromal as Ajayan

==Production==
Different stages of the protagonist's life spanning from childhood to adulthood was played by six actors.<ref>{{cite web|title=നമ്മുടെ സ്വന്തം മന്ത്രി ജാനി!|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/manjurukum-kalam-actress-monisha.html|work=manoramaonline|language=ml}}</ref> [[Nikitha Rajesh]] who played Janaki left the show to focus on her board examinations and was replaced by [[Monisha Arshak]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chandra |first1=Anu |title=മഞ്ഞുരുകും കാലത്തിലെ ജാനിക്കുട്ടിയുടെ വേഷം നിഖിത ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചത് എന്തിന്|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/style/glitz-n-glamour/2017/06/06/interview-with-serial-actress-nikhitha.html |website=Manorama Online |access-date=January 4, 2026 |date=June 6, 2017 |language=ml}}</ref> [[Lavanya Nair]] who played Rathnamma was replaced by Manju Satheesh due to the former's pregnancy.<ref name="TOILavanya2018">{{cite news |author=TV Papers |date=March 25, 2018 |title=Lavanya Nair: Anitha of 'Bhramanam' represents moms who guide their children onto the right path |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/malayalam/lavanya-nair-anitha-of-represents-moms-who-guide-their-children-onto-the-right-path/articleshow/63451909.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

[[Category:2015 Indian television series debuts]]
[[Category:Malayalam-language television shows]]
[[Category:Mazhavil Manorama original programming]]
[[Category:2017 Indian television series endings]]

Manjurukum Kalam - Revision history

Vaibhu at 09:22, 4 May 2026