# Banaras (2009 film)

Banaras is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language masala film directed by Nemom Pushparaj, starring Vineeth and Kavya Madhavan in lead roles with Navya Nair playing supporting role. Set against the city of Banaras, it tells the story of a young man named Hari, who travels from Kerala to do research on folk arts at Banaras Hindu University and meets Amrita, a student at the university.

## Plot

Hari, a village boy and a student, is in love with his cousin, Devu. He leaves for Banaras to do his higher studies in Banaras Hindu University. There, he meets another fellow student, Amritha. Her uncle wants to marry her off to a street goon named Kishan Chand, and she asks Hari to take her to a distant place on the bike. During the trip, they take shelter in a tent organized by an old man. The old man gives them bhang and both of them drink it without knowing the consequences. They both get intoxicated and unknowingly ends up having sex with each other. The next day they both are spotted by Kishan Chand and his men who injure Hari badly and take Amritha with them.
After a few months, Hari recovers and returns to his hometown. He sells off his property and confesses to Devu that he cannot accept her. He explains to her what happened, and in desperation, Devu commits suicide. Hari goes back to Banaras and lives a sober life as he feels responsible for Devu's death. After a long time, Amritha, who is under the impression that Hari is dead, finds out about him and comes back to see him. She had given birth to Hari's son who is a big boy now. In the end, the couple unites.

## Cast

* Vineeth as Hari
* Kavya Madhavan as Amritha
* Navya Nair as Devu
* Harisree Ashokan as Paropakaram Paul
* Suraj Venjaramoodu as Swami Bhogananda Chathi
* Suresh Krishna as Kishan Chand
* Devan as Balakrishnan Nair
* Jagathy Sreekumar as Kanaran
* Nedumudi Venu as M.K. Nair
* Urmila Unni as Devu's mother
* Anoop Chandran as Chandran
* Vijay Menon as Professor Ananthakrishnan
* Indulekha as Rukmini

## Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack features seven songs composed by M. Jayachandran and lyrics penned by Gireesh Puthenchery, except where noted. The soundtrack was noted especially for the vocals of Shreya Ghoshal in two songs. She won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer for the track "Chanthu Thottille", the first ever by a North Indian singer.

### Track listing
## Reception

Unni R Nair from Indian Express wrote "Despite all these, there are things that go against the film - it doesn't offer anything spectacular and hence may not attract you to the theatres. And since it is released along with the bigger movies, it may not fare too well at the box-office." Paresh C Palicha from Rediff.com wrote" Banaras could have been a worthwhile experience if it was treated with the seriousness it deserved." Sify.com wrote" The film is at best, is a wasted opportunity. The careless approach and lack of passion ruin its chances, though there are some nice aspects like the music, costumes and a talented cast."

## Awards

* Kerala State Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer - Shreya Ghoshal for Chanthu Thottille
* Asianet Film Awards - Best Actress for Kavya Madhavan
* Mathrubhumi- Amrita TV film awards - Best Actress for Kavya Madhavan
* Mirchi Music Awards for Female Vocalist Of The Year - Shreya Ghoshal for "Chaandhu Thottille"
* Mirchi Music Awards for Best Music Director - M. Jayachandran
* Surya TV Film Awards for Best Music Director - M. Jayachandran
* Surya TV Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer - Shreya Ghoshal