Kilukkam (1991)

Kilukkam is a Malayalam comedy-drama directed by Priyadarshan from a screenplay by Venu Nagavally, released in theatres in August 1991. The story follows Joji, a tour guide, and Nischal, a photographer, who stake their fortunes on a tourist named Nandini and soon want to be rid of her. When they discover that she has escaped from a mental institution and that a reward awaits whoever returns her safely, the pair change plans: they keep her hidden, cut her hair so she will not be recognised, and intend to claim the money once it grows back. Mohanlal, Jagathy Sreekumar and Revathi lead the cast, with Thilakan, Innocent Vareed Thekkethala, Murali and Sharat Saxena in supporting roles. Goodknight Films is the banner, S. P. Venkatesh composed the music and S. Kumar handled the cinematography, with Ooty's Fernhills Palace among the filming locations. The film is said to take inspiration from Roman Holiday (1953). Priyadarshan later remade it as Allari Pilla in Telugu and Muskurahat in Hindi, and a sequel, Kilukkam Kilukilukkam, followed in 2006.