Classmates is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lal Jose and written by James Albert.
In 2006, working in different corners of the world, the friends get together for a class reunion to revive the joy and laughter of their college days.
Principal photography primarily took place in and around C. M. S. College, Kottayam and Ooty and was completed in a span of 55 days, during the months of April and May.
The film became a major box office success, with a theatrical run of 150 days at Abhilash Complex, Kottayam.
His parents, Iyer and Lakshmi, both teachers at the college, decide to fulfill their deceased son's dream and organize the reunion.
Suku is now a successful diamond dealer based in Mumbai, Satheesan is a MLA, while Vasu is his PA. Pious is settled in the Middle East and Thara runs a dancing school.
Alex Paul scored the film's background music and composed its soundtrack, lyrics for which was penned by Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma.
[12] Reception Upon the album's release, it topped the charts with the song "Ente Khalbile" receiving significant radio and TV airtime.
"[15] The song "Ente Khalbile" further propelled Sreenivasan's playback singing career in Malayalam cinema, becoming his biggest hit.
[19] Paresh C. Palicha of Now Running wrote, "Classmates is a rare phenomenon in recent times where music plays an integral part of the narrative, and that is the reason for its success.
"[15] Produced by Arya Films and distributed by Lal Creations, Classmates was released to low expectations,[20] on 25 August 2006, during the Onam holiday period.
[25] Paresh C. Palicha of Rediff wrote, "Classmates tells a campus story with a difference, and it is a well-narrated tale.
"[25] He however, criticized the film's second half, writing: "But somewhere along the way, debutant writer James Albert shifts gears and takes the suspense-thriller route that culminates in a solution to the mystery behind Murali's death.
"[25] Writing for The Hindu, Sreedhar Pillai called the film a "trendsetter" and wrote, "The success of Classmates is that its story appeals to all sections of the audience and vividly evokes fond bitter-sweet memories of college days.
"[8] A critic from Sify wrote, "Lal Jose is a gutsy and daring different director and he proved once again with Classmates."
"[14][26] Unni Nair of Now Running wrote, "Director Lal Jose's Onam offering, sends very positive signals as far as the Malayalam film industry is concerned.
The refreshingly different film proves that with the back-up of a well-written script and good direction, the younger generation stars too can also work miracles.
"[19] A critic from entertainment portal IndiaGlitz said, "Other than the color and gaiety of campus life, Lal Jose's throw in a good mix of emotions and suspense.
The film which opens with a little indifference soon falls to tracks to deliver the rest that surprises you and offer you an intimate and passionate viewing.
"[27] Varnachithram felt that two aspects made the film "interesting" which was the "nostalgia it creates for the campus life" and the "way of narration."
The critic also wrote "Though we are not big fans of Jayasurya after seeing terrible movies like Immini Nalloral (2005) and Pulival Kalyanam (2003), we were impressed with his role as Sateeshan.
"[18] In October 2021, The Times of India wrote, "The movie keeps the suspense going till the end but most importantly leaves a perfect campus memory.
In Kottayam, Classmates opened at the 288-seater Asha theatre but was shifted to the bigger 1180 Abhilash complex, due to tremendous pressure for tickets.