| Rifle Club | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Aashiq Abu |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Aashiq Abu |
| Edited by | V. Saajan |
| Music by | Rex Vijayan |
| Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Sree Gokulam Movies (Worldwide) Dream Big Films |
| Release date |
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| Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Malayalam |
| Budget | ₹10 crore |
| Box office | ₹30 crore |
Rifle Club is a 2024 Indian Malayalam-language action comedy film directed by Aashiq Abu and written by Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas. The film is produced by Aashiq Abu, Vincent Vadakkan, and Vishal Vincent Tony under the banners of OPM Cinemas and TRU Stories. The film features Vijayaraghavan, Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, Vani Viswanath, Suresh Krishna, Vineeth Kumar and Surabhi Lakshmi.
The project was officially announced on March 16, 2024. Principal photography began on March 20, 2024, with filming taking place in Mundakayam, the Rajahmundry forest, Thrissur, and Ernakulam. The production was completed on July 19, 2024. The film's music was composed by Rex Vijayan. It marks the acting debut of rapper Hanumankind and the Malayalam debut of Kashyap.
The film was released on 19 December 2024 to widespread critical acclaim, praising the entertainment factor and the making, but the writing received criticism. It was a commercial success at the box office.
Plot
In 1991, Mangalore-based gangster Dayanand Bhare hosts a birthday party for his son Bichu, along with his other son, Bheera. During the celebration, Bichu becomes infatuated with a dancer, Nadiya, and tries to kiss her. Nadiya's partner, Ali, intervenes and strikes Bichu, causing him to fall into a dumpster multiple levels below. Furious, Dayanand sends his men to capture Ali and Nadiya, forcing the couple to flee to Kannur, where they hope to seek refuge with Ali’s cousin, Shajahan, an actor preparing for a hunter role in the film Vetamrugam.
Shajahan joins a rifle club in Sulthan Bathery to enhance his method acting. The club is led by Kuzhiveli Lonappan and secretary Avaran, whose father, Kaduvachalil Skariya, was a co-founder. The club functions as an extended family of skilled hunters. Ali and Nadiya eventually arrive at the club and are given shelter. Shajahan and Avaran engage in hunting practice in the forest with other members.
Bheera tracks the couple to the rifle club. Enraged by Bichu’s death and his humiliation by club member Ittiyanam, Bheera launches an attack on the club with his gang. The club members defend themselves, killing all the attackers except Bheera and Dayanand's associate, Chittappa. Dr. Lazar, Ittiyanam's ex-husband, offers to treat Bheera's injuries, but he refuses. Dayanand arrives and takes Bheera away, but Bheera succumbs to his wounds. Vowing revenge, Dayanand organizes another assault on the club.
During the attack, Avaran's wife, Susan, fires a flare to warn him but fails to get his attention. She then sends their dog with a message, which reaches Avaran and Shajahan in the forest just before the dog is killed by a tiger. Avaran and Shajahan return to the club and repel the attackers. Shajahan overcomes his fears and fights alongside the club members.
The confrontation ends with the rifle club confronting Dayanand directly. They ultimately kill him, ensuring the safety of the club and the couple, Ali and Nadiya.
Cast
- Dileesh Pothan as Secretary Kaduvachalil Avaran Zakariya
- Anurag Kashyap as Dayanand Bare
- Vijayaraghavan as Kuzhiveli Lonappan
- Vani Viswanath as Ittiyanam
- Hanumankind as Bheera Bare
- Vineeth Kumar as Shajahan
- Suresh Krishna as Dr. Lazar
- Vishnu Agasthya as Godjo Lonappan
- Darshana Rajendran as Kaduvachalil Tresa "Kunjumol" Mary Zakariya
- Unnimaya Prasad as Sisily
- Surabhi Lakshmi as Susan
- Ramzan Muhammed as Ali
- Navani Devanand as Nadiya
- Prashant Murali as Fr. Joshi
- Senna Hegde as Chittappa
- Natesh Hegde as Pedro
- Ramu as Contractor Punnoose
- Ponnamma Babu as Shoshanna Punnoose
- Raffi as Adv. Koshi
- Vaishakh Shankar as Paul
- Niyaz Musaliyar as Shanawas
- Jithu Asharef
- Parimal Shais as Bichu Bare
- Sajeev Kumar as Joji
- Kiran Peethambaran as Rappadi Krishnan
- Bibin Perumpilly as Perumpilly
- K. P. A. C. Azeez as Kunnath Kochausep (photo appearance)
- K. P. A. C. Sunny as Kaduvachalil Skariya (photo appearance)
Production
Development
The film marks the 14th directorial venture of Aashiq Abu. On March 16, 2024, he announced his collaboration with Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, and Vijayaraghavan for the project, revealing that the script would be written by Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran and Suhas-Sharfu. The film is produced by Aashiq Abu himself, along with Vincent Vadakkan and Vishal Vincent Tony under the banners of OPM Cinemas and TRU Stories.
The cinematography for Rifle Club will be handled by Aashiq Abu himself. He announced on his social media that he would take on both the direction and cinematography for the film. The film's visuals and pacing are supervised by editor V Saajan.
The movie was originally announced with Dileesh Karunakaran and Suhas-Sharfu as the scriptwriters. Syam Pushkaran joined the writing team after filming had already begun. Interestingly, Sharfu’s name appeared in the promotional materials up until the release of Hanumankind's character poster, after that, none of the updates feautured Sharfu’s name.
Casting
Dileesh Pothan signed on for Rifle Club with director Aashiq Abu. The team announced that Dileesh Pothan,Anurag Kashyap, Vijayaraghavan, Vani Viswanath, and Hanumankind lead roles, with Vani Viswanath taking the female lead. The film will also feature Vineeth Kumar, Suresh Krishna, Vishnu Agasthya, Darshana Rajendran, Unnimaya Prasad, and Surabhi Lakshmi in key roles. Additionally, the director has revealed that the movie will introduce few new faces to the audience.
Filming
Filming began on March 20, 2024, with the primary shoot taking place in Mundakayam, Kottayam district, Kerala. Key scenes were filmed in rugged terrains, with additional shoots in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, and Thrissur, Kerala. Some portions of the film were also shot at Kochi Studio.The filming wrapped up by November 2024. Cinematography was handled by Aashiq Abu, and V Saajan was responsible for the editing. The shooting process was kept private, with only a few stills released towards the end of production.
Music
Soundtrack
| Rifle Club | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Rex Vijayan | |||||
| Released | December 27, 2024 | ||||
| Recorded | 2024 | ||||
| Studio | 2 Bar Q Chennai, Deepak SR Studio, Legato Records | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 16:27 | ||||
| Label | Think Music India | ||||
| Producer | Rex Vijayan | ||||
| Rex Vijayan chronology | |||||
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The film's soundtrack was composed, produced and arranged by Rex Vijayan.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Gandharva Ganam" | Vinayak Sasikumar | Swetha Mohan, Sooraj Santhosh | 3:56 |
| 2. | "Aalunnu Neeye" | Anwar Ali | Pradeep Kumar, Sithara Krishnakumar | 3:42 |
| 3. | "Killer On The Loose" | Imbachi | Imbachi | 3:02 |
| 4. | "Nayattu Prarthana" | Vinayak Sasikumar | Rex Vijayan, Neha Nair | 3:47 |
| Total length: | 16:27 | |||
Background score
An original soundtrack album composed by Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira and Neha Nair, produced by Rex Vijayan was released on 15 January 2025.
| Rifle Club (Original Score) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film score by Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | |||||
| Released | 15 January 2025 | ||||
| Recorded | 2024 | ||||
| Studio | 2 Bar Q Chennai, Deepak SR Studio, Legato Records | ||||
| Genre | Film Score | ||||
| Length | 58:59 | ||||
| Language | Malayalam, English | ||||
| Label | Think Music India | ||||
| Producer | Rex Vijayan | ||||
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| No. | Title | Artist(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Vintage Vignettes" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 01:59 |
| 2. | "Birthday Bash" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 02:34 |
| 3. | "Appa - The Big Fella" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:56 |
| 4. | "Ali & Nadiya Love Theme" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:21 |
| 5. | "Breathtaking Love" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 02:16 |
| 6. | "The Aftermath" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 00:50 |
| 7. | "Shajahan The Heartthrob" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:35 |
| 8. | "Wild Wild Western Ghats" | Rex Vijayan, Arun Suradhaa | 02:06 |
| 9. | "Rifle Club Theme" | Rex Vijayan | 00:42 |
| 10. | "The Lover Boy" | Rex Vijayan | 00:36 |
| 11. | "Club Legacy" | Rex Vijayan | 01:01 |
| 12. | "Of Guns N Roses" | Rex Vijayan | 00:53 |
| 13. | "Treasured Guns" | Rex Vijayan | 00:38 |
| 14. | "Underground Armoury" | Rex Vijayan | 00:36 |
| 15. | "Double Trap" | Rex Vijayan | 01:34 |
| 16. | "Ittiyanam - The Boss Lady" | Rex Vijayan | 00:28 |
| 17. | "Sisisily - Lady Of The Manor" | Rex Vijayan | 00:17 |
| 18. | "Bheera The Cub" | Rex Vijayan | 00:41 |
| 19. | "Ladies Call The Shots" | Rex Vijayan | 00:52 |
| 20. | "Vow To Avenge" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 01:29 |
| 21. | "Harsh Thruth" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 00:32 |
| 22. | "Vengeance" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 00:21 |
| 23. | "Game Meat" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 00:37 |
| 24. | "Retreat" | Rex Vijayan, 6091 | 01:23 |
| 25. | "The Face Off" | Rex Vijayan, Sujith Valiyaveetil | 00:42 |
| 26. | "Foreboarding" | Rex Vijayan,Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair, 6091 | 00:42 |
| 27. | "Lurking In The Shadows" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 03:48 |
| 28. | "A Shot In The Air" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:21 |
| 29. | "It's Nothing Just A Scratch" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:51 |
| 30. | "Ruby Red" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:24 |
| 31. | "Farewell My Son" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:30 |
| 32. | "Breakout" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair, Sujith Valiyaveetil | 00:28 |
| 33. | "Sprint To Safety" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair, Sujith Valiyaveetil | 01:51 |
| 34. | "A Truce" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:25 |
| 35. | "Rifles Against Snipers" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 02:05 |
| 36. | "Vault Blasted" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:04 |
| 37. | "Guns Gone Missing" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:59 |
| 38. | "Hunters Return" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:19 |
| 39. | "Open Fire" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:35 |
| 40. | "Epic Entrance" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:34 |
| 41. | "An Encounter" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:04 |
| 42. | "Back In The Game" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:34 |
| 43. | "Power Move" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair, Sujith Valiyaveetil | 00:28 |
| 44. | "Biker With A Sniper" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:03 |
| 45. | "Lynched" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:08 |
| 46. | "Ricochet Shot" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:03 |
| 47. | "Marching To Enemy Lines" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:29 |
| 48. | "Unhinged" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:38 |
| 49. | "Wicked Moves" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:42 |
| 50. | "Chief In Charge" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:00 |
| 51. | "Good Kill" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 01:53 |
| 52. | "The Hunter's Litany" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:53 |
| 53. | "Bullets To Spare" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 00:26 |
| 54. | "The Finale" | Rex Vijayan, Yakzan Gary Pereira, Neha Nair | 02:25 |
| Total length: | 58:59 | ||
Release
Theatrical
The film was released on December 19, 2024.
Home Media
The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Netflix. The film began streaming on the platform from 16 January 2025.
Controversy
Raja Azeez, son of the late actor KPAC Azeez, has lodged a complaint against the filmmakers, accusing them of using his father's image in the film without his family's permission. According to Raja, he was approached by someone requesting a photo of his father for a scene in the movie. He agreed and provided the necessary photographs, while also expressing interest in a minor role for himself. However, Raja alleges that the filmmakers went ahead with the movie's release without securing his consent or fulfilling the promise of offering him a role.
References
- "Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club gets a release date". Cinema Express. 21 November 2024.
- https://www.reddit.com/r/InsideMollywood/comments/1i0acmc/any_tea_on_this_rifle_club_crew_change/
- "'Rifle Club' release date: Aashiq Abu's film to hit the big screens on THIS date". Times of India. Archived from the original on 22 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- "Rifle Club Worldwide Box Office Closing: Aashiq Abu's quirky-thriller-drama heads for a good Rs 30 crore closing". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- "Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club Release Date Announced!". Rohit Panikker. Times Now. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Ittiyanam and family set to make Christmas explosive! Release poster for "Rifle Club" unveiled". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 23 November 2024. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- "'Gandharva Ganam': Rex Vijayan's party track from 'Rifle Club sets the mood". Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- "Vani Viswanath is Ittiyanam in Aashiq Abu directorial 'Rifle Club'". The New Indian Express. 7 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "'Rifle Club' movie review: Aashiq Abu's stylish film is a treat to watch, but needed better writing". The Hindu. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- "Rifle Club movie review: Aashiq Abu returns all guns blazing in this eclectic, explosive, and entertaining hunt". The Indian Express. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- "First-Look Poster Of Anurag Kashyap Unveiled For 'Rifle Club'". Shashiprasad SM. Times Now. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Anurag Kashyap to make acting debut in Malayalam with Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club". The Indian Express. 17 March 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Aashiq Abu assembles a formidable cast and crew for Rifle Club". Cinema Express. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "It's a wrap for Aashiq Abu's 'Rifle Club'". Onmanorama. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club to hit theatres during this festival season". Gayathri Krishna. OTT Play. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- Features, C. E. (16 March 2024). "Aashiq Abu assembles a formidable cast and crew for Rifle Club". Cinema Express. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- Desk, South First (18 March 2024). "Aashiq Abu reveals updates about his next — 'Rifle Club'". The South First. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - Features, C. E. (16 March 2024). "Aashiq Abu assembles a formidable cast and crew for Rifle Club". Cinema Express. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- Bobby_929 (13 January 2025). "Any tea on this Rifle Club crew change?". r/InsideMollywood. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - "Aashiq Abu's 'Rifle Club' packs up shooting". Mathrubhumi. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Aashiq Abu wraps up shoot for 'Rifle Club', starring Anurag Kashyap". The Hindu. 20 July 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Aashiq Abu's new film 'Rifle Club' goes on floors". The New Indian Express. 21 March 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- https://open.spotify.com/album/4ljauieQ7eWxhZkn6PfxTV
- "Rifle Club movie review: Aashiq Abu returns all guns blazing in this eclectic, explosive, and entertaining hunt". The Indian Express. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- https://music.apple.com/gb/album/rifle-club-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1787677728
- https://open.spotify.com/album/0ollD4OXx3En6IQXVVa5sd?si=9QPJguBiRPO-CFz9tfpv4w
- https://open.spotify.com/album/0ollD4OXx3En6IQXVVa5sd?si=9QPJguBiRPO-CFz9tfpv4w
- "Barroz to Rifle Club: Most-awaited Malayalam theatrical releases in December 2024". Divya P. OTT Play. 30 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "Ashiq Abu's 'Rifle Club' to release on 19 December". The South First. 22 November 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- "'Rifle Club' all set for OTT release this week. Know when, which platform". 'Rifle Club' all set for OTT release this week. Know when, which platform. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
- "Used my father's photo without consent, made false promises: Chemistry lodged against 'Rifle Club'". Mathrubhumi English. 24 December 2024.
External links
- Rifle Club at IMDb
| Films directed by Aashiq Abu | |
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