Uppum Mulakum (transl. Salt and Chilli) is an Indian Malayalam-language sitcom that has been airing on Flowers TV since December 14, 2015. R. Unnikrishnan created the sitcom and directed the First season (Replaced by Rajesh Thalachira and Pradeep Madhav) and the second season. Third season is directed by Afsal Abdul Latheef. Uppum Mulakum chronicles the daily lives of Balachandran Thampi, his wife Neelima, and their five children.
The principal cast members include Biju Sopanam, Nisha Sarangh, Rishi S Kumar, Juhi Rustagi, Al Sabith, Shivani Menon and Baby Ameya. Baby Ameya joined the show in May 2018 as the newborn child of Balachandran and Neelima. Parvathy Ayyappadas became part of the main cast in February 2023, portraying the role of Vishnu's wife, Diya, and was written off after season 2.[1] The show achieved a significant milestone by reaching its 1,000th episode in 2019.[2]
Juhi Rustagi left the show in January 2020 after it had reached 1,013 episodes. She later rejoined the cast during the show's second season.[3] Uppum Mulakum, a highly acclaimed Malayalam sitcom, has consistently garnered popularity throughout its long run.[4][5][6] The program secured the Kerala State Television Award for Best Comedy Show in 2017.[7] Having successfully completed two seasons, the show is currently airing its third season.[8]
The sitcom centers around the Thambi family. Balu, the patriarch, is a self-employed electronics technician. His wife, Neelu, works as an accountant at a private firm. They have five children: Vishnu, Lakshmi (Lechu), Keshav (Keshu), Shivani (Shiva), and Parvathi (Parrukutty). The family is affectionately known as Paramada Veedu.
Vishnu (Mudiyan)
Vishnu, the eldest son, is a lively and talented dancer. He previously faced ridicule from his siblings for failing his Bachelors of Science (BSc) in Physics. However, he persevered and eventually passed in episode 803, much to the family's delight. Neelu holds a special place for Vishnu, her eldest. He leads a dance troupe and his unique hairstyle has contributed to his local fame. Vishnu even took responsibility for his baby sister when needed. His friend Meenu helped him secure a well-paying job at an advertising agency in episode 803. He later transitioned to a career in a private bank.
Lakshmi (Lechu)
Lakshmi, the eldest daughter, is known for her beauty consciousness and easygoing nature. While she enjoys teasing her younger siblings, she also possesses a creative side, often writing poems and singing. Lechu is frequently seen socializing with her friends. She later pursued a B.Com degree and married Sidharth in episode 1011. Lechu's portrayal in the show ended in season 1 during episode 1013, due to actress Juhi Rustagi's departure.
Keshav (Keshu) and Shivani (Shiva)
Keshu and Shiva are the school-going children, bringing youthful energy to the household. Keshu has a hearty appetite, while Shiva is more selective with food. Despite their occasional naughtiness, they share a strong bond. They often hatch playful schemes together, though Lechu is frequently the target of their pranks. The love between the siblings is undeniable, even amidst their playful bickering.
Parvathi (Parukutty)
Parukutty, the youngest child, is the apple of everyone's eye. Born in episode 604, she is an adorable baby who has captured the hearts of her family members.
Extended family and neighbors
The show occasionally features visits from Balu's relatives and neighbors. These include Balu's brother Surendran Thambi, their parents Madhavan Thambi and Sharada, his aunt, and his cousin Rema. Rema's husband Jayanthan, her father Shankaran Thambi (Balu's relative), Neelu's parents Kuttan Pillai and Bhavani Amma, also make appearances. The neighborhood comes alive with characters like Bhasi, Nawas, Shukoor, the newspaper boy Kannan, auto-rickshaw driver Chandran, and his wife Kanakam (a distant relative of Balu). Neelu's brother Sreekkuttan (played by S. P. Sreekumar) also appeared in earlier episodes. Vishnu's friends Jerry, Meenakshi, and Jennah, along with Lechu's friend Gayathri, occasionally make appearances.
Family dynamics
The extended family adds layers to the narrative. Some episodes even venture outside the Paramada household, taking place at the Shoolamkudi house in Neyyattinkara (Thiruvananthapuram) and Padavalam Veedu in Piravom (Ernakulam). These location shifts provide a lighthearted commentary on the cultural distinctions between Trivandrum and Kochi, a common theme in friendly disputes between Balu and Neelu.
Relatives and Recurring Characters
Balu's brother Surendran, who runs a grocery shop in Neyyattinkara, has a gentle personality that Balu sometimes pokes fun at. Shankaran (Shankara Annan), a beloved family member despite his fondness for alcohol, is Neelu's aunt's husband. His daughter Rema, Balu's cousin, is married to Jayanthan, an unemployed politician. Their silly arguments are often mediated by Balu and Neelu.
The introduction of auto-rickshaw driver Chandran in episode 368 marked the beginning of a close friendship with the Paramada family. He eventually married Kanakam, a distant relative of Balu from Tamil Nadu, in episode 850.The character of Sreeraj, Neelu's elder brother settled in Chennai with his family, was finally introduced in episode 1164, although he had been mentioned throughout the series.
Season 2
Balu found a supervisor role, Neelu got promoted, and Lechu returned home. Shiva and Keshu are at the end of their teenage. Keshu started tutoring. Paru started nursery school.
Vishnu eloped with Diya (episode 180), marrying her without family approval. Diya's parents, Ram and Haimavati (introduced in episode 197), disliked Vishnu's family and tried (unsuccessfully) to take Diya back. Their true motive? Ram's company relied on Ranna, whose son had a childhood crush on Diya. Lies and misunderstandings ensued.
After a series of fun and drama, the tension between the families decreased and a joyous bond was formed.
The season concluded with glimpses into daily life. Diya became a director at Ram's company. Lechu's story was rejected, but her poetry flourished. She won second place in a state competition, and Ram's publishing house helped her get recognition. The season ended with Diya leaving for Bangalore to join Vishnu.
Season 3
A few years later, Neelima is currently the manager of the company where she worked, Keshu is currently doing his second year in BA Malayalam. Shiva is doing an Architecture degree in Chennai. The season begun with Balu and Neelima celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They are joined by Sreekuttan, Neelima's brother, who returned from abroad, along with his wife, Gouri. Sreekuttan returned with Gouri and informed them that they are married. The family, though shocked, accepted them with both hands.
Biju Sopanam as Shulamkudi Veetil Balachandran "Balu" Thampi - Neelima's Husband; Father of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Keshav, Shivani, and Parvathy; Son of Madhavan Thampi and Sharada; Son-in-law of Kuttan Pillai and Bhavani; Brother of Surendran and Rajendran; Brother-in-law of Sreekuttan and Sreeraj; Father-in-law of Siddarth, currently resides at a rented house in Vazhakkala, Kochi.
Nisha Sarangh as Neelima "Neelu" Balachandran Thampi (Neelima Pillai) - Balachandran's Wife; Mother of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Keshav, Shivani, and Parvathy; Daughter of Kuttan Pillai and Bhavani; Daughter-in-law of Madhavan Thampi and Sharada; Sister of Sreekuttan and Sreeraj; Sister-in-law of Surendran and Rajendran; Granddaughter of Narayani kuttyamma; Mother-in-law of Siddarth.
Rishi S Kumar as Vishnu "Mudiyan" Balachandran Thambi - Balachandran and Neelima's Eldest Child; Elder Brother of Lakshmi, Keshav, Shivani, and Parvathy; Grandson of Kuttan Pillai, Bhavani, Madhavan Thambi, and Sharada; Nephew of Surendran, Rajendran, Sreekuttan, and Sreeraj; Son-in-law of Ramkumar and Haimavathi.
Juhi Rustagi as Lakshmi "Lachu" Lakshmi Balachandran Thampi - Balachandran and Neelima's Second Child; Sister of Vishnu, Keshav, Shivani, and Parvathy; Sidharth's Wife; Granddaughter of Kuttan Pillai, Bhavani, Madhavan Thambi, and Sharada; Niece of Surendran, Rajendran, Sreekuttan, and Sreeraj. Also wife of Sidharth/Sidhu.
Al Sabith as Keshav "Keshu" Balachandran Thampi - Balachandran and Neelima's Third Child; Brother of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shivani, and Parvathy; Grandson of Kuttan Pillai, Bhavani, Madhavan Thambi, and Sharada.
Shivani Menon as Shivani "Shiva" Balachandran Thampi - Balachandran and Neelima's Fourth Child; Sister of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Keshavan, and Parvathy; Granddaughter of Kuttan Pillai, Bhavani, Madhavan Thambi, and Sharada.
Ekta Siddhrath as Parvathy "Paru" Balachandran Thampi - Balachandran and Neelima's Eldest Child; Elder Sister of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Keshavan, and Shivani; Granddaughter of Kuttan Pillai, Bhavani, Madhavan Thambi, and Sharada. (Character was written off)
Baby Ameya as Parvathy "Paru" Balachandran Thampi - Balachandran and Neelima's Youngest Child; Younger Sister of Vishnu, Lachu, Keshu, and Shiva; Granddaughter of Kuttan Pillai, Bhavani, Madhavan Thambi, and Sharada.
Nisha Sarang was offered the role of Neelima when she was doing the cookery show Kuttikkalavara on Flowers.[14] Except for Sarang, all other principal actors were beginners in television. Theatre actor Biju Sopanam had earlier acted under R. Unnikrishnan's directorial in Back Benchers, a comedy serial on Amrita TV. He was offered the role of Balachandran Thampi. Biju was keen on working with Unnikrishnan ever since he watched his directorial sitcom Marimayam on Mazhavil Manorama, he wanted to do such roles that are close to reality. Uppum Mulakum was his second television appearance and the first leading role.[15] Unnikrishnan called Rishi S. Kumar for the role of Vishnu after seeing him in the reality TV show D 4 Dance on Mazhavil Manorama, in which he was a contestant. It was Unnikrishnan's son who recommended him.[16] Al Sabith and Shivani Menon were also picked from reality TV show, they were both contestants on the show Kuttikkalavara on Flowers. Shivani is one month elder than Al Sabith, but it is the other way in the show. Juhi Rustagi was Unnikrishnan's son's friend, they first met on his son's birthday party and few days later she was offered the role of Lachu.[17]
Biju's real-life brother, Binoj, who is five years younger than him, portrays his brother Surendran Thambi on the show. Biju's real-life daughter Gouri Lakshmi portrays his niece Kanmani, Surendran's daughter.[18] The show was filmed at a house named Paramada Veedu in Vazhakkala, Kochi.[19] In July 2018, R. Unnikrishnan was replaced by cinematographer S.J Sinu as the show's director. Later Pradheep Madhav was chosen as the director of the show.
Final episodes
Uppum Mulakum's rating began to drop slightly when Juhi Rustagi left the show in January 2020.[20] When the show started back its production after several months of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, a new character called Pooja Jayaram was introduced. Still the show did not managed to get back the rating like that of in its earlier days. Around the same time, Flowers TV launched another sitcom called Chakkappazham in August 2020.[21] After airing the last episode on 15 January 2021, Uppum Mulakum stopped its broadcast.[22] Flowers TV managing director Sreekandan Nair later announced that the show would undergo a hiatus for an extended period of time.[23] But in February 2021, it was unofficially confirmed by the fans that the show is not on hiatus and has been cancelled.[24] Later in March 2021, Biju Sopanam and Nisha Sarang finally revealed through social media that the show has been officially cancelled by the channel thus making the 1206th episode aired on 15 January as its final episode.[25]
Season 2
During the 1 June 2022 episode of "Flowers Oru Kodi", Nair announced that the second season of Uppum Mulakum is under development and will start broadcast on 13 June 2022.[26] They also released a teaser of the second season on the channel and social media announcing the same. The show's creator and initial director R. Unnikrishnan was bought back in the director role. Juhi Rustagi, who left the show in January 2020 also made a comeback.[27] The first episode of the second season was premiered on 13 June 2022 and it became number one trending topic on YouTube.[28] Rishi S Kumar who portrays the character of Mudiyan left the show unexpectedly after an episode where its shown that he is married and the show went snail-paced for the next 4 months with several new characters being introduced including Mudiayan's wife, her father, mother etc. The sitcom went through a cultural change during this period when the makers and the director made a drastic shift in treatment from a sitcom to a horror/thriller genre which looked awkward and forced. This was termed the dark phase of Uppum Mulakum with even the main characters seemed uninterested in the proceedings and with child actors going overboard. Rishi gave an interview in which he revealed the truth about his absence, majorly because of its director R. Unnikrishnan's dictator like methods.[29]
Final episodes
The second season went off- air on 26 February 2024 due to unavailability of actors citing date issues.[30]
Season 3
The third season of the show premiered on 24 June 2024, All main characters except Rishi S Kumar and Parvathy Ayyapadas returned to their roles.[31]S. P. Sreekumar reprised his role after first season.[32] This season introduced child actor, Nandhootty as Kallu, Lakshmi's daughter, but was later written off.[33] Afsal Abdul Latheef is the director of the new season.
Reception
Uppum Mulakum is one of the most popular sitcoms in Malayalam.[34] The show has one of the biggest fan base for a Malayalam TV show and is acclaimed by the audience for its realistic touch.[35]
Critical response
Indian express stated; "Uppum Mulakum presents the simple things in daily life without losing its originality. Behind the show's popularity is that the audience can feel that the house and its family members may have been living somewhere else in the real life".[36]
In July 2018, Nisha Sarangh raised allegations of sexual harassment against the serial director R. Unnikrishnan, after which the Kerala Women's Commission registered a case against him.[41][42] Later, she decided to continue in the serial after the channel assured that the director will be replaced.[43]
In February 2020, the main cast actors had some issues in the set against the scriptwriter due to which they all walked away, much to the disappointment of the fans. Sooner than later, all the issues were solved by the changing of the scriptwriter and the crew was back in action.[44]
Adaptations
Flowers TV subsequently started a behind-the-scenes programme of Uppum Mulakum named Uppile Mulaku, which was hosted by Nandini Nair.[45]
Uppum Mulakum is dubbed into Tamil as Uppum Karavum on Flowers Tamil YouTube channel. They also put up special episodes during festivals like Onam.
Reboot
In October 2021, Zee Keralam started developing a new spiritual reboot of the sitcom, with the idea of reimagining the original series. The show titled Erivum Puliyum featuring the actors of the Uppum Mulakum playing new characters started airing from 17 January 2022[46] However the show went off-air on 13 May 2022 due to low TRP Ratings and negative reviews from audience.
