The 1988 Malayalam film, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Mohanlal, is recognized as a significant comedy-drama despite its tragic conclusion. Initially featuring comedic and romantic elements, the movie took a dramatic tonal shift, delivering an emotional impact that resonated with audiences. This experimental approach, which deviated from Priyadarshan's typical comedies, proved successful, with the film achieving superhit status and running for a record 366 days.