Immanuel (film)

Immanuel, also publicized as Emmanuel, is a 2013 Malayalam drama film, directed by Lal Jose and produced by S. George. The film stars Mammootty in the title role with Reenu Mathews and Fahadh Faasil. Lal Jose has stated that it is a "soft film sans hullabaloo" and "essentially tells the story of Immanuel's intrinsic goodness even in the face of adversity.".

The film follows the character of Immanuel who works in a book publishing firm. When the company is closed down due to unexpected reasons, Immanuel and his family find it difficult to make both ends meet. He then gets a job in a private insurance company which is managed by Jeevan Raj. The movie gives an unvarnished portrayal of the ruthless ways in which private insurance companies work, with scant regard for humanity. Immanuel is cheated by Venkatesh who grabs his customer and takes the credit. Non performers are forced to leave the organization. Clients are repeatedly denied their claims on flimsy grounds while the company makes profit. The hardships and harsh realities Immanuel faces forces him to see himself and his life in a new perspective that is often outside his personal comfort zone

Casting for Immanuel began in mid-2012, with both John Abraham and Balachandra Menon rumored to be taking part in the film. Jose denied rumors that Abraham would be acting in the film and Menon also denied that he would perform due to conflicting schedules with his personal life. Actor Mammootty was confirmed as the lead actor, with Fahadh Faasil also confirmed as performing in the film. Faasil was initially said to be performing a "negative role" in Immanuel, which Jose later stated was untrue and that Faasil would be portraying a company executive. In early January 2013, Jose announced that he had cast, a newcomer, Reenu Mathews, as Mammootty's wife in the film.

Filming began in Kochi in January 2013.

Smitha of OneIndia gave the movie 4/5 stars and stated, "Immanuel is a touching, heartwarming and poignant tale of human values, endurance and goodness in people" and that the movie "is worth watching this weekend and seems to have all ingredients that might make it a superhit."