The End of New Generation

The End of The 'New'

Saumesh Thimbath

It appears that curtain is coming down on the 'new generation' trend in Malayalam cinema. Malayalam film industry saw the highest number of releases last year (158), but many had a theatrical run for less than a week. The major reasons have been the poor technical quality and messy production that had lately become the hallmark of the movies that came with the tag of 'new generation'. The decision of TV channels to tighten the criteria with which they acquired satellite rights added to the crisis. It is reported that nearly 70 films are awaiting release.

Though the sentiments that led to the new phenomenon were shared by the insiders of the film industry and the audience alike, the trend took a turn for the worst last year. Many 'new generation' films were shot on DSLR cameras, the quality of which is inferior to the high-end film cameras that the audience are familiar. A significant lack in quality applied to other departments like sound recording, screenplay and acting too. The generous use of swear words and outright sexual remarks led to the family audiences taking exception to these movies.

In a way it appears that the stupendous success of Drishyam was symptomatic of the impending demise of 'new generation'. Drishyam brought the family audiences back to the theater proving an important point about Malayalam film industry – given the size of the Malayalam industry, movies that do not cater to the family has a lesser chance of success.