Best Films in Tamil 2013

Tamil Movie Round-up - 2013

Saumesh Thimbath

The Tamil film industry, even while hobnobbing with big stars and huge budgets, was the first in the country to trust the talent of new filmmakers and actors. Movies made by youngsters that drew from their immediate surroundings or with a sense of humor that had a strong undercurrent of self-mockery, had struck a chord with the audience. One could trace this trend back to movies like Paruthiveeran and Veyil through Angaditheru and Tamizhpadam starting from the more recent Naduvila Konjam Pakkatha Kanom. 

In a culture where cinema holds major stakes and with crazed star devotions that erect temples, this wide armed acceptance of new talent might come across as an anomaly. But it is this attitude that sets the Tamil industry apart from all others. It is the same attitude that midwifes star-births like Vijay Sethupathy's – an actor who knows the local meaning of subtlety and underplay. Sethupathy is the best embodiment of the transition that one sees in Tamil film industry now.

The films with big stars remained a force to contend with in 2013. Kamal Hassan's Viswaroopam and Ajith's Arrambam did good business. Vijay's Thalaiva, ostensibly due to the political undertones it had, did not hit the mark. Another factor that did not change this year was Tamil cinema's strange relationship with controversies. There were calls to ban Viswaroopam, a Mumbai businessman moved against Thalaiva and there was Nazriya Nazim's complaint against the director of Naiyaandi. One should be conspiracy theory aficionado to believe that all this is carefully orchestrated, but lets just stop at some healthy cynicism. All that is to be said in the matter is - Kamal Hassan's tears did sell his movie.

Here is the list of our top ten movies in no specific order. Please leave your comments to let us know what you feel.  

Soodhu Kavvum
Directed By Nalan Kumaraswamy
Starring Vijay Sethupathy, Ashok Selvan, Bobby Simha and RJ Ramesh

Misfits are here to stay!



Arrambam
Directed By Vishnuvardhan
Starring Ajith, Nayanthara, Arya and Tapsee

Next lap of Ajith's race on the 'style track'.

Idharkkuthane Asapettai Balakumara
Directed By Gokul
Starring Vijay Sethupathy, Swati Reddy and Pasupathi

The ultimate 'soup boys' movie.

Onayum Aattinkuttiyum
Directed By Mysskin
Starring Sri and Mysskin

Dark and gritty, yet poignant.

Chennaiyil Oru Naal
Directed By Shaheed Khader
Starring Sarath Kumar, Cheran, Prakash Raj, Prasanna and Parvathi

Thrilling to the core.

Biriyani
Directed By Venkat Prabhu
Starring Karthi, Hansika and Premgi Amaran
All is fair in love and...food!

Raja Rani
Directed By
Starring Nayanthara, Arya, Jai and Nazriya Nazeem

The boy-meets-girl, girl-meets-boy, another girl meet this boy. This boy meets another girl. Period.

Moodar Koodam
Directed By Naveen
Starring Naveen, Sentrayan, Rajaji and Kuberan

Chance meetings, brilliant plans, inevitable disasters - all rolled in one.

Kalyana Samayal Sadham
Directed By RS Prasanna
Starring Prasanna and Lekha Washington

Puts anxiety on the wedding menu hilariously.

Viswaroopam
Directed By Kamal Hassan
Starring Kamal Hassan, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose and Andreah Jeremiah

A 'bare-all' act from Kamal Hassan.

Best Films in Malayalam 2013

Malayalam Movie Round-up - 2013

 Saumesh Thimbath

The end of the year reminds us of taking a look back at the year that passed by. 2013 was a good year for the Malayalam film industry in terms of the number of movies released and the newer ideas, styles and talents that got introduced. A total of 137 movies were released which is far greater than any number achieved in recent years. Many new directors, actors and technicians made their debut and tasted success. 

This trend had started around three years back when aided by the growth of digital film making and promotion, many youngsters were taking the plunge like never before. The cost of film making had also gone down owing to digitization which gave an impetus to the trend. Many films which captured the imagination of the youth and tagged 'new generation' thus, had done well.

But, all is not gung-ho with the industry's current status. One recent development that could put a reign on the number of movies coming out is the decision of TV channels to tighten the criteria with which they bought movie rights. With many movies depending on the cable and satellite rights to breakeven, this could come as a major jolt. The family audiences i.e., a viewership that has children accompanying elders, has taken exception to the idea of 'new generation' for its 'moral dubiousness', which could impact their commercial prospects adversely.

Buying into an old custom of making 'the ten best movie list', here is our pick, which is in no specific order. Leave your comments if you agree, if there is anything missing or we have gone completely wrong.

Drishyam – Drishyam had a Christmas release and was among the last bunch of movies to arrive in 2013. The movie was directed by Jeethu Joseph, whose last two movies, Memories (2013) and My Boss (2012), were high up in the list of top grossers. The movie starring Mohanlal and Meena was promoted like an usual family drama, but had welcome surprises in store for the audience, which made it a popular and critical success in its first week run itself. Drishyam is lauded by many as the best thriller to be made in Malayalam in the last two decades.

Celluloid – Celluloid was a period film which told the story of J C Daniel who made the first movie in Malayalam, Vigathakumaran. The movie was made to coincide with the centenary of Indian Cinema and brought into spotlight the first heroine of Malayalam cinema, Rosy, who was never heard of after the production. It also opened up discussion on casteism and cinema, which was conveniently swept under the carpet for years.

Memories – Memories was an investigative story that had an alcoholic cop as the protagonist. The director, Jeethu Joseph, weaved in emotions into a thriller with finesse which made it a hit with the family audiences. Prithviraj's rendition of an emotionally disturbed man was widely praised.  

Neram – Though Alphonse Putharen starts his debut feature with a quote by Quentin Tarantino, there is more of Guy Ritchie's influence in Neram. The movie communicated well to the younger audience. It was a movie made at a small budget with a lot of new faces working behind the camera, nevertheless it became a major hit at the Kerala box office. The movie launched Nazriya Nazim's career making her the most loved Malayali online celebrity.

Mumbai Police – Mumbai Police, directed by Rosshan Andrews, was scripted by the hit-making screenwriting duo, Bobby-Sanjay. The movie was a well written thriller that never let the suspense fizzle out until the end.

Amen – Amen brought back the genre of 'village comedies' with timely additions and innovations. The narrative structure of the movie was highly innovative and the director, Lijo Jose Pellissery, gave it a comic book feel that was refreshingly new. The music by Prashant Pillai was also a major draw for the movie. Lijo proved that self-tutelage isn't such a bad idea after all.

Shutter – Actor Joy Matthew's directorial debut, Shutter, was a well written movie, that was heavily influenced by many of Hitchcock's methods. It was also scathing critique of the hypocrisy of Malayali patriarchy.

Annayum Rasoolum – The directorial debut of Anurag Kashyap's cinematographer Rajeev Ravi was eagerly waited and what he delivered was a visual treat that was new to the Malayali audience. Annayum Rasoolum was based on Romeo and Juliet and did not have much to offer thematically. There was no story, it was only storytelling. But the visuals and the music along with the performance of all the actors makes the movie a must watch.

Neelakasam Pachakadal Chuvannabhumi – NPCB was a biker movie that drew from movies like Motorcycle Diaries which was then supplemented with political commentary and a romantic storyline. The arresting landscape of the North East of India was beautifully captured. The makers of the movie deserves a pat on the back for the sheer audacity of the project.

Philips and The Monkey Pen – The story revolved around a magical pen that gets passed down in the family and how a mischievous young boy makes use of it. The performance of Sanoop, who played the youngest Philip, won many hearts. 

Let's hope that the coming year, though with fewer releases than 2013, would churn out more movies that rides on innovation and gives us pleasant surprises like Drishyam did this year. Keep coming back to this space for more news and reviews on Malayalam movies in the coming days.

The 'Rockstar' of Tollywood: Devi Sri Prasad

 The 'Rockstar' of Tollywood: Devi Sri Prasad

"Varsham, Shankardada MBBS, Arya, Nuvvostanante Nennodantana, Bommarillu, Jalsa and Arya 2 happened, making Devi Sri the music wonder of Tollywood." 

Saumesh Thimbath

Some of the big hits of the year in South Indian industry had the name of Devi Sri Prasad written on it. Prabhas's Mirchi, Surya's Singham 2 (Yamadu 2 in Telugu) and Pawan Kalyan's Attarintiki Darredi raked in tons of money and it would be an understatement to say that the music by DSP (as Devi Sri Prasad is affectionately called by his fans) played an important role in it.

Devi Sri started his career at a tender age of seventeen in 1999 with a movie that was, interestingly, titled Devi. The soundtrack of Devi had compositions that drew heavily from Sanskrit hymns, which was the forte of masters, and this left many a gaping mouths when people knew it was a seventeen year old who had pulled this off. In another couple of years, Varsham, Shankardada MBBS, Arya, Nuvvostanante Nennodantana, Bommarillu, Jalsa and Arya 2 happened, making Devi Sri the music wonder of Tollywood. The background scores of Devi Sri pack a punch and made a fan out of Kamal Hassan, who invited him to score his mega-project Dasavatharam.

The music track of a movie, apart from the artistic contributions it make, is a mighty promotional tool. With music launches becoming as important as the movie release and with a potential to make or break a film, it does not take a leap of imagination to understand why many A-list stars like Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan and Nagarjuna goes back to DSP. 

The next few months will be festive season for DSP fans, as two big films of his are to be released. The music albums of Mahesh Babu's 1-Nenokkadine and Ajith's Veeram are earning rave reviews. Both the movies are to be released on January 10 the coming year. And after 'Dinkachika' in Salman's Ready, DSP has composed another song, 'Naacho Re', for the actor in his upcoming Jai Ho. It appears, this Sankranthi and Pongal will be celebrated to the tunes of Devi Sri Prasad. 

The Oscars & Kamasutra 3 D

The Oscars & Kamasutra 3 D

M K Sinu

The details could, even today, provoke and bewilder one's imaginations. Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra, a window for the West into the culture and mysticism of the East is jutting out in 3 D format. Rupesh Paul, the director of ‘Kamasutra 3 D’ with Sherlyn Chopra in lead is running for the Oscars. Yes, the director is doing everything right so that the ‘West’ is impressed. Kamasutra 3D is in contention for the 86th Academy Awards in the categories of best motion picture, original score and original songs.

What upset Rupesh was the fact that the movie is being perceived as a B-grade soft porn. Nothing wrong. When you have Sherlyn Chopra can’t blame anyone. Having said that, Rupesh is confident because the film is of international standards and made with the best technophilia available.

This 3 D format is a more imaginative in its narrative. The film is story of a princess on a voyage in search of her husband. And, during the journey the character transforms her body, mind and soul with fellow passengers. We’ll love that. 

Also, we’ll permit us the luxury of self-congratulation, because there are more category of awards now than cinema knew existed at the time of its birth. So, tangentially Indian presence in Oscar also features in post-production departments and in the casts. Amitabh Bachchan has a cameo in Oscar eligible The Great Gatsby and Priyanka Chopra in Planes. She lend her voice for the Indian racer plane named Ishani

Fight for justice:

Malini 22, Palayamkottai/ Vijayawada

Vinitha Kattungal

After a long hiatus, Nithya Menen – the gorgeous bubbly girl with a Duchenne smile is back. In Malini 22 Palayamkottai / Vijayawada (Thriller drama), she portrays a strong independent woman who although traumatized, refuses to be a victim and embarks on a long arduous journey in the pursuit of justice. It is a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film 22 Female Kottayam directed by Aashiq Abu, wherein Rima Kallingal played the eponymous role. Apart from Nithya, Krish Sathaar plays the lead role in the remake.

Sripriya, who had carved a niche for herself as an actor in the 70's and 80's has donned the mantle of a writer and director for this movie. While this film is inspired by many others in the same genre like Sriram Raghavan’s Ek Haseena Thi, Mahesh Bhatt’s Gumrah, the Sidney Sheldon novel ‘If Tomorrow Comes’ and mostly inspired by Mein Zachi I Spit On Your Grave, the story is relevant to today’s society and highlights the vulnerable position of women.

Malini, the protagonist of the story is a young, beautiful and ambitious 22 year old nurse, who plans to travel to Canada to pursue her dreams. She is brutally raped and gets completely detached from reality. The story engine is revenge. Time for retribution - she waits silently and unseen; and takes revenge on her perpetrators who don’t stand a chance.

The audiences would be delighted to see the glamorous Nithya Menen essaying the role of a helpless woman, who reminds everyone ‘of a bird, trapped in a cage’, fighting her own emotional battle. The film is slated to release soon.

Venkat Prabhu offers Biriyani to everyone

Venkat Prabhu offers Biriyani to everyone

Saumesh Thimbath 

What has cricket, kidnap, travel and gambling in common? If no quick answer is forthcoming, as a hint add 'food' to the list. If nothing pops up still, all that needs to be said is enna kodume saar ithu. That line would bring the goofy antics of Premji Amaran to mind and the connections are around the corner. 

All these have something to do with the movies of Venkat Prabhu, the man who took spoofing and referencing in films to a new level. His new offering for our cinematic taste buds is Biriyani, which is gonna be served from 20th December onwards. Karthi plays Suvin who is willing to go to any extend to have biriyani whenever he gets drunk and this, needless to say for a Venkat Prabhu movie, lands him in trouble. Premji Amaran, the director's younger brother and a regular in his movies, plays Karthi's best buddy and partner in crime. Hansika plays the love interest and Naser co-stars.

Going by the look of the trailer, which is extremely well cut, the editing by Praveen K L and N B Srikanth would be a high point of the movie. Biriyani has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, which is his one hundredth in the industry. Don't miss the Biriyani served at the theatres near you.

The Dhoom 3 cast, including Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra and Katrina Kaif was in Hyderabad to promote the movie. Sai Korapatti, who bought the rights for the distribution of the movie in Andhra Pradesh and surrounding areas, met up with the stars and had some lighter moments with them.

The Man With A Million Likes: S S Rajamouli

The Man With A Million Likes: S S Rajamouli

   

Saumesh Thimbath          

As far as popularity of directors are concerned, it seems, no one beats the fanfare around S S Rajamouli. Few days back, he has become the first director from down south to get a million likes on his official Facebook page while his contemporaries in in the country hardly has anything close to that number.   

            

Rajamouli's elevation to the spot that he occupies now has been very gradual. He made 'masala' movies with bloodshed, gore and sleaze that never missed the mark, making him a director whom the producers felt secured to spend money on. His movies from Student No.1 to Vikramarkudu, were set in the contemporary milieu, but with Yamadonga, he was stepped in to a territory he had always wanted to work in – fantasy. In Yamadonga, the hero dies but his story does not, which is then continued in the 'yamalokam' (or netherworld). He went steps ahead in the next film, Magadheera, which mixed all the popular masala elements with fantasy storytelling and this movie made his name popular across borders.

After Magadheera, many speculations were in the air on what would be next for the director – Bollywood entry, bigger stars, and bigger budgets. Well, the mark of brilliance lies in doing the unexpected, atleast that is what Rajamouli did. He made Maryada Ramanna, with Sunil, a comedian and Saloni, a character actress, in the lead on a very small budget with a heartening story that parodied the gory and violent films set around Rayalaseema this time cleverly mixing humor to the proceedings. It went on to be another major grosser.

            

Then came Eega. It was the story of a house-fly who carried the spirit of a dead lover taking revenge on his killer. The story was not completely new and allegations of plagiarism was leveled against Rajamouli. The audience rooted for the fly like they would for a Rajnikanth or a Chiranjeevi – that was the masterstroke of Rajamouli which boasts originality. It was a creature movie that was true to our cinematic culture and sensibilities. The movie made it to the Fantastic Film Fest where a handful of the best fantasy films from around the world are screened. Though the animation of the movie was not the best that could be achieved, its small budget and the emotions it evoked made it one of the top draws in the festival.

            

Rajamouli occupies a space that is unique is many sense. When the whole of the industry celebrated might and power, Eega and Maryada Ramanna celebrated the rise of the underdog – a tiny fly in the former and a weak man in the latter. When many other directors try to find a secure spot under formulas, Rajamouli dares to take risk, not to create something that stands out on the sole merit of its novelty but also to make it a commercial phenomenon.

            

The director's next is a historical fantasy Baahubali, the shooting of which is currently in progress. A few videos of the making of the movie has been released and is getting tremendous response from people. With the date of releasing fixed for 2015, the movie will have a lengthy post-production, which is a comforting thought knowing that one man is going at it full throttle to give us another exhilarating time at the movies.

watch 'A Journey Into The Making of Baahubali' 

A movie of many firsts – 1 Nenokkadine

A movie of many firsts – 1 Nenokkadine 

M K Sinu

Marketing of a film is the last thing on the minds of most Tollywood producers. While Bollywood has been making strides with innovative marketing strategies, Tollywood producers believe this function of product placement never existed, barring a few. Mahesh Babu’s 1- Nenokkadine is wiping the slate clean this time around in positioning and marketing the film. That is only one of the many firsts for the film which are listed below.

One - This is the first time a Production and Distribution Company from Mumbai (EROS Intl) is entering Tollywood to distribute the film worldwide, and that too at a whopping price. Two, the music launch function will be live streamed on several theatres across Andhra Pradesh. Three, an App to update wallpapers, news updates and song downloads is being prepared. Four, Devi Sri Prasad and Mahesh Babu are coming together for the first time for a movie. Five, Gautham – Mahesh’s son debuts in the film as child artiste. Six, a ‘1’-student contest for the first time ever across Andhra Pradesh targeting schools is planned, too. Guess next time round, Bollywood will take a leaf or two out of mana Telugu movie 1-Nenookadine for marketing ideas.

For those who came in late, 1-Nenookadine is a stylish action-thriller directed by Sukumar. Kriti Sanon plays the female lead and the cast include Nasser, Anu Haasan, Sayaji Shinde, Pradeep Rawat, Kelly Dorji and Posani Krishna Murali.

Happy Birthday Rajnikanth: Style turns 64

Saumesh Thimbath

Van Damme did an epic split for demonstrating the fineness of Volvo truck steering and it became viral making it one of the most popular videos on YouTube. Many people tried spoofs on it and most was drab to the same degree Van Damme's was breathtaking. Somewhere in Bangalore, a few guys sat and made an animated video tiled 'Thalaivar Epic Split', which garnered more than three lakh views in 3 days, which is no ordinary feat. What made it click? It sounds pretty dumb to even ask that question. Rajnikanth. Style Mannan.Thalaivar. Rajni. Superstar. He goes by many names, but one unique style that even style is proud of. And today, 12 December 2013, Rajni celebrates his 64^th birthday. While waiting with bated breaths for 'Kochadaiiyaan', we offer our birthday wishes to the 'god of style.'  

When stars get old: The case of ‘Veeram’ and ‘Jilla’

When stars get old: The case of ‘Veeram’ and ‘Jilla’

Saumesh Thimbath

This Pongal will see two biggies fight it out at the Tamil box office, Vijay-starrer ‘Jilla’ and Ajith’s ‘Veeram’. The teaser of 'Veeram', which has a splendid background score by Devi Sri Prasad who is working with Ajith for the first time, is already creating waves. As for 'Jilla', the audio launch is expected on the third week of December.

Both 'Veeram' and 'Jilla' have something in common that more than meets the eye. Ajith plays elder brother to four young actors in ‘Veeram’ and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal plays Vijay’s father in ‘Jilla’ and both the stars spot gracious white hair and beard with the all-white Tamilian outfit to go with it. Considering both the actors are A-list superstars and the way superstars looked onscreen in the respective industries, their decision to play aging men should definitely be given the credit of novelty. It is not that either Mohanlal or Ajith has not done it before for a full length character – Ajith has been carrying his ‘salt and pepper’ look since ‘Mankatha’ and Mohanlal has spotted white hair in ‘Grandmaster’. But, Mohanlal and Ajith can be hardly put in the same age category as Ajith is in his early forties and Mohanlal a good ten years older than him. Nevertheless, their avatars in the two upcoming movies say something about how the image of the lead actor is changing in the new filmic landscape.

Aging was a disgrace that fell on all others except the lead actors. Even somebody like Rajnikanth, who flaunts his baldy look with poise off-screen, has not appeared with grey locks for a full length character. The advances in hair dying technology came as a boon to many an aging superstars and their fight was directed against wrinkles and second chins. This explains why hoards of CG artist have loads of work to do on superstars who need to be touched up frame by frame.

With Ajith’s and Mohanlal’s decision spot the aged look, it appears that the tables are turning on the ‘age-old’ custom. This trend carries weight not solely due to its artistic merit but as the indicator of a general maturing of audience taste and wider views on heroes and heroism. The exposure of the audience to different cinematic styles and conventions and the infusion of new blood into filmmaking has made this possible without any doubt. Even then, this ‘breaking of convention’ was too late in coming. Hope this trend is the first light on a day of many innovations.  

Lijo’s ‘Kalyanam’: Marriage of Confusion!

Lijo’s ‘Kalyanam’: Marriage of Confusion!

Saumesh Thimbath

Friday Film House, the production house which brought a whiff of freshness into Malayalam cinema with movies like Friday 11.11.11 Alappuzha, Zachariyayude Garbinikal and Philips and The Monkey Pen, has announced their next project. The move which is titled Kalyanam is to be directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the director the industry is watching in awe after the remarkably beautiful Amen. The movie stars Vijay Babu and the female lead is yet to be finalized.

At the heart of the movie is an interesting and quirky tale. As the name suggests, the movie is about a wedding. And on the day of the wedding, when everything is set and the holy matrimony is about to be materialized, somebody important goes missing. No, you guessed it wrong - it’s the groom who goes missing this time around. Well, he is not out sloshed somewhere after a bachelor party and nor has he ran off with another girl. He is kidnapped! You might be imagining the groom tucked up between two overgrown guys with a bag over his head in the back of a Tata Sumo.

Nope, he has been kidnapped by the bride’s female friends. Why? Who are these friends? All we have to say is repeat that famous line the old movie posters ended with…’sesham vellithirayil’ (Watch the rest on the silver screen)! Keep coming back to this space for more updates on the movie.

The Return of a Prince - R…Rajkumar

The Return of a Prince - R…Rajkumar

Vinitha Kattungal

With a string of flops behind him, Shahid Kapoor has finally shed his ‘chocolate hero image’ for an ‘archetypal action hero’ - stoic, rugged, unshaven and muscular. In R…Rajkumar he is paired with the current lady luck of Bollywood, Sonakshi Sinha. The film is directed by the Prabhu Deva, the most commercially successful filmmaker in Bollywood at present.

R…Rajkumar is a typical Prabhu Deva movie, with plenty of action, great dance moves and some witty dialogues. The hero beats all the rogues to win back his lady love.  With effortless chemistry between Shahid and Sonakshi, and the one thing the duo has in common - their love for dance.

Prabhu Deva movies are incomplete without an item number. But this time, there is a double treat for his fans in the forms of ‘Gandi Baat’ featuring Charmee and ‘Kaddu Kataga’ with villain ‘Sonu Sood’, in store. Hopeful that the new pair can work some magic with Prabhu Deva.

Just in

Review: The initial reports of the movie have come in and there is nothing different on offer. The directors who proclaim themselves to be ‘masala’ directors are going to the cheaper and gandi end of the spectrum. The story line is inspired from the masala movies of yesteryears, with a villain who lusts over the heroine and a hero who weighs in to save her. If you are the kind of person who does not mind being given predictable storylines, clichéd dialogues, tried and tested music beats and your only interest is in taking time off your hectic work, then maybe you should check out the movie.

S for Sundeep

S for Sundeep

M K Sinu

When Sundeep Kishan worked as an assistant director with Gautham Menon, before making his on screen debut with Sneha Geetham, little did he know that he had to prove himself each time before the audience accepted him as an actor. Having said that his ambitions and aspirations has always been towering the moon. 

With unconventional and scrawny looks, many would have cast him aside after his first film, but critics saw great potential in him. Prasthanam, his next film, directed by Deva Katta, propelled him into the league of actors. For Sundeep, investing in that kind of a story with texture got him noticed. Albeit the movie found few takers.

Raj Nidimoru & Krishna D.K took notice of Sundeep’s acting prowess and cast him as ‘Savan’ in the Hindi movie Shor in the City, a portrayal that is unmistakably a strong one, and as an actor, he went sky-bound like a butterfly.

Nothing venture, nothing gain. So then Sundeep ventured and how? Reaping the fruits of his hard work was with the movie Routine Love Story, a reasonably successful film in the rom-com genre. A good-natured and thoughtfully constructed film. After which Sundeep did Gundello Godari, here again an earnest performance by him. The film premise was against the backdrop of devastating flash floods of 1986 set in a hamlet on the coast of river Godavari.       

With the success of Venkatadiri Express Sundeep Kishan has finally arrived. You cannot classify him as an A lister in the Tollywood bandwagon nor park him anywhere below. If only a director can now serve us a masala movie straight up with him as hero. There he is.  

Cashing in on Nostalgia: Padmarajan and ‘The New Generation’

Cashing in on Nostalgia: Padmarajan and ‘The New Generation’

Nandini Raja

The late P. Padmarajan is undoubtedly the most celebrated writer-director in Malayalam film Industry. Even though most of the Padmarajan’s movies were not huge commercial successes, he has a huge fan following, especially among old and new filmmakers alike. It is interesting to note that some of ‘the new generation’ film makers have created blockbusters celebrating his films, dialogues and characters. Many aspects of these films are inspired from movies like ‘Thoovanathumbikal’ and ‘Namukku Paarkkan Munthirithoppukal’, which have already become clichéd. So the question arises, can ‘creative freedom’ or ‘tribute to legend’ always be cited as the reason behind such clichéd representations? Or are these filmmakers capitalising on the ‘legendary’ status of Padmarajan to sell their own ware?

How a member of the audience interprets or gets affected by a film is very personal and subjective. In that sense we cannot really say that somebody has ‘misread’ a work of art. But when one looks at the way some of the film makers have understood and represented a film and its premise, it comes across as very conservative. In such contexts we feel cheated and we say that the film maker has ‘misread’ the character. Because Padmarajan’s body of work as a film maker is a study in cinema itself.

One glaring example of that misuse is the bringing back of Thangal, the character played by Babu Namboothiri, which was a bold attempt by Padmarajan. Padmarajan’s portrayal of Thangal, a person who supplies prostitutes, is so poignant that it could open a new way of making sense of the character. Even though we are not given much details about Thangal, we are made to believe that he has heart wrenching backstory and he is not the usual pimp that is portrayed in mainstream Malayalam movies. But, Thangal reappeared in a recent film as a mere pimp, somebody who does not have the emotional depth that was visible in ‘Thoovanathumbikal’. Few old dialogues and similar background music is not enough to re-create the character, even if you call it ‘tribute’. To add, what does these so called progressive films try to say – idea of One Woman Man? They conveniently forget Jayakrishnan (Mohanlal) was in love with both Clara (Sumalatha) and Radha (Parvathy) in ‘Thoovanathumbikal’.

Any Malayalam film lover would cherish the experience of watching ‘Thoovanathumbikal’. Many interpretation of the movie has put ‘rain’ as an important character in the movie. Mohanlal, the lead actor of the movie, has mentioned about the same in his memoir of Padmarajan - "Rithumarmarangal". But does the portrayal of the heroine, drenched in rain and sexy, with the famous theme music of the movie playing in background, make the concept of love at first sight "Beautiful"?

Considering this case, one has to say that certain films and characters should be left alone. Remaking or re-creating them spoils the beauty. Because the context in which those films were made cannot be recreated.  Getting influenced/inspired, from genius is not similar to re-creating what they did. Recreating Padmarajan is close to impossible – or almost.