Director - Calcutta News technically my best film: Blessy

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Calcutta News technically my best film: Blessy


Blessy is a path breaking director who has taken the road less traveled in commercial Malayalam cinema as proved by his classics like - Kazhcha, Thanmatra and the neo-realistic Palunku. All his films have been critically acclaimed. At the same time they have also been commercially viable at the box-office. Now Blessy's new film, the eagerly awaited Calcutta News is ready for release.
Excerpts from an interview with the director on the eve of the release of Calcutta News


Are you moving away from your format of making family films based on a moving incident in Kerala to a big metro in Calcutta News?
(Smiles) . The first three films I did- Kazhcha, Thanmatra, Palunku were family based stories. If you notice the screenplay was the story and all of them revolved around the life of a middle class men and families in Kerala. Calcutta News, is a love story that moves along as a thriller, a new genre for me. I also wanted to evolve as a technician, which is the reason I took on this film which is technically my best film so far on a wider canvass.

What is the one-line story of Calcutta News?
Calcutta News is an insight into the life of Ajith Thomas, a Calcutta born and brought up investigative television programme producer and reporter who during the course of trying to unravel the mystery behind Krishnapriya, a helpless Malayalee girl who lost her husband in suspicious circumstances discovers the dark side of the big city. During the course of his investigation he falls in love with the innocence of Krishnapriya and her love for Hindustani classical songs.What happens next forms the crux of Calcutta News, which has a suspense element in it.



How did you do your casting for the film? For the first time I'm casting Dileep in my film. He plays Ajith Thomas, an investigative television reporter born and brought up in Kolkata, and the son of a former footballer. The one thing that drew people from Kerala to Calcutta of the 40 to 70's was the craze for football. I have given Dileep a bespectacled look and my make-up man Ranjit Ambady has given him a different hairstyle for the film. Dileep's dialogue delivery and his character have been moulded as realistically as possible, and in the film he is a lovable. Meera's character is crucial for the development of the plot. Meera as the music-loving girl is central to the theme of the film. Both my lead artists are apt for the characters they play and have done a great job. The others in the cast like Indrajit, Innocent, Vimala all have done their parts well.

Like in your previous films, is there any message in Calcutta News?
There is definitely a message in the film which is topical and very relevant for Malayalees. But if I let out the message before release then the suspense element in the film will go missing. Anyway there is a message which will be revealed in the climax of the film.

What are the other highlights of the film?
Like I told you earlier this will be technically one of my best films cinematographer S.Kumar has done a great job. The camera tells its own story and the editing of Vijay Shankar is top class. Our efforts have been to paint some captivating visuals on screen in Calcutta News

What about the soft melodies in the film?
I would say musically it is my best film so far. A significant aspect about the film is its music, composed by Debjyothi Mishra, an associate of the legendary Salil Chowdhary. He has provided music for films like Chokker Bali, Raincoat etc. There is an evident Malayali flavour in the compositions and there is Bengali and Hindustani music as well. The lyrics have been penned by Vayalar Sarat Chandra Varma. And since the film is set in Kolkata, it was absolutely necessary to bring in someone like Debjyothi Mishra . In the past Bengali musicians have found great success in Malayalam and I hope that the music of the film will attract the audiences.

Malayalam Cinema - Review - Of The People

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Jayaraj has lost his magic touch to make movies with new themes and fresh innovative ideas. He still cannot get out of the web cast by his first people movie 4 the people, as his last in the trilogy Of the people is a boring flick which is also technically tacky.
. Storywise, it’s old wine in new bottle. This film begins where 4 the people ended. Three of the four vigilantes – Easwar Iyer (Arjun) Shafique (Padmakumar) and Sebastin (Arun) come out of jail after serving their sentences, but are shunned by the society and students. Being influenced by Che Guevara, they go to the forests to fight a guerilla style war through their laptop as they have like in the original created a website where they take complaints from harassed people and annihilate baddies dressed like Che Guevara!

A journalist Nancy Issac (Devipriya) interviews them and they become top on the watch list of Hari Shankar (Harish), the new IPS officer looking after the case. The big bad guy is Nassar (Anoop), the land mafia leader who starts targeting our guys. Nancy is murdered leading to a long drawn out predictable climax.

There is no iota of originality in the film. And the songs which were the highlight in the original is let down, with no hummable number. In short Of the people is a documentary on Kerala politics or what appeared in the media like the eviction drive in Munnar, the land mafia of Kochi, police-underworld nexus, campus unrest and other happenings.

Our advice to Jayaraj- "Stop the people series and vigilante stories full of music video style songs which look like an ad for Kerala tourism". Please find a good script before embarking on your next venture.

Verdict- Disappointing

Malayalam Cinema - Review - Calcutta News

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Movie
Calcutta News

Director
Blessy

Producer
Thampi Antony

Music
Debjyothi Mishra

Cast
Dileep, Meera Jasmine, VImala Raman


Blessy the pathbreaking director in modern Malayalam cinema has come out with his fourth film in six years, Calcutta News which is as good as his previous oeuvres. The writer and director this time holds a mirror to metropolitan India's ugly underbelly of trafficking in women and how a middle class girl from Kerala gets caught in it.
It is riveting cinema and exhibits emotional depth and visual richness aided by lovely music, razor sharp script, superb camera, slick editing and above all knock-out performances from the lovable lead of Dileep and Meera. Blessy is able to bring savvy freshness to form hitherto unexplored. The story and settings are entirely different from the earlier films of the director which were basically family stories set in lower middleclass milieu in Kerala. Here it is a love story set against a big city like Kolkata and the plot unfolds like a thriller and has to be appreciated for tackling a relevant theme with a sensitive portrayal.


`Calcutta News`is technically my best film': Blessy

Ajit Thomas (Dileep) is an acclaimed investigative television anchor and producer with a leading channel 'Calcutta News', and is the son of a former footballer who grew up in Kolkata. His team at the channel includes news assistant Smita (Vimala Raman), and anchors Aruna (Manasa) and Sheela (Brinda). Ajit is a lovable guy who lives in a flat with his mom and sister and is active member of the Malayalee Samajam led by a comical president (Innocent) and his wife ( Bindu Panickkar) One day Ajit bumps into a newly married Malayalee couple while on work in a tram, but the guy is hostile when he tries to introduce himself as a Mallu! However, while editing the news, he is shocked to find that an unidentified body found near Kalighat resembles the rude guy he met in the tram.

Ajit's investigative nature comes into the fore as he goes about finding the mystery behind the brutal murder of the guy. The guy was Hari (Indrajith), who had married an orphan Krishnapriya (Meera Jasmine) from Pattambi and brought her to Kolkata, before his brutal murder. Krishnapriya is unaware of her husband's job or what he does for a living and is shattered to know about his death. However hope floats into her life after Ajit sort of becomes her protector and also gets attracted to her for her innocence and their mutual love for music.

Meanwhile Ajit finds that there is something rotten and discovers that Hari was one of the henchman in a sex racket that traps innocent girls and sells them to a one-arm bearded guy (Kathal Krishnamoorthy) who operates from Sonagachi, the largest red-light area in eastern India! Ajit along with his friends try to unravel the sex racket using their television channel, which leads to the bearded guy kidnapping Krishnapriya and taking her to his den in Songachi! Can Ajit in hot pursuit get through the maze of nightmarish and confusing alleys and by-lanes of Songachi to reach his lady love?

The film makes a strong statement against the trafficking of women and sex trade in big cities which are dependent on the gullible girls from villages across India including Kerala who are lured into it by middle men who con them into marriage. Blessy has a solid straightforward plot with an emotional core that pulls your heart strings like his previous films. Blessy has told it in a realistic manner through the eyes of his protagonist Ajit Thomas an ordinary journalist with guts and determination.

You cannot take your eyes off Ajit Thomas, played brilliantly by Dileep with a new hair style, glasses and looking every inch a television reporter who is expressive and riveting. The director has fleshed out his protagonist background adequately explaining his reason for falling in love with a country girl and making it believable. Meera is splendid pitching her act just right and portrays Krishnapriya's strength and vulnerability beautifully. Indrajith has the right look and menace required for his character,Thambi Antony as doctor is impressive, Vimala is wasted while Krishnamoorthy creates fear as the sex trader.

Technically it is Blessy's best film. The veteran cameraman S.Kumar has been able to capture the grimness of Songachi and its myriad alleys and the majesty of old Kolkatta its trams, Howrah Bridge, Kalighat, Oberoi Grand and its elegance amazingly. Count among other plus points Vijay Shankar's fast cuts, Ranjit Ambadi's make-up especially of Dileep and Manu Jagadh's art work and choice of locations essential for the story.

And the biggest factor working for the film is the music of Debojyoti Mishra, based on classical forms and definitely there is a Bengali feel to it which Kerala listeners love (Remember Salil Chowdhary influence in Malayalam film songs of the 70's and 80's). Music is part of the film as they are married to the visuals by the lyrics of Vaylar Sarathchandra Varma with the melodious - Engino Vanna Panchavarnakili…. and the peppy Kannadi Kootile Kowmara Thumbi…. being the pick of the lot. The background score of Ouseappachan adds to the rich fare which makes the film gel.

Calcutta News is a vital, sardonic and disturbingly brave attempt within the commercial film format at good meaningful cinema that also entertains. Great going Blessy!

Verdict: Very Good

MalayalamCinema - Salimkumar is a DSP.

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Salim kumar is playing the role of a DSP in the new film, the star studded 'Twenty Twenty'.

The actor who excelled in all the roles that he played in 2007 to become one of the most demanded artists of the year, is for the first time playing the role of a police officer in such a high post.

News is that, Salimkumar is having one of the best introductory scenes in the film.

The actor, who is presently in the sets of ‘Mulla’, will be also seen in films like ‘De Ingottu Nokkiye’, ‘Parthan Kanda Paralokam’ and ‘Annan Thambi’, in the first half of 2007.

MalayalamCinema - Mammootty as ‘Maatukkaran Velan’

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Mammootty had always been lucky enough to find his films doing well at Kollywood.

As the actor has increased his fan base with the appearance in a number of Tamil super hits, his hit films from Malayalam often dubbed into Tamil, with Tamil names always recieved reasonable victories.

And the new film that will appear in the title ‘Maattukaran Velan' will be the dubbed version of his biggest hit in Malayalam 'Rajamanikyam'.

Mammootty will speak in a peculiar and humorous Tamil accent in this film which is having the same title of an old M G R movie.

In this film, Mammotty plays the role of Bellary Raja who wears sunglasses all the time, and is based in Bellary where he deals with wholesale selling of buffaloes.

The Thiruvananthapuram Malayalam slang that the star used in the original film was one of its much talked about reasons for success.

MalayalamCinema - Katha Parayumpol becomes Kuchelan

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Vasu. The mega star will take on Mammootty's role in the remake while Pashupathy will appear in the role that Sreenivasan has done in the original.

Simran will make a great come back playing the wife of the Barber, which was done by Meena in the original.

The new movie, which will be remade with suitable changes for the Tamil audiences will be co produced by Seven Arts and K Balachander's Kavithalaya.

Sreenivasan was recently in Chennai to show the original movie to Rajinikanth, his friend and senior at Adyar film Institute, where they studied together.

Rajini , who instantly got the pulse of the movie agreed to be in it. The film will be made as a quickie before Rajni’s mega project with Shankar, ‘Robot’.

Another Malayalam remake

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Another Malayalam remake

Several Malayalam hit films have been remade in other Indian languages. The remake rights of the Ramzan winner Chocolate was sold at an astronomical price of Rs. one crore to Mirchi Movies, a subsidiary of Times Infotainment Media, to remake the film in any Indian language. The campus-based flick, directed by Shafi, starring Prithviraj, Roma, Jayasurya and Samvrutha in the lead, tells the story of a young guy who is forced to seek admission in a women’s college.

Now the remake rights of the Christmas winner Katha Parayumbol have been sold to K. Balachander’s Kavithalaya Productions, who are working on a Tamil remake. P. Vasu will be directing the film starring Rajinikanth and Pasupathy in the lead. The original movie, starring Mammootty, Sreenivasan and Meena in the lead, tells the story of a village barber and his friendship with a superstar.

Malayalam Cinema - Rajamanikyam to be dubbed in Tamil

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Rajamanikyam will now be dubbed and released in Tamil as Maattukaran Velan. The movie, directed by Anwar Rasheed, became one of the highest grosser among recent Malayalam films.

Mammootty plays the role of a cattle dealer, Bellary Raja alias Rajamanikyam, who tries to reunite with his step brother and sister. Others in the cast include Rahman, Sindhu Menon, Padmapriya, Manoj K. Jayan, Saikumar, Cochin Haneefa, Salim Kumar, Renjith and Bheeman Raghu.

Meanwhile, Anwar Rasheed is again teaming with Mammootty for a new film, Annan Thambi, starring him in dual roles (of brothers). Lakshmi Rai plays the female lead.

Malayalam - Parthan Kanta Paralokam progressing fast

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The shooting of filmmaker Anil’s upcoming film, Partha Kanta Paralokam, which began in the second week of December, is progressing fast in and around Palakkad. The movie, starring Jayaram and Mukesh in the lead and scripted by Rajan Kiriyat, focuses on the relationship between two men, played by Jayaram and Mukesh.

The movie also casts Sreedevika, Jagathy Sreekumar, Kalabhavan Mani, Kottyam Naseer, Salim Kumar and Sobha Mohan, and is slated for Vishu release. Jayaram and Mukesh are teaming for a film after a long gap; they were last seen together in the comedy film, Friends.

13 Year Old to compose music for Malayalam film.

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A Class IX student from Kerala dons the mantle of music director this week.

"Plavila Police", a children's film in Malayalam, will see 13-year-old Ramatheerthan make his debut as a music director.

The film, about children whose parents are serving jail terms, will be launched here Wednesday.

It is the brainchild of journalist-turned-director Vimal Viswanath, who is also the scriptwriter.

"I am really excited as it would be my first break. I am really thankful to the producers of the film," said Ramatheerthan.

"I wish to thank the director of the film who spotted me at a school youth festival and to my surprise spoke to me about composing the music in his film.

I always wanted to compose music for films but it happened early," he added.

Veteran singers K.S. Chithra, Sisily and Kavalam Sreekumar will lend their voice to the three compositions of the debutant music director, who says he looks to his parents for inspiration and motivation.

The film, which stars veteran Babu Antony, is being produced by Dubai-based NRI Shaji Moothlif and his friend Siyo Kabeer at a budget of Rs.6 million.
It will be ready for release in six months.

Actress - Interview with Kavya Madhavan

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Have you not even thought about marriage yet?

I’m not going to say that I didn’t even think about marriage. I want a good and peaceful life. God surely knows when to bring my groom to me.


We heard that you are going to do a film in Telugu for a huge pay. Is that true?

I never said that I wouldn’t do films in other languages. But, this is an information that I’ll have to deny. I’m waiting for good offers.


You have an excellent role in ‘Charumukhi’…?

The film is getting delayed due to callsheet problem of other stars. I hope they begin shooting immediately.


You have become a heroine when you were a student and subsequently busy in films. Were you able to continue your studies?

I have registered as a plus two student in humanities with the Open University. I missed the April exam due to various film projects that came continuously. I am going to write the examination in September and taking tuitions. I am not a brilliant student. But I am sure I will get pass marks. Well I am not going to hold high positions. Am I? I have only a tiny ambition. That is to become a graduate. So I am not quitting my studies.

It is the same character you have played in 'Oomappenninu…'and 'En Manavathil'. When you repeat a character how can you possibly improvise it?

This is the first time I am playing a character twice. I was really nervous when I was told by Vinayan that I had to play a dumb in his film.

How did you train yourself for this role?
I went to a deaf and dumb school. Observe them communicating in sign language. Then I saw the film Koshish in Hindi. I had prepared myself for the role meticulously. When I had to play the role second time in Tamil, my tensions were eased. Both critics and viewers complemented my performance. It was with confidence that I went to the shooting of En Manavathil the greatest advantage was I was not required to converse. So the Language problem did not arise in Tamil. Further the director and crew were same.

Meesa Madhavan is going to be remade in Tamil by director Lal Jose. Will you be the heroine?
I heard that Lal Jose chettan is remaking Meesa… in Tamil. I heard the hero is Vijay. No body has so far asked me to play the female role. If I am offered the role I will accept it definitely. It was this director who gave me a heroine's role first. If the hero feels differently then I may not get the chance.

Meera jasmine, Navya Nair, Nitya Das, Nandana Menon…. There are new heroines and new girls. Do you expect competition?

Let more and more heroines come. This something good and not a threat at all. There are new heroes also. When there are more teenage heroes we girls also will get our chances. The talented one will survive. Others will strive to excel. It will be a healthy competition. But above all there is this important factor called luck. There girls more beautiful than me more talented than me. But I am getting these chances because I have my lady luck with me too.

But even otherwise heroines are left behind. Some are married and left the scene themselves. Some are not getting chances. Aren't you worried?

Yes I had thought about it. Senior artists like Sheela, Sarada, Jayabharathy all had sustained their positions as heroines for a long time. Contemporary heroines are not able to hold on. I am wonderstruck when I hear Prem Nazir- Sheela duo had acted in 107 pictures. Viewers of that period never tired of seeing them both together. I have acted with Dileep chettan in six films. I am not sure whether the present day viewers would like us to come together again. I will be here as long as I can survive. I want to be remembered on account of some strong characters. Like the ones Manju warrior did. She is still there in the minds of viewers. It is because she was able to do a number of good roles. I will not regret if I had to leave the film field after doing a few good roles.

You did not act with Mammootty, Mohan Lal and Suresh Gopi as their heroine?

It is because my image is of teen age heroine. Viewers may not accept the situation. As a professional artist I cherish to act opposite those top artists. May be I will get a chance after two or three years. Though not opposite I had acted with them in Rakhsasarajavu, Oral Mathram (with Mammootty) and in Onnaman (with Mohan Lal).

Why did you do those roles? Those were not main roles and you were not noticed in them?

So many had asked me this question. First the films were that of two top actors. Second top filmmakers directed those films. True the roles were not important. When I was informed about the roles they were important. Later it changed. I was sad. Some portions were edited in Rakshadsarajjavu. I was the pair to Dileep. There was a song sequence in which we both appeared. I even complained to Vinayan sir. He pacified me saying that I would be given a good role in the future. He gave me chance in Kasi. Now the whole of Tamilnadu knows me through his Kasi role.

You are a teen-age actress. Yet you acted opposite Nedumudi Venu in Jeevan Masai. How come?

I did three different phases of the role in it. That is my explanation. I am proud of the role also. The role of Pingalakesini the goddess of death. I am sad that the film is not released in commercial circuit. Perhaps it may come in TV.

Do you intend to continue your stay in Cochin?

No Never. Wherever I am in this world, I prefer to remain as Neeleswaram girl. I will go back to my village once I am done with films.


How did you feel when Dileep picked Gopika up for ‘Pachakudhira’?

If I’m going to expect that I’ll be the heroine of all Dileep films, then I’ll be in trouble.


If Gopika became the No 1 heroine in Malayalam, would you still not feel upset?
Let me tell you something- I don’t go about wasting my time on such thoughts. I try to give my best to each and every movie offer that I get. I don’t have ego hassles and I don’t get jealous at others. There’s place for everybody in the film industry. I saw Gopika’s ‘Chaandupottu’. I saw her ‘Autograph’ too. She had acted very well in the film. I’m really happy at her progress.

Don’t you ever feel upset or regretful?
I’m a human being. I have those emotions too. Sometimes dad used to shout at me. Mom would cry. I used to feel so upset that I start to cry too. Life has both pleasure and pain.

How do you deal with pain?

I read books. Sometimes, I start doing some glass-paintings.


Do you remember your sad moments?

No, I don’t. There are many who had hurt me. I try to forget those incidents.

Malayalam Movie - FLASH

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Cast: Mohanlal, Jagathy, Nedumudi Venu, Shamna Kasim, Siddhique, Indrajith, Saikumar, Sureshkrisna, Suraj Venjaaramodu, Ponvannan.

Direction: Sibi Malayil.

Music: Gopi Sunder.




In this film Mohanlal is Mithun Madhavan, a Mumbai based Information technology industrialist.

Priyan, a software engineer, is the favorite staff of Mithun Madhavan, who is in love with his uncle's daughter Dhwani.

Dhwani, on the other hand, born and brought up in Chennai, is a stubborn girl who won’t care for anything.


She knows little about the culture, traditions and even her relatives in Kerala. She being the sole heir of Kalarithodi Tharavaadu, is brought to her ancestral home, when her mother dies of cancer.

Her grandfather, who is only person left in the Tharavadu, cares very much for her and asks her to be with him in Kerala for the time being.

After some problems in her life, that is becoming grave day after day, It is at this juncture that Mithun comes into her life, on a vacation visit to Kerala.

He was introduced to Dhwani by his sister who is a close friend of her, following which everything changes in both of their lives.

Flash have Mohanlal as Mithun Madhavan while notebook fame Parvathy is Dhwany.

Jagathy Sreekumar plays a major role in the film as Mithun's close friend called Idea Sasi, because he is all the time coming up with ideas, all of which are impractical.

Tamil actor Ponvannan also plays a meaty role in the film. The others in the cast include Shamna Kasim, Siddhique, Indrajith, Saikumar, Sureshkrisna and Suraj Venjaaramodu.

It is not a matter of debate to acknowledge that it was the team of Mohanlal, and Sibi Malayil who created the best of the plots and films in Malayalam in the last decade.

Films like Kireedom, Sadhayam, Chenkol, Maayamayooram, Dhanam , Bharatham, Kamaladalam, His Highness Abdulla and Dasaratham - all by the duo are rated as the best that was witnessed in the nineties.

They did the last film together way back in 2000 title 'Devadhoodhan' which met with dismal results in the box office.

Now after seven years, the duo are coming together to create another great work in the new film ‘Flash’.

Flash scripted by journalist S Bhasurachandran is tipped as a psychological suspense thriller.

Malayalam Movie - KANGARU

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Director: Raj Babu
Producer: Cecily Biju.

Cast: Prithviraj, Jayasurya,Kavya Madhavan, Kavery, Lalu Alex, Jagathy Sreekumar, Salim Kumar,
Harisree Ashokan, KPAC Lalitha, Sukumari, Kala Ranjini, Indrans,Kalabhavan Sujosh, Helen.

Music: Saji Ram.
Lyrics: Biju Kaipparedan.

In this movie, Prithviraj is Josekutty,
an educated youth, hailing from the
famous Palakunnil tharavaadu.


But as the present economic
situation of this tharavadu was
quite pathetic, and Josekutty
being the only person who has
to look after all the affairs of
the ancestral tharavadu,

he decides to become an auto
rickshaw driver, rather than
to wait for a white collar job.



josekutty has two sisters,
his mother and a little insane
elder brother who are depending
on his income.


At present he is facing two grave problems that he has to find a way out.


One being his elder sister’s husband,a staff of electricity board, who is quarrelling all the day to pay him back the money that he had spend earlier on the family.

More over , Josekutty has to marry off his younger sister Susanna, for which he needed a lump sum.


So there was no other option left for Josekutty, than to be in the race for a living in an auto rickshaw.



It was at this junction, that Circumstances forced Josekutty to take care of an year old child.


He than becomes the father and mother of the child, taking it with him all around in his auto, just like a kangaroo takes the child in his pocket.

The film’s story is narrated in the backdrop of interesting ceremonies and rituals of knanaya sabha, to which our prime characters belong to.

Jayasuriya appear in an important role of Monichan in this film, while Kavya Madhavan appears as the heroine Nancy.

Actress Kavery also makes a comeback as Nancy's sister Jancy through the film.

The film also features a bunch of comedy artists from the industry like Jagathy Sreekumar, Harishree Ashokan, Bindu Panikkar, K P A C Lalitha, Lalu Alex and Salimkumar.

Produced in the banner of Isabella movie tone by Sisily Buiju Kaiparoden, the film is based on a story by Anilraj.

Scripted by J Pallassery, the film is cinematographed by Saloo George. ‘Kangaru' also introduces a new name in music direction - Saji Ram.

The film which was shot in and around Eerattupetta, is distributed by Lal release.

Malayalam Film Review - NOVEL

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Cast: Jayaram, Sada, Jagathy, Nedumudi Venu, Sarika

Direction: East Coast Vijayan.

Music: M.Jayachandran , Bala Bhaskar.


In this film,Jayaram is Sethunath - a successful businessman and writer.
Sethu is presently on the limelight following his new book 'Swantham' which has earned a lot of

international awards and appreciations from masses and critics alike.

Even as he is surrounded by journalists who are to seek the details about the backdrops and storyline
of the novel, Sethu prefers to keep silent.

As he never believed in these kind of ceremonial promotions, he restrained
even from attending functions that were organized to congratulate him.

After long persuasions, Sethu accepts to be on a celebration organized at an orphanage, only due to the fact that he was also the product of this same orphan’s asylum.

And here, he turns nostalgic and starts speaking up about the creative urge that forced him to write such a rewarding novelettes.

Very soon, the audience comes to know that through the novel he was narrating his own love story, that too with a playback singer Priyanandini (Sada) who starts falling slowly in love with Sethunath when she comes to do a jingle for one of his products.


Her beautiful voice enchants Sethu and she is appointed for singing for his company.

Amidst one of her singing assignments, she accidentally finds a few scribbled papers bunch and on finding that they were novels written by her boss, she sends them for publication.

The film goes on to narrate how the theme of the novel intermingles with the life of the novelist, to provide an enchanting work to literature, and how this presentations changes the life of its creater.

''The film is for those people who still keep a love in a corner of their hearts'', says the director East Coast Vijayan.


Jayaram appears in the movie as Sethunath while Sada debuts playing Priya Nandhini.

In able support in the other casts are Jagathy, Saju Kodiyan, Devan, Saiju, Ganesh, Anoop Shivasevan, Indrans, Jagannatha Varma, Anitha Surendran, Sharika, and Lakshmi Ramakrishanan.

The screenplay and dialogues of the film are by Ashok Sasi while Azhagappan who was behind last years notable films is back, wielding the camera for the film .


The other high lights of the film is the six songs, set to music by M Jayachandran and Umbayee, of which five are rendered by 'Ganagandharvan' K J Yesudas.

The film which was mostly shot in and around the capital city also have a few scenes shot at Kuala Lumpur including the climax song.


More over this film is the launch vehicle of popular organizer of stage shows and album maker, East Coast Vijayan, into films.

The movie is produced, written and directed by him in his own banner.

Moreover, Sada, of Jayam and more famous through ‘Anniyan’, is making her foray into Mollywood cinema through 'Novel'.

As much of our actresses are hardly finding time to be with other South Indian ventures, Sada is quite a different attempt and she expressed much of her satisfaction working with the crew and looks forward to secure a prominent place in Malayalam cinema.

Malayalam Movie - Romeo

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Cast: Dileep, Samvrutha, Vimala Raman, Shruthilakshmi, Riza Bava, Sooraj Venjaramoodu, Salim Kumar, Bheeman Reghu, Mallika Sukumaran, Cochin Haneefa, Ashokan, T.P. Madhavan, Madhu Warrier
Producer: Rafi, Mecartin
Director: Rajasenan
Music Director: Alex Paul
Cinematography: K.P. Nambiathiri
Editor: Raja Mohamed
Art: Boban
Lyricist: Vyalar Sharad Chandra Varma
Screenplay: Rafi, Mecartin




Romeo is the first Christmas offering for Malayalam cine buffs. Directed by Rajasenan, it's a family entertainer, with lots of hilarious sequences produced by veteran writers Rafi and Mecartin. The last Rajasenan comedy film with a script penned by Rafi and Mecartin was Anniyan Bava Chetan Bava.

Romeo revolves around a male nurse romantically involved with several women, leading to complex situations.

Manu, son of junior artist Ratheesh Kumar (Cochin Haneefa) and former singer Lakshmikutty Amma (Mallika Sukumaran), works as a male nurse in a very big hospital. Manu is a cool, friendly guy who falls for every girl he meets. Manu and Dr. Priya (Vimala Raman) are close friends since childhood. Priya is in love with Manu but does not express her love.

Manu, on the other hand, is in love with Leena (Samvrutha), a singer contesting in a TV reality show where Manu's mother is one of the judges. Manu tries to help Leena win the contest by requesting everyone to vote for her. Leena's father, rich businessman Avarachan (Bheeman Reghu), bribes Ratheesh Kumar to make Leena win the contest. However, despite everyone's efforts, Leena fails to win the competition.

Manu and his friend Prasanth (Sooraj Venjaramoodu) hatch a plan to console the aggravated Avarachan and convince him to get his daughter married to Manu. Avarachan agrees to the proposal on the condition that Manu gets converted to Christianity. Manu thus gets converted to Christianity and is now named Manuel. But to everyone's dismay, Leena now refuses to marry Manu. This creates more trouble for Manu, who has already lost his job due to his conversion.

Manu's friend Prasanth helps him find a job as a home nurse to take care of an insane person named Ramanathan (Riza Bava) in a Brahmin agraharam. For this new job, Manu pretends to be a Brahmin and introduces himself as Subramani. Manu meets a Brahmin girl, Bhama (Sruthilakshmi) who sings bhajans in temples. Love blossoms between Subramani and Bhama as she finds him to be a good man, quite different from the drunkard (Ashokan) who wants to marry her. But when the community learns that Manu is actually a Christian, Manu finds himself in more big trouble and runs away from the agraharam.

Priya helps Manu at this stage; he now realizes that she is in love with him. Priya convinces her father, retired CBI officer Raghava Menon, to get her married with Manu. Leena decides to marry Manu, as she does not like the person approved by her father. Meantime, Bhama has been thrown out of her house. Along with her friends, she wanders around in search of Manu to marry him. Whom does Manu finally marry?

Dileep has given a superb performance as Manu. Samvrutha does a wonderful job. Vimala Raman is good as Priya. Newcomer Sruthilakshmi is ok. Other supporting cast (Riza Bava, Sooraj Venjaramoodu, Salim Kumar, Bheeman Reghu, Mallika Sukumaran, Cochin Haneefa and Ashokan) add to the comic elements of the film.

Alex Paul and Vyalar Sarath Chandra Varma together provide some very good songs. The song 'Killichundan mavvil thanupu ulla thanalil' is excellent. The movie begins well with several funny scenes to keep you entertained, but the second half gets boring at times and moves at a slow pace.

An average comic entertainer targeted at family audiences.

Malayalam Movie - Katha Parayumbol

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Cast: Mammootty, Sreenivasan, Meena, Mukhes, Jagadish, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Innocent, Salim Kumar, KPAC Lalitha
Producer: Mukesh, Sreenivasan
Director: M. Mohanan
Music Director: M. Jayachandran
Cinematography: P. Sukumar
Editor: Ranjan Abraham
Art: Gokuldas
Lyricist: Anil Panachooran, Gireesh Puthencherry
Screenplay: Sreenivasan



Katha Parayumbol is the best film released this Christmas. Written by Sreenivasan, directed by debutante M. Mohanan and co-produced by Mukesh and Sreenivasan, the movie is based on the simple story of a poor barber, narrated in a beautiful manner.

Sreenivasan is known for his decent performances and the different characters he plays in his films. In his last movie, Arabikatha, he excelled in the role of a diehard communist; in Katha Parayumbol, he steals the show as a barber.

Balan is a poor barber, who stays with his family - his wife, Sridevi (Meena), two daughters and a son in Melekavu village. Balan finds it very difficult to maintain his family with the meagre amount he earns from his old saloon. To make the situation worse, a new modern saloon is opened by Sarasaran (Jagadish) in the village. Balan leads an honest life and is reluctant to give bribes to obtain a loan for renovating and refurbishing his dilapidated saloon. He becomes a subject of mockery for the villagers as he refuses to adopt the wrong path for improving his standard of life. Sridevi finds it hard making ends meet and the children are in a stage of being thrown out of the school due to non-payment of fees.

The movie is set in the background of a village, with several interesting characters including a cruel money lender Eeppachan(Innocent), a tea shop owner (Mamukoya), a amateur poet Das Vadakemuri (Salim Kumar), a school principal (KPAC Lalitha) and a college professor Venu (Mukesh).

Things begin to change suddenly when superstar Ashok Raj comes to the village for the shooting of his film, Pakshikal Parakate. The news of Ashok Raj being a friend of Balan spreads like rapid fire. Enemies now turn friends! Those who used to make fun of Balan start respecting him and come seeking his help so that they could get closer to Ashok Raj. Poet Das Vadakemuri writes a poem praising Balan. However, Balan hesitates to meet his old friend with the fear that Ashok Raj may have forgotten him. Will Balan meet Ashok Raj?

Sreenivasan has successfully handled three big responsibilities of being an excellent writer, a talented actor and a good producer. The major highlight of the film is Sreenivasan's performance and a superb climax. He excels in every scene of the film.

Mammootty has given a stunning and lively performance as the real superstar. Meena as Sreenivasan's wife has done a wonderful job. The other supporting characters played by Jagadish, Mukesh, Innocent, Salim Kumar, Mamukoya, Suraj Venjaramoodu add to the comic elements of the film.

'Vyathyasthanamoru Barbaraam' penned by Anil Panachooran and set to tune by M. Jayachandran is the best track.

The movie includes several funny sequences to keep you entertained. So don't miss it!!

Malayalam Cinema - Raj Babu goes for Plastic Surgery

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Filmmaker Raj Babu, who gave us hits films like Chess, starring Dileep and Bhavana, and the recent hit Kangaroo, starring Prithviraj and Kavya Madhavan, is working on his upcoming film, Plastic Surgery.

The slapstick entertainer, being produced by Martin and scripted by Sudeesh John, stars Jayaram and Jagathy in dual roles. The director has now roped in Gopika to play the female lead.

Malayalam Cinema - Vineeth Srinivasan’s next?

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Vineeth Srinivasan, son of veteran actor Sreenivasan, who is popular as a singer is making his debut as hero with the upcoming film, Cycle, directed by Johnny Antony. The movie also casts Bhama, Sandhya and Vinu in the main roles.

The latest buzz is that even before Cycle is released, Vineeth Sreenivasan has been roped in for another film starring his father Sreenivasan. With father and son coming together on the big screen, we can surely expect a great movie.

Ban on Tamil Films lifted in Kerala

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The ban on simultaneous release of Tamil films in Kerala has been lifted by film distributors association of Kerala today. The Tamil Producer's Council has taken some serious efforts to sort out this issue smoothly with the Kerala film industry.According to the new terms, all the Tamil films will be released simultaneously in Kerala from January 2008 with maximum number of prints. Now Vikram's Bheema and Madhavan's Vazhthukal will be released this Pongal simultaneously with Tamil Nadu. And for the first time theaters in Kerala are willing to pay MG for Tamil big budget films.

Tamil Film - Who will be Rajini's heroine in Robot?

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After Superstar Rajini officially signed for Robot, media has started the next thread, who will be the heroine or heroines of Rajini in Robot? Now the race for becoming Superstar Rajini's heroine in his next two projects has been gearing up in Tamil film industry. Every actress is getting ready to take part in this race to become the prestigious role of Superstar's lady love.

According to Sujatha's original script, En Iniya Iyanthira and Meendum Jeeno (A sequel of En Iniya Iyanthira) there is only one heroine, Nila (name of the character). But for Robot, it is said that Sujatha accepted to create another female lead character. In original script, the character of a Robot Dog is almost getting the equal importance of the hero. It will also be modified by the writer. The discussion has already completed, now there are few alteration done by the writer as suitable to Rajini.

According to the buzz, Nayantara and Deepika Padukone are said to be the two heroines of the movie. While Nayantara, who played Superstar's pair in Chandramukhi, is tipped to become his pair again, it is rumored that the latest Bollywood sensation Deepika Padukone will do an important role. But nobody is ready to confirm the role of Deepika in Robot. The production house told that the cast and crew will be decided by Shankar and Rajini only.

Meanwhile, Trisha and Asin also tipped as usually for the lead role of this film. On the technical side, so far the director has confirmed his art director Sabu Cyril only. Sources said that Shankar has invited Nirav Shah, the stylish cameraman of Billa-2007 for this project. Another source says that it is Manikandan, the cinematographer of Om Shanthi Om will crank camera for Rajini's Robot.

Above all, some portals report that the name of Robot will be changed to get the tax benefit from Government of Tamil Nadu. But when we enquired the same, the production house told that they will not have any such idea since it is a multi lingual film!

Tamil Cinema - Gopika declines Tamil offers

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Nowadays, it seems that Gopika is declining new offers from Tamil. The talented Malayalam actress has declined three big offers recently in Tamil. But at the same time she continues signing new Malayalam films like Plastic Surgery.

In Tamil, she has only one film Vellithirai along with Prithviraj and Prakash Raj. When Karu Pazhaniyappan approached the actress for his Cheran starrer Pirivom Sandhipom few months before, the actress told that she was busy with Malayalam projects. Thirumurugan, who directed her already in Em Magan also approached the actress for his next flick Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moonram Aandu, she politely declined his offer stating her inability to take part in that film.

And recently, she declined yet another offer from a leading Tamil director. In Malayalam, she is having handful of new films after the success of her recent release Kangaroo. She might have thought that her motherland is always a safe ground to play!

Young stars in Malayalam horizon

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Young children entering filmdom and taking up newer responsibilities is not a new thing. Aparna Karimpil, daughter of filmmaker K.A. Devarajan has penned three romantic songs for the upcoming Mohanlal starrer, Swapnamalika.

Now Ramatheerthan, aged 13, has been appointed to compose the music for a new film, Plavila Police, being directed and scripted by Vimal Vishwanath. Ramatheerthan will be scoring the music for three songs of the film, to be sung by K.S. Chitra, K.S. Sisily and Kavalam Sreekumar.

Anwar Rasheed, back with Mammootty - Malayalam cinema

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Filmmaker Anwar Rasheed got his first break with Rajamanikyam starring Mammootty in the lead. Anwar Rasheed, who had earlier assisted directors like K. Madhu, Johny Antony, Sunder Das, A.K. Sajan and Reghunath Paleri, became an independent director with Rajamanikyam which later became one of the biggest grossers in Malayalam.Last year, the director had rendered another super hit film, Chota Mumbai, starring Mohanlal in the lead. The director is now busy with his new film, Annan Thambi, starring Mammootty in dual roles (brothers). Lakshmi Rai is the female lead. Marikkar Films produces the film with a script penned by Benny P. Nayarambalam.

Malayalam Cinema -Kavya Madhavan joins hands with Mohan Lal

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For the first time, Kavya Madhavan is playing as lead lady against Mohan Lal for the new film Maadambi. The humour cum action blend script will be directed by the scriptwriter B Unnikrishnan and the film will have Mohan Lal as Gopalakishna Pillai, a private financier, who runs the business in a small town with all professional ethics. In this film, Mohan Lal will deliver a particular dialect, which is in practice in the central districts of Kerala.

Kavya plays the role of Jayalakshmi, who works for a modern private bank, which opens a new branch in the village, where Mohan Lal runs his show. Jagathy, Srinivasan, Siddhique and Jayasuriya are also in the cast and the film will be starts its shooting by the first week of the New Year.

Malayalam Cinema - National Recognition

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Some of the best films in India have been produced in Malayalam. National awards for the best film were won by 'Chemmeen'(1965), 'Swayamvaram' ( 1972), 'Nirmalyam'(1973), 'Chidambaram' ( 1985), 'Piravai' ( 1988), and 'Kathaporushan'. Malayalam film actors P J Antony, Balan K Nair, Gopi Premji, Mammutty, Mohan Lal, Suresh Gopi and Balachandra Menon have won national awards for best acting, while Sarada, Monisha and Sobhana bagged best actress awards. Yesudas, Jayachandran and Chitra have won best singer awards and Vayalar and O.N.V. Kurup , best lyricist award at the national level. Aranmula Ponnamma, Santha Devi, Nedumudi Venu and Tilakan have also won national awards in acting. Best cameraman awards were won by Santhosh Sivan, Mankada Ravi Varma and Venu while Sound recording awards were won by Devadas and Krishna Unni. Children's films like 'My Dear Kuttichathan', 'Kummatti' 'Manu Uncle' and 'Kochaniyan' have won national awards. The awards for the Best Director were won by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aravindan, Shaji, T.V. Chandran and Jayaraj. Many persons working in this field are men of eminence. Prem Nazir was a recipient of Padma Bhushan Award and Thikkurissai had received Padma Sree. Padma Sree was also conferred on Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Gopi, O.N.V. Kurup, and Mammutty. M.T. Vasudevan Nair is a Gyan Pith Award winner. Even though Cable TV has made strong inroads in Kerala, the number of theatre audience has not shown any significant decline. Malayalam films have come a long way since 1928 by providing wholesome entertainment and meaningful cinema to its viewers.

Malayalam Cinema - Governmental Support

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The State Government has instituted annual film awards, and provided concessions in the form of tax exemption for deserving films, and subsidy and package programmes for films shot in studios. The State-owned Chitranjali Studio has all facilities. A State Film Academy has just been started to help the film industry in the State.

Central Board of Film Certification and the National Film Archives of India, Pune, have their Regional Offices at Trivandrum. The Films Division and the National Film Development Corporation also have branch offices at Trivandrum. The State Government owns three theatres in the capital city and a few in other towns.

In addition to the Kerala Film Chambers, film artistes have an association called 'AMMA' and film technicians have an organisation called 'MACTA'. These organisations look after the interests of the film industry in Kerala. There are a number of popular journals in Malayalam.

Malayalam Cinema - Actors and Actresses

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Thikkurisi Sukumaran Nair was a father figure of Malayalam films. He was a script writer, lyricist, director and versatile actor. The heroes who ruled over Malayalam film kingdom were Sathyan and Prem Nazir. Raghavan, Sudheer, Vincent, Sukumaran and M.G. Soman came later. Some of the popular heroes of the present day are Mohan Lal, Mammutty and Suresh Gopy, Jayaram and Mukesh . Among the earlier notable heroines were Padmini, Madhu, Ragini, Sheela, Sarada and Jaya Bharati. Then came Ambika, Menaka, Manisha, Sobhana, Manju Warrier and Divya Unny. There has been no dearth of brilliant character actors and comedians in Malayalam films. The very concept of romantic hero was shattered to pieces by the appearance of Gopi as the hero in 'Kodiyettam'

Malayalam Cinema - Eminent Directors

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Adoor Gopalakrishnan who appeared on the scene with Chitralekha Film Society, directed the film "Swayam Varam' in 1972. Later, he made 'Kodiyettam', 'Elipathayam', 'Mukha Mukham', 'Mathilukal', 'Vidheyan', and 'Katha Purushan', which won national and international acclaim. Aravindan was another important film director, who started his career with the film 'Utharayanam'. His other films'Kanjana Seetha', 'Thampu', Kummatti', 'Esthapan', 'Pokku Veyil', and 'Chidambaram' also won universal recognition. M.T. Vasudevan Nair's directorial venture 'Nirmalyam' won national honours. Most of the films scripted by him were masterpieces, like 'Vaisali', 'Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha', 'Perumthachan', and 'Parinayam'. I V Sasi entered the film industry by directing a small budget film with Ummer as the lead, Ulsavam (1975), which became a commercial success. He continued this success in most of his later films, Angadi (1980), Ee nadu, Meen, Trishna (1981), Mi>Ragam, Anubandham (1985), Vartha and Avanazhi (1986) being some of his notable films. Fazil is considered as the biggest money-spinning director of present day Malayalam film industry. He started his career with the film Manjil virinja pookal, which introduced Mohan Lal who later became a super star of Malayalam cinema. Ente Mamatikuttiammakku, Nokatha doorathu kannum nattu, Pappayude swantham Appus, Aniathipravu and Harikrishnans are some of his commercially successful films.Balachandra Menon, who entered Malayalam cinema in the 70s is miraculously surviving even today, and has even won a National Film award for best actor. Menon makes his films almost single handedly, looking after direction, editing, writing, music direction and so on. Tharatu, Kelkatha shabdam, Karyam nisaram, Samantharangal and Krishna Gopalakrishna are some of his major films. Srinivasan who entered the cinema industry as an actor later proved his talent in writing screenplays and also direction. The two films he directed, Vadakkunoki yantram and Chintavistayaya Shyamala could be considered among the best commercial films ever produced in Malayalam. These films had in-depth study of middle class family relationships and also human psychology.Now it is Mr. Blessy doing the trick and his two films yet has given his own identity. His two pictures, kaazhcha and Thanmatra are big hits. And he is writing a new formula to invite the family to the cinemas. Among other important film directors are Padmarajan, Bharathan, Shaji N. Karun, Sibi Malayil, K.G. George, T.V. Chandran, K.R. Mohanan, Lenin Rajendran, Pridyadarshan, and John Abraham

Malayalam Cinema - Music

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In the initial years, the lyricists used to write songs according to the tunes of popular Hindi and Tamil songs. However, the arrival of popular poets like P. Bhaskaran (1950), O.N.V. Kurup (1955), Vayalar Rama Varma (1956) and brilliant music directors like V.Dakshinamurthy (1950), K. Raghavan (1954), G.Devarajan (1955) and M.S. Babu Raj (1957) on the scene changed the scenario. This welcome trend was followed by poets like Sreekumaran Thampy and Yusaf Ali Kecheri. Among the early playback singers were Kanukara Purushothaman, K.P. Udayabhanu and A.M. Raja. Popular female playback singers included P. Leela, Santha P.Nair, P. Susheela and Janaki. Even though A.M. Raja, P. Susheela and Janaki hailed from Andhra Pradesh, Malayalis had no hesitation in accepting them as Kerala's own singers. Later on many such singers from outside Kerala, like Manna Dey, Talat Mehmood, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle and S.P. Balasubramanian lent their voice to Malayalam films. Even music directors like Naushad, Usha Khanna, Ravi Bombay and Ilaya Raja from other states composed music for Malayalam films. The uncrowned king of Malayalam playback singers, Yesudas, continues to be the most popular singer of Kerala even at the age of 58 and has, in fact, become a living legend. Now with the new hip shaking music, Jassie Gift is a passion among the young bloods.

Malayalam -Current Scenario (late 1990s - mid 2000s)

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After the early 1990s the quality of Malayalam cinema declined. Partly due to the arrival of satellite digital television and film piracy and partly due to the changing interests of the audience. The movies in current period is largely nonsensical comedies primarily aiming at large scale entertainment without much artistic message. These movies include Meesamadhavan (2002) by Lal Jose and Kunjikkoonan directed by Sasi Shankar (2002). However notable exceptions to these were the motion pictures Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala by Srinivasan (1998) and Vanaprastham (1999) directed by Shaji N Karun. Also Narasimham the highest-grossing Malayalam movie as of 2005 was relased during this period, in 2000.Here comes the place for Jayaraj who acts double role in Direction as at the same time when he receive national awards by running in the tracks of Art films, he makes sincere try to set new trends in malayalam cinema by directing films like “..For the people”. This is the period where two sequels of previously notable movies came out Mohanlal's Ravanaprabhu the second part of Devasuram and Mammotty's Sethuramayyar CBI the third part of Oru CBI Dairykurippu. Udayananu Tharam, a blockbuster and a trend-setter, was jointly released by the Mohanlal and Sreenivasan.This period witnessed the migration of Malayalam film technicians to participate in other language films. Among them were Priyadarshan, Santosh Sivan, Sabu Cyril, Ravi K. chandran, Sreekar Prasad and others

Malayalam cinema in the first half of 1990s

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Later movies followed in the essence of the golden period but lacked in freshness. However they still stand out for their brilliance in storytelling and appeal. These include 'Bharatham' (1991) by Sibi Malayil, Kaalapaani (1996) by Priyadarshan, and the award winning 'Manichitrathazhu' (1993) by Fazil. 'Sphadikam' (1995) directed by Bhadran was well received by the viewers as was 'Desadanam' (1997) by Jayaraaj. Some works stood out as strong in evocative power reminiscent of the earlier period, like Swaham (1994) directed by Shaji N.Karun the first malayalam film entry to the Competition in cannes international Film Festival in 1994.

Golden Age of Malayalam cinema

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Most critics and audiences consider the period from (late 1980s to early 1990s) as the golden age of Malayalam cinema. The Malayalam cinema of this short but beautiful period is a culmination of the malayali ethos and south Indian life. It is characterised by detailed screenplays, excellently directed by master-directors, dealing with everyday life with a lucid narration of plot intermingling with humor and melancholy. This was aided by brilliant cinematography and lighting as in motion pictures like Perumthachan (1990), directed by Ajayan with Santosh Sivan as the cinematographer. While the movies were made expressive with warm background music by composers like Johnson, as in the motion picture Nammukku paarkkaan munthiri thoppukal (1986) directed by Padmarajan.Many of the movies released during this time narrowed the gap between art cinemas and commercial cinemas in the Malayalam film industry, as in Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989). These were paralleled with movies like Kireedam (1989) directed by Sibi Malayil and written by Lohitadas, Mathilukal directed by Adoor gopalakrishnan (1989), 'Amaram'(1991) directed by Bharathan and 'Sargam'(1992) directed by Hariharan.The period had an abundance of movies rich in creative humour from directors like Priyadarshan, Akkare akkare akkare (1990) and Sathyan Anthicad, Nadodikkattu (1987). The era also saw well crafted comedy by the Duo Siddique-Lal, (Ramji Rao speaking (1989)) and In Harihar Nagar (1990). Other notable contributions of this period include His Highness Abdullah (1990) directed by Sibi Malayil, Piravi (1989) by Shaji N. Karun, Abhayam (1991) directed by Sivan, and the motion picture Daisy (1988) an expressi

The Malayalam New Wave

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The growth of film society movement and the screenings of world classics forced a drastic change in Malayalee film sensitivity during the early 1970s. A new movement often termed as the 'New Wave Malayalam Cinema' or the 'Malayalam Parallel Cinema' emerged. Adoor Gopalakrishnan made his first film Swayamvaram in 1972, which made Malayalam cinema noticed at International film arena. G Aravindan through his Uttarayanam in 1974 accelerated this radical change in Malayalam cinema. Another major stream of Malayalam cinema that appeared during the 1970s, which was a synthesis of the highly commercial popular cinema and the parallel cinema from which the masses always stayed away, was the 'middle-stream cinema'. These films, mainly from directors like K G George, Padmarajan and Bharathan, had meaningful themes but had popular forms of presentation and had influenced a generation of film viewers

Malayalam Cinema - The Growth: 1960s

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After the success of Neelakuyil, films with authentic Malayalam stories set in the backdrop of Kerala villages, started arriving. Minnaminingu directed by Ramu Karyat and Rarichhan enna Pouran by P Bhaskaran were noted films produced during the late 1950s. Takazhi Shivashankara Pillai's famous novel Randidangazhi was also seen on the silver screen. In 1961 Kandam Bacha Coat, the first full-length colour film in Malayalam was released and was an adoption of a famous social drama. Bhargavi Nilayam (1964) directed by A Vincent is a notable film of this period. This was a cinematic adoption of renowned Malayalam writer Vykom Muhammad Basheer's novel. Vincent also directed some of the best films of early ages like Murapennu, Nagarame Nandi, Asuravithu and Thulabharam. Irutinte Athmavu directed by P Bhaskaran, based on M T Vasudevan Nair's story, gave a new face to superstar Prem Nazir, who till then was seen only in romantic hero's role.

Chemmeen (Prawn)

Chemmeen (1965) directed by Ramu Karyat was the first South Indian film to bag the President's Golden Lotus Award for the best film. Based on a famous novel with the same name by renowned Malayalam writer Takazhi Shivashanakara Pillai, Chemmeen pioneered the growth of Malayalam cinema in technical and artistic aspects. It brought together some of the best technical talents then available in India, Salil Chowdhari (music), Markes Burtly (cinematography) and Hrishikesh Mukhargee (editing). It also had a huge star cast.

Successful Malayalam Cinemas of the Early Period

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Jeevithanouka (The boat of life) Jeevithanouka (1951) was a turning point for Malayalam cinema. This highly dramatic musical film, which narrated the story of ego clashes in a joint family, was mainly directed towards the women audience. Jeevithanouka was a huge success, and can be considered as the first 'super hit' of Malayalam cinema. Thikkurishi Sukumaran Nair, an actor from the stage, became the first 'superstar' of Malayalam cinema after the success of the film. But this success had also an adverse effect on Malayalam cinema. Films that were produced after Jeevithanouka were made according to this success formula, and nothing creative was seen for a long time. Superstars took over the driver's seat and directors were forced to the background

Neelakuyil (The Blue Cuckoo)Through Neelakuyil (1954) Malayalam cinema for the first time had an authentic Malayalam story. The story for Neelakuyil was penned by renowned Malayalam writer Uroob and directed by the duo of P Bhaskaran and Ramu Karyat. This melodramatic film dealt with the issue of untouchability in the society. Satyan and Miss Kumari were elevated to stardom after the huge success of this film. Malayalam film music which till then were cheap imitations of Hindi and Tamil film music, also came up with original Malayalam tunes through this film. K Rghavan arranged the lyrics written by P Bhaskaran. The music scored for the movie was to a great extent influenced by the Malayalam folk music and the tunes were an instant hit among the masses. This was also the first Malayalam film to be shot outdoors. Neelakuyil heralded the arrival of a mature Malayalam cinema on the Indian film world.

Newspaper Boy (1955) was the reflection of neo-realism in cinema, which became popular all over the world. This film was a result of extreme hard work by a group of college students. P Ramadas, who was totally new to cinema, directed newspaper Boy and almost all technical works were handled by amateur students. This film was released a few months before Satyajith Ray's classic- Pather Panchali hit the silver screens. Newspaper Boy narrates the sad story of a printing press employee and his family reeling under extreme poverty. He dies of extreme poverty and illness, which forces his children to stop their education. His elder son Appu leaves for Madras in search of a job. Failing to secure a job there, he returns and decides to take up the job of a newspaper boy

Malayalam Cinema - The Beginning

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The first cinema hall in Kerala was established in Trichur by K.W.Joseph in 1907 and it had a manually operated film projector. The first electrically operated film projector too was established in Trichur by Jose Kattukkaran in 1913 and was called the 'Jose Electrical Bioscope'. Soon such cinema halls were established in other major cities of Kerala. At the initial stage only Tamil, Hindi and English films were exhibited in these theatres; it was, however, Tamil cinema, which dominated Kerala. The Malayalee audience welcomed Tamil films because of the cultural similarities between the two states.The first Malayalam movie was released in 1928. It was a silent film titled Vigathakumaran, produced and directed by a businessman, J. C. Daniel who had no prior film experience. However this film was a commercial failure . The second film Marthanda Varma, produced by B V Rao in 1933 was based on a novel by C. V. Raman Pillai. But it was never released due to some legal issues.Balan released in 1938 was the first talkie in Malayalam. It was produced at Chennai (then Madras) in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu by S Nottani . Malayalam movies continued to be made almost exclusively by Tamil producers till 1947 when the first major film studio, Udaya was established in Kerala. With this more Keralites entered the field of films.The progress of production of Malayalam films was very slow during the next few years. One film each was produced in 1940, 1941, 1948 and 1949

MALAYALAM CINEMA HISTORY

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Cinema is the popular art form that has proved itself to be a good entertainer and a strong means of mass communication in Kerala since the last century. It has the elements of different art forms including architecture and sculpture in it.

Moreover, Malayalam films have their own existence in Kerala and is the most popular form of art enjoyed by the masses. Hence cinema has its own influence on their culture.

The viewers in Kerala enjoy the films while comprehending the reality in it. They possess a high degree of insight and intuition and distinguish reality from fiction in the themes of experimentalism. Malayalam Cinema has contributed much to the creative and critical analysis sectors of Malayalam literature.

Kerala has a very rich art and cultural background. Its films are unique in several aspects. Unlike the other linguistic films, which have started off taking themes from the Puranas, Malayalam films have taken relevant social issues as its theme from the beginning.