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09-30-2009, 05:42 AM
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#21 |
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Plum,
It isnt posted anywhere you can read it immediately... So I will post the part I am done translating here. P_R, Murali Sir and others may correct any mistakes. If there are enough requests I will continue translating the whole thing. Jeyamohan (JM): Why did you choose cinema as your medium? What kindled your interest? A.K.Lohithadas (AKL): Cinema became my medium much later. My first medium was literature. My first introduction to the written word was at a young age. To be honest, I think writing came to me well before reading. Every child looks to express itself, to justify its existence. It finds an outlet based on its own character, talents and surroundings. Music, sports, studies etc… Writing was something that reached me in this manner. From a very young age, I found indescribable strength in giving my worries and tears words. I felt untouchable … as if I was beating my worries… JM: Your youth was quite sorrow-filled. AKL: Yes. My father abandoned us when I was young. I grew up a hungry orphan. Lived in many of m relative’s homes. The written word was my greatest companion. I am a littérateur at heart. Cinema is the medium for my literature. At the same time, words were insufficient. I needed acting as well. I would always act out what I wrote in my mind. I started writing in a manner that engendered acting and these became suitable for theatre. By 22 I was a recognized theatre writer, my first play “The Sindhu flows peacefully”. In 1985 my first movie ‘ThaniyAvarthanam’ was released, directed by Sibi Malayil. That was a play I had originally conceived. I believe theatre is a basic art form. Acting is older than literature, maybe even language… JM: Yes. In “The Gods must be crazy” the Bushmen act out their hunting experiences. Their language is still a very basic sound… AKL: Everyone is an actor. Every second that we speak with our mouth, we speak with our body as well. As we grow older we grow extremely conscious of our bodies. That self-consciousness becomes a barrier to ac. It is harder to make an intelligent person act than it is a slightly developmentally challenged person. Youngsters are usually very willing actors. Teenagers are especially melodramatic… JM: What is the relationship between theatre and literature? AKL: Literature that can be acted out is theatre. At some point in history they should have been one and the same. JM: In Meera Kathiravan’s thamizh translation of P.Padmarajan’s screenplay of Peruvazhiyambalam, Balu Mahendra insists that “screenplay is not literature, it cannot be read”. It is just a note for a director… (Translators Note: He said as much at the workshop on the last day) AKL: That is a perspective. I do not want to argue. My perspective is a reflection of my reading and influences. A screenplay is definitely literature. If screenplay is not literature neither is playwriting. Shakespeare did not write to be read, he wrote to be acted. Keerthanai’s were written to be sung, yet they are literature too… JM: Ingmar Bergman is a favorite director of mine. His Seventh Seal is unrelated to language. It is a scenic description, but reading it felt like reading literature. In our the reality of our imaginations is a greater cinema than he intended… AKL: Theatre is considered literature only because the reader is able to visualize and act within oneself. People enter and exit our viewfinders. Screenplay is the same… JM: But a screenplay will always be restricted by the requirements of film. Is that not a handicap? AKL: Does theatre not have space constraints? Does it not need to fit in a cube? But the great playwrights turned this into the strength of the medium (Translators note: I remember reading how Sujatha created a play rehearsal as a play because his actors did not have time to learn the lines. This way they could carry their dialogs on stage…). They make all of life’s inequities and conflicts meet at a central point. There is a phrase called “Nadakaantham kaviththuvam”. A screenplay is similar to that. It has to SHOW everything. It cannot meditate or think. It has to SHOW. That is its strength. Screenwriters have SHOWED life’s greatest tragedies, questions and happiness. That is how a screenplay becomes literature. Because when we read it everything comes to life in our imagination. JM: Since the beginning in Malayalam writers have written screenplays.. Uruf wrote for ‘Neelakkuyil’, Thakazhi Sivasankarap Pillai, Vaikkom Muhammad Basheer, S.K.Petracott, Paarappuraththu Maththai, S.Suseendran so on and so forth. Malayalam cinema was shaped by great writers… AKL: Pay attention though... these writers did not bring towards language (Translators note:I believe this might be a point against what happened in Thamizh where the sing-song nature gave way to verbosity, which was novel for its time, but does not seem relevant now). They built it as a visual art. Thoppil Bhasi, S.L.Puram Sadanandan, M.T.Vasudevan Nair (writer of the upcoming historical Pazhassi Raja), P.Padmarajan … the list goes on. They all wrote visual screenplays. Vice-versa today’s literature has been significantly affected by cinema. JM: What is the beginning of a story? AKL: The same way a short story or novel or painting begins. It is never planned. It is a lightning urge. That is all I can say as that is my experience. It is like full cloud waiting to burst in rain. It looks like it will happen now. But it might never deliver. One can never say when, where and why. It starts instantaneously. First as drops then as a downpour. JM: I have heard that a character is the start of a screenplay. AKL: Yes that is certainly important. A drama or a screenplay is a portion of life. Whose life? The question springs immediately. Hence a character is an important starting point. But a conflict or a basic question can serve as the start. My ‘Padheyam’ and ‘EzhuthAppurangaL’ were begun with the central conflict. ‘ThaniyAvarthanam’ and ‘Kireedam’ (Translators Note: My personal favorites in his work) were begun with a central character. JM: Has a philosophy or idea been a starting point? AKL: Rarely. Of my screenplays only ‘Jathagam’ (Translators note: another lovely small movie) was started this way. It is an observation of the belief in astrology. A screenplay’s seed is planted in the recesses of our mind well before it begins to be written. The unrest or lack of peace in you is the beginning. For example my first directorial venture ‘BhoothakkaNNAdi’, came from a story of sexual exploitation of underage girls. It created great unrest within me, particularly a photograph of the schoolbag of one such girl. I could only view that through the eyes of a father! VidhyAdharan was born from that unrest. He is very nervous about everyday life in the current social scenario. But he doesn’t say or do anything because he is a middle-class coward. And so his mind slips. I viewed my problem through his eyes. JM: When I write a novel I write with a head full of steam. Then I discuss it with my editors. But here screenplays are discussed at the concept stage. AKL: My screenplays are written like your novels. I never discuss the idea. Only after writing it completely do I discuss it with the director or actor. Discussing the central conceit will make the story seem contrived. JM: Have you ever discussed? AKL: Once. A story called ‘VisAraNai’ got stuck and did not gain momentum. That is the problem with a story discussion. Each person has a perspective and the central idea gets pulled in different directions. It is like fighting blindfolded. I can only make my point if I let it unfold completely as a screenplay. I can only debate certain technical aspects of screenplay writing with others. JM: But in thamizh the norm is still to discuss. AKL: Here cinema is a form of entertainment that tries to bring together multiple other forms of entertainment. That can always be discussed and brought into existence. A certain format or template has even been reached for this. But the soul of a story cannot be arrived at through discussion. There will be no unity in a ‘discussed’ story. This much for today……. The rest at a later date. |
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09-30-2009, 07:39 AM
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#22 |
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Deepak,
Really great translation.You have done it without the soul of his views getting harmed. Kudos to you! Please continue. Also a good list of Lohi's movies. Though I would include Dasaratham and Vatsalyam. Yes, a bit melodramatic but the central protagonist did make a deep impact inside. May be they having a shade of NT on them must have made it more attractive for me. Regards |
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09-30-2009, 06:21 PM
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#23 |
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Saravana,  PS: You tell me one info! The film Josh - starring Nagarajuna's son [Naga Chaithanya] and Radha's daughter [Krithika], how was it? Is it a hit? 
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10-01-2009, 03:04 AM
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#24 |
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10-01-2009, 07:16 AM
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#25 |
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Since Lohi is discussed here, let this also be here.
http://blog.mammootty.com/2009/07/blog-post.html Deepak, hope you will be able to read it. For others, this was the obituary that Mammootty wrote in his blog when Lohithadas passed away. Poiganant. [Where is Anoop? Not to be seen this side] Regards |
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10-01-2009, 05:41 PM
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#26 |
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http://blog.mammootty.com/2009/07/blog-post.html How about into tamil this time. |
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10-04-2009, 06:13 PM
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#27 |
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How about into tamil this time. Unfortunately, the browser doesn't seem to support the font. Even if it did my reading skills in Malayalam are rudimentary at best! Let me finish JM's interview first.... |
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Originally Posted by Murali Srinivas http://blog.mammootty.com/2009/07/blog-post.html|
10-15-2009, 09:37 AM
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#28 |
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Thanks for that, Complicateur.
I've uploaded the following extras of my favorite Adoor film. |
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10-18-2009, 11:18 PM
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#29 |
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Pazhassi Raja
The most awaited Malayalam movie of the decade got released on friday the 16th and the report is extraordinary. The opinion is unanimous and after a very long time the public [including extremely polarised fans] have given a thumbsup verdict for this movie. It is not a one man show and everybody had contributed. Mamootty as Pazhassi Raja had given out a splendid performance and Sarathkumar has got rave reviews. Padmapriya and Manoj.K.Jayan all have earned accolades. Pasting one sample review from another forum. Heroes are depicted in a movie in many ways. If it is a pure fiction then the writer has his own liberty to sketch a character with ultimate heroism. But if they are unfolding a chapter from history, their key challenge is to mold up the character with heroism by sticking on to the facts. But for this man, the legendary writer M T Vasudevan Nair, this challenge is a great bliss. While watching Pazhassi Raja, one will defenitely marvel at the craft which he brought into play to illustrate the heroic deeds of one of the brave sons of Kerala. In a career spanning over three and half decades, this director can now be proud of himself. Because he has proved that ‘impossible is nothing’. Director Hariharan has given Malayalam filmdom a movie, with a flame of class and cult. In other words, the most brilliant and technically crafted movie ever made in Malayalam cinema. Breathing new life to his extra-ordinary talent which Malayalam Cinema had earlier witnessed in Oru Vadakkan Veera Gadha, he succeeded in refreshing that burning desire in him to create a new movie hero like Chanthu of OVVG. The result - On screen: Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja : The actor who is known for his outstanding voice, exhilarating charisma and brilliant talent …. Megastar rocks. Who else can portray such a brave warrior with such exactness? His walking, costumes, dialogues, the radiance which he creates on each and every scene… Mammootty is at his best. That extra ordinary brilliance is evident in each and every scene. Delivering each and every dialogue with total perfection and splendor, he rules the canvass. Through out the movie, one will have feeling that ‘he is your King and you are residing in Pazhassi’s kingdom’. Ruling the minds of the viewers, it is simply a superb show by Mammootty. Be it the sound of an arrow, chirp of a bird or a heavy shower or a dusty wind , Oscar Winner resul Pookkutty’s sound mixing is a different experience. The Pookkutty factor is another major reason for the entirety of the film. Sarath Kumar as Idachena Kunkan also excels. Excellent performance by the actor. Likewise is Manoj K Jayan as Thalakkal Chanthu, Suman as Pazhayam veedan, Padmapriya as Kunki and Kaniha as kaitheri Makkam. Suresh Krishna as kaitheri Ambu also executed his character well. Pazhassiraja is a testimony. The film shows that Maollywood can produce quality films if given the means. The film that benefits from a huge budget is of course spectacular and luxurious, but at the time by giving adequate depth to the characters, the director fully utilized all the actors. Such a solid star cast with the presence of talented actors is usually a rare occurrence for a big budget film and it proved good to Pazhassi Raja. Ratnakar Shetty’s cinematography which is rich with artisitc touches give life to the film and brought an unexpected visual dimension. The action sequences co-ordinated by Ravi Dewan and the background score by IlayaRaja are also above the par. It is not an ordinary movie. It reminds you of one of the great warriors which Indian soil gave birth to… It sings you an unsung story of a legend who horrified the British empire with his courage, determination and bravery…. The film will rejuvenate that patriotic flame in you … Pazhassi Raja is …. the gem of a movie…… Theatre: Kottayam Abhilash Show time: 9.45 am Status: House Full__________________ The film is doing extremely well at the Boxoffice. A report. Pazhassi Raja storms Kerala!By Moviebuzz | Sunday, 18 October , 2009, 11:22 Hariharan- MT Vasudevan Nair classic Pazhassi Raja produced by Gokulam Gopalan with Megastar Mammootty playing the title role has taken Kerala by storm. The film has grossed an amazing record Rs 1.53 crore from 125 screens in Kerala on its opening day (October 16). This is the highest ever opening day collection for any film in Kerala breaking the record of Twenty:20. Says Gokulam Praveen, the Executive producer of the film: “We are very happy with the film and its gargantuan opening, which also justified our faith in the team.” Early reports say that the film’s word-of-mouth is so good that it has potential to become a mega blockbuster. Also pasting some photos of the crowd. Trivandrum http://i36.tinypic.com/2jsl7s.jpg http://i34.tinypic.com/317f894.jpg http://i36.tinypic.com/2v8jnt3.jpg Palakkad http://i35.tinypic.com/wleids.jpg http://i38.tinypic.com/23mwiv6.jpg Kottayam http://i33.tinypic.com/2pt1lz5.jpg http://i35.tinypic.com/5ml4js.jpg Kollam http://i35.tinypic.com/2br8f6.jpg http://i33.tinypic.com/euet7t.jpg Ernakulam http://i33.tinypic.com/mrpahg.jpg http://i38.tinypic.com/1t33fc.jpg Regards |
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10-20-2009, 05:14 AM
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#30 |
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That is truly great news if Pazhassi Raja is good. Hopefully it will translate into more work for MT. Maybe I will try and catch it in Kerala this week.
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10-20-2009, 05:19 AM
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#31 |
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Compli, catchunga, catchunga, reviewivunga, reviewivunga. Thalaivar music pathi rendu moonu postaavadhu podanum ok?
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10-20-2009, 05:24 AM
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#32 |
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10-28-2009, 06:08 AM
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#33 |
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10-28-2009, 06:16 AM
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#34 |
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Shantanu, son of Bhagyaraj who had an unsuccessful debut in Tamil had turned his attention towards Malayalam. And for him the Guardian Anjel was none other than the person who made his debut as a villan in his mother's [Poornima's] maiden movie.
Aptly titled as Angel John, it had Mohanlal playing the Angel who helps the teenager in his hour of distress. But unfortunately bad luck seems to follow Shantanu wherever he goes. Released last week, the movie has not been received well and the WOM is not good. Though some persons tried to classify this, as a movie with a message, the same is not reflecting in the BO as of now. Regards |
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10-28-2009, 06:19 AM
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#35 |
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When in Pazhassi Raja releasing in Chennai ? Regards |
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10-28-2009, 06:34 AM
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#36 |
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And for him the Guardian Anjel was none other than the person who made his debut as a villan in his mother's [Poornima's] maiden movie. If one goes by sify report, it appears angel has become villain to Lal : http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/ful...hp?id=14917048 |
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10-28-2009, 06:51 AM
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#37 |
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If one goes by sify report, it appears angel has become villain to Lal : http://sify.com/movies/malayalam/ful...hp?id=14917048 That/s what I also told na! The only difference is I put it mildly [from what I came to know] whereas Sify has hit it point black. Regards |
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10-28-2009, 07:25 AM
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#38 |
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When in Pazhassi Raja releasing in Chennai ? But I have a feeling it won't match up to your bolly sensibilities anyway - pArthuttu sodhaa akbar levelukku illainu sollitteengannA remba manasu udainju poyiduvom adhanaala ninga paarkaama irukkaradhe nalladh
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10-28-2009, 08:00 AM
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#39 |
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pazhaya schoolfriend oruthanai dhoosi thatti contact renew paNNiyirukkEnnA en aarvathai paathukkunga. pArthuttu sodhaa akbar levelukku illainu sollitteengannA remba manasu udainju poyiduvom  KovaarigarOda swadesathumbOdhE sudhaarichittEn |
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11-13-2009, 04:13 AM
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#40 |
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innum yaarum Pazhassi Raja paarkaliyA?
Am I the only hubber to have seen it yet? |
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