Kerala Cinema
|| Kerala Culture || Kerala Architecture || Kerala Cinema || Kerala Fine Arts || Kerala Music || Kerala Theater ||
Creating a niche in the cultural and entertainment scenario of Kerala, Malayalam cinema is known worldwide for its heady portrayal of life in celluloid. An Indian movie buff will utter the name of legendary director Adoor Gopalakrishnan who won international awards for his films while taking about Malayalam cinema.
J C Daniel first produced and directed the silent movie in Malayalam namely 'Vigatha Kumaran' which was not a financial success story. He quitted from this field, but the main factor in his film production is that he was the first one to make a film with a social theme when the scenario was ruled over by the mythological films in all over India.
The second Malayalam film was 'Marthanda Varma' made in 1931, and it is based on the well-known historical novel by C. V. Raman Pillai. The first sound film is Balan produced in 1938.
The setting up of the first film studio Udaya in 1947 is a remarkable factor in Malayalam cinema. In 1948 the film Nirmala was released which was produced by P. J. Cherian and directed by P. V. Krishna Iyer. It marks the revolutionary role in the film technology of Kerala as in this cinema the playback system was introduced first. The highly dramatic musical film 'Jeevithanouka' was a great success which portrays the ego clashes of a joint family. Thikkurishi Sukumaran who was an actor of the stage became the first superstar after casting in this film. The commercialized concept of movie came with this film and a large number of films were made thereafter.
'Neelakuyil (1954) is remarkable cinema with an authentic story which was penned down by the famous writer Uroob and directed by the duo of P. Bhaskaran and Ramu Karyat. This film first created a niche in the Indian film scenario with a unique music and story. Newspaper Boy is a worth mentioning Malayalam film made by a group of enthusiastic college students under the main lead of N Ramdas who is a newcomer in the film industry. Film critics say that this film was an example of introduction of neo-realism in cinema. This film tells the story of an employee of printing press and his poverty-stuck family.
In the sixties, Kerala cinema was influenced by the Malayalam literature in its theme. Films were made on famous films and even poems such as 'Karuna' and 'Ramanan. MT Vasudevan Nair, the renowned writer also made his directorial venture making the film 'Nirmalyam'. The films of the director Sethu Madhavan are mostly based on novels and among them are Odayil Ninnu, Aranazhika Neram, and Anubhavangal Palichakal. The celebrated star Satyan came into front through the films of Sethu Madhavan.
Gradually Malayalam cinema passed several stages of success and proved its presence in the mainstream Indian film scenario. The outstanding directors who got international fame for their creative talents are Aravindan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shaji N Karun and T V Chandran. Other some of the prominent film makers who churn out various films are John Abraham, K G George, K R Mohanan and others like Bharathan, K P Kumaran, P A Backer, P Padmarajan, Mankada Ravi Varma and Pavithran.
Present day Malyalam film industry is marked by entry of the new young filmmakers who overcoming the present day crisis have managed to make their presence.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan & his contribution to Malayalam Cinema :
Adoor Gopalakrishnan is one of the most acclaimed Indian film directors who got six time national awards for his films. The first film society in Kerala, Chithralekha Film Society and Chalachithra Sahakarana Sangham was established by Adoor Gopalakrishnan to promote, produce and exhibit Malyalam cinema. Apart from the feature films he has directed about 30 short films and documentaries, the notable among them are those made on performing arts of Kerala.
The directorial debut of Adoor, Swayamvaram (1972) is a milestone in the history of Malyalam film and it was exhibited in several international film festivals including in the cities like Moscow, Melbourne, London and Paris. Other films which got international acclaim are Kodiyettam, Elippathayam, Mukhamukham, Anantharam, Mathilukal Vidheyan and Kathapurusha.
Due to his contribution to the Indian cinema he was conferred with Nation’s honorable title Padmashree in 1984.
