Aug 30, 2005 05:02 PM
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(Updated Aug 30, 2005 05:12 PM)
Malayalam cinema is very different from movies made in other languages in content, storyline, locations, entertainment and finally the execution in many ways. If you compare the movies made in Malayalam cinema to other languages you may find very different storylines and scripts being attempted in Malayalam cinema, and this is were I think the script writers and executors/directors played an important role in lifting the level of Malayalam cinema with some wonderful creations. So lets look at some of Malayalam's dream merchants.
1) Sibi Malayil: The Master of Tragedies
Yes thats Sibi Malayil. Given a good script and story Sibi Malayil can direct the movie in the most effective and hard-hitting manner. Sibi Malayil first started his career in 1985 and has since then given some soul-stirring movies which will always be remembered in Malayalam cinema history.
He first shot to fame with a movie called'Thaniyavartanam' in 1987 and later teamed up with scriptwriter Lohitadas to produce some great movies. I still remember how there were droplets in my eyes after watching his movies like Akshadhoodu, Kireedam, Dasharatham and Bharatham. Easily one of the best directors in Malayalam cinema.
His all-time classics: Dasharatham, Bharatham, Kireedam, His Highness Abdullah, Akshadhoodu, Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum, Thaniyavartanam
2) Padmarajan: A Visionary
Padmarajan's movies are a class apart from other movies. His movies have a different feel and transports you into a dreamworld of the characters etched by him for the whole duration of the movie.and thats his strength. I still remember watching his movies like'Thoovana Thumbigal' and'Moonnam Pakkam' which made me really feel the emotions of the character in the movie.
His all-time classics: Thoovana Thumbigal, Moonam Pakkam, Innale, Thinkalazhcha Nalla Divasam, Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal
3) Satyan Antikad: A Common Man's Sensitive Director
His movies are about family based stories, common man depictions and fresh humour. Satyan started the trend of focussing on common man problems and their lives, their humour which was hugely accepted by the audiences. His style of narration is simple but always tries to keep the viewers interested in the proceedings. So If Satyan Anthikad is in director's seat, then you can be sure that the movie will not go down below certain standards. Satyan started his direction career in 1982 and it is nice to see coming with some wonderful movies like'Manassinakkare' and'Achuvinte Amma' even after all these years. Easily one of the most consistent directors in Malluwood.
His all-time classics: Nadodikkattu, T.P. Balagopalan M.A, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Thalayanamanthram
4) Fazil: A Creative Thinker and Master of Deft Execution
Fazil has an exceptional knack to make a simple storyline good enough with twists and turns he adds in his execution. One more great aspect of his movies are the character developments and how he connects them to the audience. He is creative thinker and gives a lot of importance to music in his movies. One problem with Fazil though is his inconsistency. Sometimes his movies can be top-class while on other occasions it can be just mediocre. Fazil started his career in 1980 with the super-hit movie'Manjil Virinja Pookkal' which was also the debut movie of the all time superstar Mohanlal. Fazil has directed some very successful ventures in Tamil cinema as well.
His all-time classics: Nokkathaa Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu, Manichithrathazhu, Aniyathi Pravu, Pappayude Swantham Appoos, Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku
5) Priyadarshan: A Master of Whole-some Entertainment
Last but not least Priyadarshan is very shrewd and sharp director who knows the pulse of the audiences. His movies has everything in it - be it comedy, story, action, sorrow. He packages it in a very nice manner that will appeal to all the viewers. Actor Mohanlal and his college friend, urged him to get into movies. He directed his first venture'Poochakkoru Mookkuthi' in 1984 which is still now considered one of the best comedies. His combination with Mohanlal produced a stampede of hits and is one of the best Director-Actor combinations in Malayalam cinema. At present I feel his standard has gone down as he has migrated to Hindi and just recycling some of his old products and other malayalam hits to earn a fast buck - yet quite successful there as well after he had a hatrick of hits with Hera Pheri, Hungama and Hulchul
His All-time Classics: Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, Thalavattam, Vellanakalude Naadu, Chithram, Kilukkam, Vandanam, Midhunam, Thenmavin Kombath
Apart from these five there are some other brilliant directors in Malayalam like
Siddique, Bharathan, I V Sasi, Kamal etc
Almost all of these stalwarts made their entry in early 1980's or late 80's. Now I hope Malayalam cinema produces some more talents like these to carry meaningful cinema forward.
