S reenivasan’s place in the Malayalam film industry is quite special. A look at his illustrious profile reminds one of Epictetus’ quote: ‘he who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at’. Besides being one of the most prolific scenarists in Malayalam, he has directed two landmark movies that were hits as well. Many of his characters, written by him and portrayed by him, have stood the test of time and their ability to raise a laugh even years after they first appeared on the screen is remarkable. His genius lies in breathing life into characters that are unglamorously real. And his uncanny knack to create humour out of the toughest situations makes him a cut above the rest.
In his forthcoming film Nagaravaridhi Naduvil Njan , which is slated for release for Christmas, Sreenivasan plays the lead character. In an interview with FridayReview , Sreenivasan is at his candid best. Excerpts:
Your character of the tailor-cum-novelist named N.P. Ambujakshan in Azhakiya Ravanan is returning after two decades as a full-fledged film titled Chirakodinja Kinavukal . How does it feel to step into the shoes of the character that was first created by you?
It’s exciting for sure and looking back, though it may look simple, writing the story that Ambujakshan narrated was never easy. He was presenting it with all seriousness but it had to sound inane. I struggled for at least three days to get the right lines. It has now been given a new interpretation by a new team.
What is the process involved while you write a script?
There will be people who have come to the theatre with enthusiasm and also some who wonder if the film will be worth its money. The movie has to be appealing to all of them. Let me explain. After writing the script of Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala , I took almost a month to come up with a good beginning. The ‘power cut’ scene evolved then; it gave the viewers a precise idea about the nature of the characters.
Some of your scripts, like Sandesham to name one, have achieved a cult status.
The whole purpose of filmmaking is to entertain the viewers and when it happens, it gives you a high. The viewers have the brains to decide the merits of a film and there is no point in blaming them if it flops. We often come across certain directors who mention some of their own flops as their favourites. They will blame the viewers for not realising its merits. I think that is plain hypocrisy.
You have found success as a scenarist, yet have directed only two films.
There are times when I realise that there are things that I can’t explain convincingly to a director and then I decide to try directing it myself.
How do you keep yourself updated to cater to new generations?
It can only be done by watching movies regularly. In addition, a writer should read to be aware about all the happenings around him.
The younger lot of filmmakers, including your son Vineeth Sreenivasan, has redefined the conventional narrative styles. How do you look at them?
Vineeth had shown me the script of Thattathin Marayathu , which I liked. He was surprised that someone of my generation actually liked it (laughs). To me, one thing is clear. The elements that keep the viewers engaged in a film tend to be the same, regardless of the generation.
How do you rate your younger son Dhyan Sreenivasan’s debut as an actor in Thira ?
I am yet to watch Thira . There is no particular reason for that though.
You have been active in films for a long time. Doesn’t it get monotonous?
In films, we tend to come up with something new all the time. Challenges and experiments are new at every stage.
You have written the screenplay and dialogues for Nagaravaridhi Naduvil Njan . When are you writing your new script?
I had developed a story for Lal Jose but it was dropped. There is a project with Sathyan Anthikkad. Meanwhile, I am busy acting in a couple of films.
