Independent cinema in the State has never hogged as much limelight as it is doing now. Three such films found mainstream success, even running to packed houses in some centres. Now, another film Kanyaka Talkies is continuing the trend.
Directed by K.R. Manoj, the film which was much feted in the film festival circuit was released last week in six centres, including three private theatres. It has drawn capacity crowds in all its shows prompting the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) to continue the run for the second week, despite the pressure of big Ramzan releases.
“Films like Unto the dusk , Cr. No 89 and Alif had proved that independent cinema can draw crowds. I tried to take it to the next level, by expanding the space to multiplexes and private theatres. Big groups like PVR were very receptive to us as they already have dedicated slots like ‘Director’s rare’ to promote such cinema. Expanding to the smaller towns is the next step. We think at least 15 to 20 towns in Kerala have a ready audience for independent cinema,” says Manoj.
Another factor that these film-makers highlight is the KSFDC’s change in attitude of late, after changes at the helm.
Earlier, having a successful run at festivals and award circuit was considered a minus point and getting space for screening was a struggle.
“After Rajmohan Unnithan took over as the Chairman, there has been a marked change in the KSFDC’s attitude towards smaller film-makers. Despite being a government body with a commitment to promote good cinema, their preference was always for the big producers. It was a struggle for us to get a slot in the government theatres. But, Mr. Unnithan has started following some of the recommendations of the Adoor committee report by letter, even giving a second week run for smaller films,” says Manoj.
In the next phase, Manoj is planning to take his films to theatres outside the State as well as overseas. Another plan is to release them online and on cable networks through new distribution models.
