filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan spent a day with the students of Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University at Tirur on Tuesday.
Mr. Gopalakrishnan enlivened the programme titled ‘Adoorinoppom’ when he explained how he abandoned a government job with a monthly pay of ₹300 to take up a course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) with a scholarship of ₹75. Mr. Gopalakrishnan gave distinct and sharp replies to the questions. He said most Malayalam film critics lacked depth of knowledge.
“Mere opinions are being circulated in the name of film appreciation,” Mr. Gopalakrishnan said.
He said ideal film critics were those who had dedicated themselves to the art of cinema and acquired knowledge through consistent appreciation.
“Critics should have good knowledge about all arts and should be good-hearted,” he said, adding that most critics today displayed no interest in arts.
He explained his perspective and intentions of each of his film. He said several of his films did not get the recognition they deserved.
He praised Vaikom Mohammed Basheer for the encouragement he lent. “Basheer knew there was another life for the characters beyond his creation,” he said.
‘Culture pollutants’
The new generation was conditioned for commercial cinema and soaps. He described television serials as culture pollutants. He described the attack on the actress and related incidents as unfortunate for Malayalam cinema. “Everyone is responsible for the things happening in society,” he said.
Presiding over the session, university Vice Chancellor K. Jayakumar described Mr. Gopalakrishnan as an uncompromising filmmaker.
The clarity seen on the frame and in life was what made him special, he said. Film expert Madhu Iravankara and assistant professor R. Vidya spoke.
