Chemmeen , a film of classic dimensions, produced five decades ago on the shores of Alappuzha, is set to roll out an unseemly controversy.
At the centre of the row is a revelation by a fishermen’s group that the film, revolving around the life and times of fishermen of the first half of the past century, has not been kind to the sensitivities of the fishermen community.
The Akhila Kerala Dheevara Sabha, a prominent group among fishermen, has said any move to celebrate the film’s golden jubilee at Ambalppuzha will be opposed.
The declaration was made by sabha president V.Dinakaran, a former MLA. The objection has been aired close on the heels of the government’s announcement to make elaborate arrangements to celebrate the film.
The film has poignant scenes touching the sensitivities of the fishermen community, he says. “Our children are still being ridiculed at public places and educational institutions, picking out hard-hitting scenes and calling out names of fallen heroes of the film. There is an evil intention to subjugate the fishermen community behind the design to celebrate the film’s jubilee now,” he says.
He also averred that the celebrations would not be allowed at Ambalappuzha, where many of the film’s scenes were shot.
The LDF government is planning to celebrate the success of the film that won the President’s gold medal for the best film for the first time in the south Indian film industry. A committee of officials and non-officials has been formed to chalk out plans for the celebrations.
The film made in 1965 by Ramu Kariat, based on a novel of the renowned writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, is known for the portrayal of the fishermen’s life and times, closely linked to the changing phases of the sea, apart from the story of a many splendoured love.
Sathyan, Madhu, Sheela, Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair, Adoor Bhavani and a host of other actors made the film a classic. Cinematography by Marcus Bartley and music by Salil Chowdhury were among the remarkable credits. The songs, penned by Vayalar Rama Varma, including one sung by Manna Dey, were all-time hits.
