For the Malayalam film industry, Vishu is perhaps one of the favourite seasons for the big releases. Right at the beginning of the summer vacation, it is the time when the family audience are sure to flock to the theatres. But no such excitement was visible this Vishu as no Malayalam film released during the week.
Nivin Pauly starrer Jacobinte Swargarajyam and Dileep starrer King Liar released in the preceding weeks are the only new Malayalam films right now in the theatres. Two scheduled Vishu releases, one starring Mammootty and another starring Kunchakko Boban, were reportedly shifter to slots later in the month.
The release of the Vijay starrer Theri seems to have had some effect on these decisions to shift. The Tamil film was carpet-bombed across the theatres in Kerala. With a total of close to 200 screens in the State, and more than 10 screens in all cities, the distributors were aiming at raking in the moolah in the opening weekend. This wide release practically left no space for other films to be released.
The film was distributed in Kerala by Friday Film House, the production company run by actor Vijay Babu and Sandra Thomas. They reportedly bought the rights for the film at a record price. In the Vishu season, Jungle Book- 3D is also drawing in large crowds.
Filmmaker Alphonse Puthren came up with a rather late response to some uncharitable comments made about his movie Premam by State film award jury chairman Mohan. The jury head had apparently said that the film lacked any structure and that the first half of it seemed to have been made in haste.
In a strong response on Vishu day, several weeks after the declaration of the awards, Mr. Puthren said – “Thanks that you didn’t give any award for me or anyone in the film because you didn’t find any structure in it. I do films for the love of cinema and love for freedom and hope. I’m the audience and I do films that entertain me and I’m not a wannabe filmmaker who thinks that I shouldn’t do this or that because the award committee won’t like it. I don’t play safe. I’ll break some rules. I’m replying because you degraded my film, my work and my fellow people with your ignorance, sir. Please avoid me from awards next time too if this is the criteria.”
(Reporting by
S.R. Praveen)
