Lenin Rajendran rues ‘new-generation wave’

"Most films made here are deeply influenced by western outlook and devoid of native backdrop."

Veteran filmmaker Lenin Rajendran has lamented that the “new-generation wave” that the Malayalam cinema has been witnessing of late is not reflecting the current social milieu.

He was inaugurating the birth anniversary celebrations of the late freedom fighter and social worker Devaki Warrier here on Friday.

Mr. Rajendran held the view that most films that were being made here were deeply influenced by a western outlook and devoid of the native backdrop.

The unique cultural identity and transformation that was being witnessed in our society were largely absent in the products of our film industry.

“In recent times, the Japanese and Chinese cinemas have been witnessing a positive trend, wherein the films portrayed the gradual changes that were being seen in the respective societies. Japanese films, in particular, have succeeded in upholding the cinematic quality that was seen in the films of Akira Kurosawa, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the world.

Such works that became the commentaries on their land and lives were yet to be seen here. Cinema must ideally be influenced by our lives and not those of others living elsewhere,” he said.

He alleged that the “new-generation wave” has given way to rampant plagiarism of celebrated foreign films. Many films that were released in recent times lacked unique content and were heavily dependent upon modern equipment, he added.

The Devaki Warrier Memorial Award 2015 was presented to Omana V.K. of Kannur, who came first in a State-level essay-writing competition on the topic ‘The portrayal of women in new-generation cinema’.