If Shobhana Parameswaran Nair had not been a little persuasive, M.T. Vasudevan Nair probably would have a remained a writer of short stories and novels. And Malayalam cinema would have been a lot poorer; he, not merely penned many of the classic films in Malayalam, but revolutionised the art of scriptwriting.
It was 50 years ago that MT wrote his first screenplay, Murappennu . That alone would make it one of the most significant films in the history of Malayalam cinema. It was directed by K.S. Sethumadhavan and produced by Shobhana Parameswaran Nair.
But, there was more to Murappennu ; it was a well-made film with a compelling plot as well as an outstanding musical score by P. Bhaskaran and B. Chidambaranath.
Murappennu turning 50 therefore calls for celebration.
That is why the Kochi-based Jaycey Foundation has decided to conduct an event in Kozhikode to commemorate the 50{+t}{+h}anniversary of the film. It will be held on Saturday.
This is not the first film being honoured by Jaycey Foundation. It has in the past celebrated 50{+t}{+h}anniversaries of films such as Newspaper Boy , Kannum Karalum , Kandam Becha Kottu , and Nayaru Pidicha Pulivalu .
“We choose films that have some significance,” explains the foundation’s chairman and film producer J.J. Kuttikkattu. “For instance, Newspaper Boy was the first neo-realistic film in Malayalam, while Kannum Karalum was Kamal Haasan’s first film in Malayalam.”
In Saturday’s function, several people associated with Murappennu will be honoured.
“Besides MT, the film’s heroine Sharada, child artist Baby Vrinda, cinematographer A. Venkat, make-up man and still photographer P. David will be honoured,” says Kuttikkattu. “This is also our tribute to MT, the scriptwriter. I.V. Sasi, who has directed 10 films written by MT, will be our chief guest.”
The function will also feature a music show in which songs from Murappennu will be presented.
One of the film’s songs, Karayunno puzha chirikkunno …, continues to retain its place among the greatest melodies of all time in Malayalam cinema.
