Malayalam films bask under natural arc lights

KOCHI: The jury chairman of the 65th National Film Awards, Shekhar Kapur, was all praise for the versatility of regional films, especially Malayalam. Kapoor said he was deeply impressed by the way in which some of the filmmakers narrated their storyline, the naturality of the actors and technical finesse. The jury chairman, who attributed credits to the makers, was equally praising the actors through.
“The actor of Alorukkam (Indrans) was there till the final round. Such an amazing talent he is that it was really a mind-blowing performance,” he said.

Kapur was also excited about Thondimuthalum Driksashiyum, Bhayanakam and Take-Off, three major movies which helped Malayalam stand with its head held high in the National Awards. Malayalam has won 10 awards in various categories along with a special mention by the jury.

Director Jayaraj won the award for the best director for his outing - Bhayanakam - which is the sixth movie in his Navarasa series. Jayaraj had earlier made movies based on rasas- Shantham, Karunam, Beebalsam, Veeram and Atbhutham. This is for the second time he is winning the National Award for direction.

Life after World War

The jury chairman praised the selection of theme by Jayaraj for Bhayanakam adapted from Thakazhi’s renowned work ‘Kayar’. It depicted the tale of a village and a man post-First World War period. Bhayanakam’ has actor-director Ranji Panicker in the lead role while Asha Sharath played the female lead. Veteran musician M K Arjunan Master was the music director of the film, for which he has won the State Award this year for the best music director.