New torchbearers of Malayalam Cinema

At a time when the chasm of the traditional categorization of cinema - parallel cinema and mainstream cinema - become tenuous, we have a new breed of young directors who have taught us how to appreciate and make film-viewing a different experience.

Sanal Kumar Sasidharan is one of the most promising filmmakers of these times. The out-of-the-box perspectives and narration in his films make him a maverick young filmmaker of Malayalam Cinema. Right from the off in his film career, he has blazed a new trail in the industry. The unprecedented acceptance to his films like “Oralpokkam,” and “Ozhivu Divasathe Kali” in theatres and festivals epitomizes his versatility and craftsmanship as a director.

Recently, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s yet-to-be-released movie “Sexy Durga” won the The Hivos Tiger Award at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam. The film had its world premiere on January 27 in Rotterdam. It also became the first Indian film to win big at the prestigious ceremony.

“Sexy Durga” is a road movie that follows the horrifying experience of two hitchhikers, a man and a woman, at the hands of two men, at night. “For its daring and resourceful approach in creating a mood of constant tension. The particular use of the camera and acting give a sense of immediacy and momentum, while providing an insight into multi-layered power dynamics of gender, class and authority,” said the jury report explaining the rationale as to why the Malayalam film deserved the coveted award.

In his Facebook page, the filmmaker wrote: “Sexy Durga won the great tiger award at the IFFR. This is something for us team sexydurga and indie movement in Malayalam. Thanks everyone. Remember my friends who supported me making my first film. Thank you.. Thanks IFFR (sic).”

In fact, Dr. K. Biju is one of the filmmakers in the industry who changed the mindset of audience regarding the so-called art cinema. A socially-committed director, Dr. Biju has explored a host of issues in his films, and most of the subjects he dealt with are rather incongruous for films as far as their commercial success is concerned. From his debut movie “Saira” (2005), one can find his commitment to the medium and his filmography showcases how passionately he approaches the subjects in his movies.

“Raman” (2008), “Veettilekkulla Vazhi” (2010), “Akasathinte Niram” (2012), “Perariyathavar” (2013), “Valiya Chirakulla Pakshikal” (2015) and “Kaadu Pookkunna Neram (2016) are his major films. Most of these films have snapped up honours nationally and internationally.

Young Sajin Baabu has won accolades in his debut film “Asthamayam Vare” (Unto the dusk). The film with hardly any background score and with characters being un-named, was first premiered in Mumbai International Film Festival in 2014 in India Gold category. Besides, it was screened at Bengaluru International Film festival 2014 where it won Chitrbharathi award for Best Indian Film.

The film was also selected for the International Film competition section in International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2014. It won Rajathachakoram and the Certificate of Merit for Promotion at IFFK 2014. So he’s definitely a promising filmmaker to watch out for. His new film “Ayaal Sasi”, starring Sreenivasan is ready for release.

The Kozhikode-based director hogged the limelight when his debut movie Byari won the National Film Award for Best Film in 2011. In fact, this is the first feature film to be made in the Beary language, an Indian language mainly spoken by the Muslim communities mainly of Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) and some parts of Kerala.

This cinematographer-turned-director surprised us through his path-breaking films. Rooted in reality, Rajeev Ravi’s films deeply explore the inner conflicts and the lives of marginalized section of the society. He is adept in narrating the plot laced in dark reality. Rajeev Ravi has a distinct style of filmmaking that challenges the conventional norms of filmmaking. Be it “Annayaum Rasoolum” or “Njan Steve Lopez”, there are coherent signs of novelty and determination of a director.

In his latest outing, “Kammattippadam”, viewers experience different layers of revenge and life. His films are notable for love, friendship and revenge—all are treated in an astounding manner.

KR Manoj heralded his arrival into the filmdom with his film “Kanyaka Talkies” (Virgin Talkies) in 2013. The film was premiered at the 15th Mumbai Film Festival. It was screened as the opening film of the Indian Panorama at the 44th International Film Festival of India in 2013.

It was also selected in all major Indian film festivals including IFFK, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Pune. “Kanyaka Talkies” received the International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI Prize) for Best Malayalam Film at the 18th IFFK. Forbes India magazine selected it as one of the five must watch Indian movies in 2014. The film has won three awards at 44th Kerala State Film Awards. These accolades garnered by the film are enough to fathom the potential of this filmmaker, who could be one of the torchbearers of our cinema.

Other filmmakers who stand out with their distinctive and innovative storytelling are Geethu Mohandas, Dileesh Pothen, MB Padmakumar, Alphonse Putharen, Anjali Menon, Vipin Vijay and Salim Ahmed et al.