Environmentalism has always been a hot subject for debate in Kerala; but only a microscopic minority are that serious when it comes to real action. Scathing attacks on the perils caused to nature in the name of industrialization and development is nothing new in the media, and an average Keralite is used to such blabbering(the left is right, and the right is wrong) on TV and other media including films. I have seen the turbaned, bearded former CPM supremo admonishing the state government on various matters including environmental protection sipping Pepsi cola, and that too at a press conference, and when a junior press person hesitatingly hinted about it, he was gestured to sit down. But it is not politics that I am writing here; so nothing more about it.
What prompted me write this is a film “ Oridathoru Puzhayundu” by a debutant director, Kalavoor Ravikumar. One of my close friends, Venu has done a lead role in the film, which harps on the urgency to protect environment from more devastation. The director has attempted to convey a message, but seems to have failed miserably to deliver home the point; may be his inexperience acted as a barrier to communicate well. The first impression I got was that he's got a finger in every pie, because he tried to do something just off the top of his head.
The level headed wife ( well done by Meera Jasmin's sister Jeni), and her husband ( my friend Venu did this role) who has got rock in his heads ( his wife's view point) is a nauseating cliché in Malayalam films and could have been avoided. Some scenes testify the influence of 'Kazhcha,' a popular film by Blessi (Don't think someone will get a lump in their throat seeing such scenes). Venu has performed well, except his facial expressions in the last scene. (please don't say to watch my mouth).
The talented little girl who played the role of Sumangala seems to be comfortable with the nuances of the art, and other children too did their best. As a novice, Kalavoor Ravikumar is well within his right to expect viewers build a fire under him. So, dear young director, just grin and bear it..
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