The Hindu : Kerala News : Social themes stage a come-back in Malayalam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 07, 2006

Kerala

Kerala

Social themes stage a come-back in Malayalam

After a brief lull, Malayalam cinema is once again focussing on issues of social importance. P.T. Kunhu Mohammed, who has established himself as a director of films such as `Magrib,' is now getting ready to depict the plight of a host of people in Malappuram who are destined to live in agony throughout their life.

The film, `Paradeshi,' is all about the life of the Pakistani passport holders whose existence has been questioned in homeland. There are around 100 such people in Malappuram district.

Most of these people, who are above 60 years, are now unable to move to an alien land and start life afresh.

They are in a dilemma as they live in the constant fear of being extradited to Pakistan.

The issue had gained prominence in 2004 when following a public outcry, the United Democratic Front (UDF) Government took it up with the Central Government and their deportation to Pakistan was stayed.

Mohanlal will play the lead role in `Paradeshi.' The main character, an octogenarian, whom Mohanlal presents in the film, is expected to be a real challenge in his career.

Along with Mohanlal, Srinivasan, Vijayaraghavan, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy and Sweta Mohan too would be acting in the film. Kunhu Mohammed, who also runs a very popular programme `Pravasi Lokam' in Kairali channel, is known for making films that have really disturbing themes.

`Uppu' and `Magrib' had very serious content that had sparked off discussions.

`Pravasi Lokam' too has been of great help in providing valuable information to the kin of those working in the West Asian countries.

Work on the film began at a colourful function held at the Kinfra Film and Video Park here on Monday. People from different walks of life attended the function. The film would be shot in Kerala as well as the India-Pakistan border soon.

N.J. Nair

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