The Hindu : Front Page : Now, cinema is `digital all the way'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 24, 2006
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Front Page

Front Page

Now, cinema is `digital all the way'

G. Krishnakumar

Downloaded from satellite across Kerala

DIGITAL DIRECTION: Filmmaker V.K. Prakash directing a shot for the all-digital movie.

Kochi: ``Mollywood'' has shown the way. A Malayalam language feature film has become the first Indian cinematic product that is digital end-to-end: Moonnaamathoraal (The Third Person), directed by adman-turned-filmmaker V.K. Prakash, was photographed, edited, distributed and exhibited entirely by digital means.

It was released recently in nearly 80 cinema halls across the State via satellite, with the downloaded film stored on a computer server in each theatre. The product was encrypted to prevent piracy.

The producers hired 45 `B' and `C' class theatres in smaller towns such as Erumeli (Pathanamthitta); Kuruvilangad (Kottayam); Upputhara (Idukki) and Kodali (Thrissur district) which rarely get to see first-run films. Digital projectors and screening equipment was installed in all the theatres.

Shot with a high-definition digital camera, the film gave the director a chance to experiment in a new format. ``A digital movie is always cost-effective,'' says Mr. Prakash.

``There is no loss of film roll here. The picture quality is excellent. It is also easier to use special effects using digital technology.''

He added that it does not need film to record and preserve images. ``Moreover, distributors can release the film in maximum number of centres across the State. Digital technology is slated to revolutionise the way films are made and exhibited across the world, he says. ,'' says Biburaj, general manager of the distributors Emil and Eric Films.

``We have already initiated steps for releasing five Malayalam films in the digital format. They include Oruvan (starringPrithviraj); Ore Kadal (Mamootty) and Chakkaramuthu (Dileep).'' Moonnaamathoraal is a horror film featuring among others Jayaram, Vineeth, and Jyothirmayi.