The Hindu : Kerala / Kozhikode News : ‘Paradeshi’ kept out of IFFI: director

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Friday, Oct 19, 2007
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Kerala - Kozhikode

‘Paradeshi’ kept out of IFFI: director

Staff Reporter

Kozhikode: Director P.T. Kunhimuhammed on Thursday said he was surprised that his latest film, ‘Paradeshi,’ released last Friday, did not find a place in the Indian Panorama section of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), to be held in Goa next month. Interestingly, of the 21 feature films selected for the Panorama, five are from Malayalam (‘Ore Kadal’, ‘Nalu Pennungal’, ‘Thaniye’, ‘Rathrimazha’ and ‘Kaioppu’).

“I don’t know why my film was ignored,” he told reporters at Kozhikode. “I was treated thus earlier too. I am saying this because the young filmmakers should not face such a treatment in the future,” he added.

Mohanlal, who gave a brilliant performance in the film as an 82-year-old man, forced to live like a refugee in his own country, producer Antony Perumbavoor and actor Siddique also spoke at the press meet.

No difference

“Paradeshi’s non-selection at the IFFI is not going to make any difference to the film,” Mohanlal said. “I have been acting for 30 years and many of my films, including those produced by me, have been shown at various prestigious international festivals, such as Cannes.”

Talking about his role in the film, Mohanlal said that the toughest part was the make-up of the old man. “It would take some three hours just for applying the make-up. It wasn’t easy wearing such make-up, which included latex, in our climate,” he said.

Small role

Siddique said he was glad to be part of an excellent film. “My role was small, but I am happy that Kunhimuhammed asked me to do it,” he added.

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