`Ben Johnson' hits the mark
VIJAY GEORGE
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Film director Anil C. Menon has come of age with the success of `Ben Johnson.'
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I have understood that the language of cinema is the same... those scenes which the audience appreciates will definitely be the same in any corner of the State. ANIL C. MENON
OFF THE BLOCKS: Anil C. Menon.
Although his first film, `Malsaram,' failed to click at the box office, director Anil C. Menon, is the talk of the town after the success of `Ben Johnson.'
The film, scripted by T.A. Shahid, has Kalabhavan Mani in a double role - that of Amarakkadan Pathrose, a goonda, and of his son, Ben Johnson, an honest sub-inspector.
With none of the superstars in it, can the film be called a `surprise hit'? "Perhaps yes, from the viewers' point of view. But, all along we had confidence in the subject. When producer Milan Jaleel agreed to produce the film, we had requested him not to compromise on the budget. Luckily for us, he kept his word and I believe that the result is there to be seen on screen," says he.
Fan of Sathyan Anthikkad
It was his admiration for director Sathyan Anthikkad, who hails from his place near Thrissur, which prompted Anil C. Menon to dream about getting into films. "But he never really encouraged me when I approached him and he cited the examples of hundreds of youngsters who end up struggling as assistants and never get a chance to direct even a single movie. Though I didn't understand it then, now I realise that his concern was genuine," says Anil.
But that didn't deter him from taking his plunge into the world of cinema. Soon after completing his Pre-degree, Anil started assisting director G.S. Vijayan. And it continued for 16 years.
"Shahid also assisted him for two films and we became good friends. In between, Mani became a part of our group and three of us share a great rapport. We decided to launch our careers as Anil-Shahid, writing and directing `Sakalakalavallabhan,' the project that was re-named `Malsaram.' In between, Shahid got a big break as the scriptwriter for `Balettan.' `Malsaram' came out soon, but is generally considered a failure, on account of "poor marketing and the timing of its release."
It was Kalabhavan Mani who came up with the idea of a story about an athlete who becomes a police officer against all odds. "We linked that idea with a story that we already had in mind and soon, Shahid started writing the script for the film. Mani, who occasionally dons the hero's role in Malayalam films, was perfectly suited for the role," he says. Indraja, who had made quite an impression with her fine performance in `Chronic Bachelor,' but was not seen much ever since, was cast as the heroine, Gauri. "We had also considered Rasika for the role, after her sterling performance in `Pithamagan.'
"I had always made it a point to watch films, especially the ones that does not fare well at the box office and analyse why they did not click well with the audience. I have understood that the language of cinema is the same. There may be instances when some scenes, which the makers regard as sure shot winners, fail to click. But those scenes, which the audience appreciates, will definitely be the same, in any corner of the State," explains he. Talks are on with several big names for his next film. "It's pretty early to reveal more details, but as of now, Shahid will be writing the script and Kalabhavan Mani will have an important role in it."
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Entertainment
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
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