The politics of a relationship
G. JAYAKUMAR
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Lenin Rajendran's films have always evoked interest because of the theme, style of direction and cast.
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My next film will be on Pazhassi Raja. Not the history. What attracted me is his life in the forests of Wayanad.
DIRECTOR SPEAK: Lenin Rajendran
A remarkable feature about most of the films of director Lenin Rajendran is that they are either centred around women or tend to cast women as bold characters. This is borne out by his films such as `Meenamasathile Sooryan,' `Chillu,' `Puraavrithum,' `Swati Tirunal,' `Mazha,' and `Anyar.' And his new film-in-the-making `Nilavu,' in which Meera Jasmine has a pivotal role, will be no exception.
A song recording for the new film is in progress. Gayathri is singing `Manveenayil... ' based on the pleasing Hindustani raag Chhayanat, with the veteran composer Berny playing the mandolin, under the direction of Ramesh Narayan.
In a freewheeling interview, Lenin discusses his approach to filmmaking and his new film. Excerpts:
Women are portrayed as bold characters in your films.
It's not intentional. Every woman has her own individuality. They have their own spaces where they may be confined to. When faced with obstacles, they react. Their minds are ever active. I would like to probe their minds, their attitude to various problems. Of course, when they react it might be akin to banging your head against a stone wall. So, they may fail. But it doesn't end there. There will be a spark that will ignite other women's minds. There is a continuity. That is to say one woman's fight becomes the source of inspiration for others.
You are a person known for your political convictions. Are there any conflict of interests when you make such films?
Yes, I do have political convictions. But I do not allow them to interfere with my films. Some subjects/themes influence me profoundly and I make films on them. Naturally the tragedies in life touch me more when it is close to my political convictions. I believe in social commitment. Films like `Meenamasathile Sooryan,' and `Puraavritham' are in this genre. Beyond political issues, I'm interested in tracing the pain of individuals, relationships in society, as you will see in `Nilavu.'
What is the theme of `Nilavu'?
C.S. Chandramathy teacher's story `Website' inspired the film. A matrimonial advertisement on the internet introduces youngsters Harikrishnan and Meera to each other. Even without seeing each other they get close through chatting. For the young idealistic Meera, Harikrishnan is her dream man. When Meera sees Harikrishnan for the first time, her dreams are shattered. Yet their minds are so bound together that they get married. But now, more than the couple it is society that becomes inquisitive about the relationship.
Biju Menon and Jyothimayi in 'Anyar.'
Is it a true adaptation of the story?
I have only used a part of the story. And I have tried to set it on an entirely different plane. I have given my own cinematic interpretation to it.
So the story gets transformed?
The written story and the film are different media. One is meant for the reader, the other for the viewer. Both have their own individuality. When a film is made based on a short story and novel, many writers and viewers complain that there is no similarity between the two. But that is how it should be. I consider it as something positive. When I made the novel `Marthandavarma' into `Kulam,' this is what I did. This is true of the character Subhadra. What was attempted was a new look at the novel. It was my own interpretation. Again, when Kamala Das' `Nashtapetta Nilambari' was made as `Mazha,' the film actually developed from a statement in the story made by the wife. Again, very little is mentioned about the husband in the original story.
But in the film the relationship between the husband and wife is explored, along with his possessive nature and what haunts him.
So, I would say that when we read a novel and make a film, we should be able to say something new.
What message does the film convey?
No deliberate message is given. Some tragic situations in life and how the characters behave in such situations are portrayed.
How did you select the artistes?
Meera Jasmine plays the central character. I chose her for she is versatile, full of potential. Probably, one of the best actresses in recent times. And Prithviraj, he is young and represents the youth. Besides, he is a promising actor. We have not tapped his potential.
How important is music in the film?
As in my all other films, from `Venal' to `Anyar,' music is of much importance in this film too. Music has to be aligned to the theme. Ramesh Narayan composes the music to Kaithapram's lyrics. Singers include Gayathri, Sujatha, Hariharan and Srinivasan.
Do you think films should provide solutions to problems in life?
In the present situation if we offer a solution that is revolutionary, it becomes quite unnatural and superfluous.
Do you make compromises making a film?
There are compromises because of budget constraints. But I do not compromise on the choice of actors or the theme.
You were planning to make a film `Kattukadanthal' with Suresh Gopi in an important role. What happened?
Suresh Gopi approached me when he knew that I was planning to do a film. That only shows his large-heartedness. Then there was a setback in his career, and the film got postponed. Then, I did `Anyar,' and now `Nilavu.' Once again he is on a comeback trail. On the very first day of his recent movie's release, he was kind enough to call me and proposed going ahead with the film.
Your next project after `Nilavu?'
My next film will be on Pazhassi Raja. Not the history. What attracted me is his life in the forests of Wayanad. Why did the tribals protect him as one of their own? Why were they prepared to die for him? Remember this was the first guerrila warfare anywhere in the world. Was Pazhassi Raja so charismatic a figure? The tribals lacked political background or education, still they fought for him. Why?
Why the big interval between films?
Usually there is a gap of two years after a film. What takes time is writing the script. Then the finance has to be arranged.
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