The Indian flavour
BHAWANI CHEERATH
|
Six tele-films, based on short stories in Malayalam, will be screened on Doordarshan.
|
CLOSE TO LIFE: Scene from `Mothiram,'
In the late 80s, well before the onslaught of private channels and satellite television, Doordarshan had taken up the task of bringing major literary works on the mini-screen. With storytelling at an Indian pace as its forte, DD opened the windows of the local viewer to global literature. It therefore does not come as a surprise that `Kathasarit' will screen telefilms made in Indian languages based on major literary works. Project Kathasarit picks up the thread from where its precursors like `Ek Kahani', `Darpan', and `Khazana' left off.
No nostalgia-tinted glasses are needed to enjoy these films, because each story is close to life and because it deals with human nature, it has a universality that transcends language barriers. The six Malayalam tele-films in the Kathasarit package do just that.
Tele-films
Beginning with the story `Makal' by Rajalakshmi, you have `Mothiram' by Karoor, `Shakunam' by Kovilan, `Moonnamathuoraal' by Mundur Krishnankutty, `Koorakal' by E. Harikumar and `Bhartaavu' by Ponkunnam Varkey, each handles a theme that has touched our lives in one way or the other. It is the telescoped memories of a Malayali that comes through these stories.
Scene 'Moonnamathuoraal.'
The dilemmas and complexities in human bonds were brought to us through the six films. As in the choice of themes so also in selection of locales, the adaptations have been kept as close as possible to lived conditions and in doing so, made it easier for a viewer to identify with the situation. The success therefore lies in not trying to add visual appeal to lure the viewer now saturated with the glitzy indoors and outdoors in tele-serials.
One would be stating the obvious by saying that seasoned actors like KPAC Lalitha, Murali, and Dr. Ambi have lent dignity to their roles. What needs to be emphasised is the restraint they exercised, thereby creating a balance in the total film. Sona Nair as the daughter Sharada in `Makal' and Ambika Mohan as Kunhikavu in `Mothiram' deserve special mention for their performances.
Scene `Makal.'
Technology has taken giant leaps and concepts of audience tastes have changed but one thing none can deny is that it is DD in whatever avatar that can deliver the Indian flavour. It may lack the glitz, glamour and gloss but it is truly close to the Indian core and therefore will have its aficionados.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
