Experiments on celluloid
G. JAYAKUMAR
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Jayaraj plans to do a movie based on Shakespeare's `Macbeth,' starring Mammootty.
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I try to bring the navarasas and a current topic/issue together.
Photo: S. Subramanium
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Jayaraj's `Adbutham' was shot after intense rehearsals by the actors.
Jayaraj's film `Adbutham' (`Wonder') is based on a State-assisted euthanasia that took place in Oregon State, United States (U.S.).
"The word Adbutham means `no butham' - something that has no precedent. So when I decided to make the film, the idea struck me - why not make the film in a way that has never been attempted before?"
Jayaraj's plan was to complete the shooting of the 76-minute film in record time. And he accomplished it in exactly two hours and 14 minutes. This feat was made possible owing to a lot of painstaking effort prior to the shooting.
Jayaraj explains: "First, we had rehearsals for three days with the artistes. Then, a set was readied with lights and camera and the rehearsals went on for six more days. This was repeated with costumes, and trial shots were taken."
Finally, in the final take, only one camera was used at a time. As soon as the film in the camera got exhausted, it was replaced by another loaded camera.
Theme of the film
Jayaraj got the theme of the film from a newspaper report of a mother who had submitted a petition seeking euthanasia for her son six years ago.
"Then I learnt that it is only in the State of Oregon (U.S.) that euthanasia has been legalised. I discussed the theme with scriptwriter Madambu Kunhikuttan and we finalised the structure of the film. When the film begins, the patient who has been permitted euthanasia has just over 70 minutes left before the life-support machines are switched off. The duration of the film is the same as that of the story - around 70 minutes."
So, what is the message of the film?
Message
"Mind is what is important. It is not the body. As long as the mind is alert, you can conquer the world. Stephen Hawking is a perfect example. That is the philosophy I am trying to evolve through this film.''
`Adbutham' is the latest in the series of Navarasa films that Jayaraj is in the process of making. The earlier films in this category include `Karunam,' `Shantham' and `Bhibhatsa' (Hindi).
If `Karunam' was about elderly people being isolated by their own children, `Shantham' dealt with killings over political rivalry. `Bhibhatsa' examined child abuse, especially male prostitution in Goa and even in Kerala.
"I try to bring the navarasas and a current topic/issue together," says Jayaraj.
Although he has been making many serious films, Jayaraj is also known for his commercial hits such as `Johny Walker,' `For the People' and `Thilakkam.' "Commercial films have different ingredients mixed together for entertainment. To survive in the industry I have to make such films too," says Jayaraj.
"The satisfaction I get from serious films is the freedom and the outlet for creativity it gives. But there are no returns. I produced `Adbutham' on my own. It cost Rs.55 lakhs. However, I will still continue to experiment," says an undeterred Jayaraj.
Another facet of Jayaraj is his inclination toward Shakespeare. He has directed two films based on Shakespeare's plays. His film `Kannaki' was based on `Anthony and Cleopatra.' Instead of the war in the play, the film had a cockfight as its background.
The other film `Kaliyatom' was an adaptation of `Othello.' Asked about it, Jayaraj says, "Sambasivan's kathaprasangams at temple festivals are based on Shakespeare's plays. `Othello' was one of the most popular stories he narrated. And then I happened to read Kaithapram's poem `Theechamundi.' I blended the two and made `Kaliyatom.'
"Shakespeare's plays are for all time. For a future film I have `Macbeth' in mind. I would like Mammooty to do the lead role and have talked to him about it." Jayaraj's important films include `Deshadanam,' `Daivanamathil' and `Makalkku.'
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