XY-a short film by Dawn Anthony, my team member

I was part of Dawn's Short film which was on gender issue, a nice and wonderful work to be part of . It got some acclaim also

Article publish in Uday India

September 2010

25 September 2010 EDITOR'S NOTE NATUROPATHY RIGHT ANGLE SPOTLIGHT FOCUS VIEWPOINT STRAIGHT TALK SPECIAL REPORT STATE SCAN COVER STORY CINE BUZZ SPORTS WATCH SPIRITUAL WATCH BEYOND HEADLINES BOOKSHELF NUMERO WATCH     Special prayers for 'Babri mosque' title suit this Eid THE FINAL JUDGMENT? By Kulsum Mustafa from Lucknow   The Eid prayers this year will be very special for the Muslims in general and for Muslims of Uttar Pradesh in particular. The minority congregations which will gather for the mandatory thanks-giving Eid namaz at different idgahs all over the country will all have one common prayer on their lips—that the court judgment in 'Babri Masjid' title suit is announced in their favour on September 24. One of the most-awaited court verdicts, it is in fact judgment day for the entire nation after an 18-year-long judicial battle on a highly sensitive title suit. The 'Babri mosque' in Ayodhya was demolished on December 6, 1992, in broad daylight by groups of Hindu extremists. The move had led to nationwide communal riots which left several hundred people dead. While no date has yet been announced for the verdict, it is likely that the three-member special bench of Allahabad High Court, comprising Justices SU Khan, Sudhir Agarwal and DV Sharma, will announce the crucial judgment on September 17. Earlier to the conclusion of legal formalities in July 2010, the bench had made an appeal to both the parties to come to an amicable mutual agreement. But as expected, the appeal had no takers from both the sides.                 Both the parties have staked claim to the same site. While the Muslims insist that it is the site of the mosque and hence of reverence to them, the Hindus claim that it is the birthplace of Lord Rama and that is why they are the original claimant to the place.                 “There was absolutely no question of any possibility of an amicable settlement in the case as the other party is not ready to give up the plan of constructing a temple at the place where 'Babri Masjid' stood till December 6, 1992. The sole option is the judgment of the court,” said convener of the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee (AIBMAC) and lawyer in the main title suit for Sunni Waqf Board, Mr Zafaryab Jilani.                 The Muslim political leaders, including Mr Jilani, are highly optimistic that the judgment will be in their favour. They are expressing this confidence publically too, saying that while they have full trust on judiciary, the basis of evidences and proceedings of the case also strengthen their hope of victory.                 “We will respect the court's verdict and are eagerly awaiting it.” Jilani told Uday India.                  He said in these years they have produced strong and existing evidences including documents and witnesses that sound bases to satisfy the court on the issue. Asserting that they have presented strong and secular evidences, Jilani said that out of 34 witnesses who recorded their statements before the bench in the favour of 'Babri Masjid', 11 are Hindus, including Prof Suraj Bhan, Prof D Mandal, Dr Sita Ram Rai, Prof SC Srivastava, Prof RC Thakural, Dr Jaya Menon and Dr Ashok Dutta.                 According to Mr Jilani, a favourable judgment in favour of Muslims, of course, based on solid evidence, will only go a long way in proving that India is a big secular power. It will also send out a message that the religious rights and places of minorities are protected in this secular democracy.                 But considering the sensitivity of the issue, the Muslim community clerics are realising their duty towards the community and are trying to prepare them against all eventualities. They are all going out to reach out to their people and to condition them to be prepared for anything.                 On Alvida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, which fell this year on September 3, thousands of mosques offered special prayers for this.                 "Pray for winning the suit but show respect to court order on title case" is the fervent appeal of both the Muslim religious leaders and the politicians. Appeals to maintain peace at all cost are being repeatedly being issued to the community by the clerics, especially at Alvida Namaz.                 Addressing the congregation on Alvida, Shia cleric and Imam-e-Jumma Syed Kalbe Jawed, at the historic Asifi Imambara in Lucknow, said, “We will pray that the order goes in our favour but in case it does not we have the Supreme Court to appeal to. Under all situations we must respect the law of the land and maintain law and order.”                 At Teele Wali Masjid in Lucknow, Sunni cleric Maulana Shah Faza ur Rehman Waizi Nadvi also tried to appeal his followers by telling them that while they must hope and pray for the best, they must be prepared for the worst.   PROFESSOR JOSEPH'S EXPULSION INCREASES COMMUNAL POLARISATION IN KERALA By Reshmi Padma from Thiruvananthapuram   The dismissal of Prof TJ Joseph, the Malayalam professor whose right palm was chopped off by Islamic fundamentalists has now been dismissed from service by the Newman College management alleging that he had caused deep wounds in the Muslim psyche in the state for writing an article which a section of the Muslim community has considered, blasphemous.                 The Kothamangalam diocese, which is running the management of Newman college, has taken this extreme step to convince a section of the Muslim community that the diocese is not directly involved in what was written by the professor. In simple words, this action of the Kothamangalam diocese could be termed as sort of spinelessness or maybe going the extra step to woo the Muslim community taking into consideration the possibility of a Congress-led UDF government coming up in the state after the assembly elections of 2011. Generally the Muslim League holds the education portfolio and there are already allegations of the Muslim League leadership having hand and glove relationship with the Islamist fundamentalist organisation, Popular Front which is alleged to be the mastermind in chopping off the right palm of the professor.                 The incident has however led to a major division in the society with a horde of Christian intellectuals and common people totally denouncing the Christian church management's decision to expel the professor.                 Students and teachers alike of the college have also responded against the management's unilateral decision to expel the professor taking the Islamic threat as a benchmark. Abin Jose, a second year student of Newman College, Thodupuzha while speaking to Uday India said that he had taken part in the controversial question paper set by Prof Joseph, but has not found anything derogatory against Prophet Mohammed. Abin also said that the expulsion of the professor from the college has not gone down well with the students as well as local people from among the Christian community. Raju Antony, a Roman Catholic from Kothamangalam who is a rubber dealer, while speaking to Uday India said that there could be repercussions from the Christian youths and called upon all like-minded people to unite against the grave injustice done to one of the best teachers produced my Newman College.                 He also said that the Christian youths can also unite to do something mischievous which can rip apart the society. Raju Antony also said that for the first time he had the feeling of Christianity in him and he blamed the Islamic organisations for creating a mountain out of a molehill.                 He said that several Christian students, teachers and common people in and around Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha have the feeling that they have to unite and fight against the Islamic terror operations. When contacted a highly placed officer of the state police on the condition of strict anonymity said that the college management has started playing with fireball, which could eventually lead to vertical polarisation of the society in central Travancore. He further added that the relatively peace-loving Christian population in the state will also be entering into a communal movement which could ultimately result in more bloodshed.                 It may be recalled that the Taliban court “Darul Khuda” which means God's abode had ordered the chopping off the hand of Prof Joseph. The head of this Taliban court, organised by the Popular Front, is one Easa Moulavi who is also one of the members of the Imams' council, a paper organisation floated by the Popular Front to garner the support of the Muslim clergy.                 The arrested have already told the police that Taliban court was directly involved in giving the orders for chopping the hand of Prof Joseph. Sources in the central intelligence agencies believe that the college management has received more threats from Islamist organisations to expel the professor or to face further consequences. According to a highly-placed officer with the agency, the Popular Front leadership, which is considered to be the Indian arm of the al Qaeda has threatened the college management that there would be more severe damage to the college management and individuals if Prof Joseph was not expelled.                 Even the spokesperson of the Kerala Catholic Bishop's conference Father Paul Thattayil came out with strong statements against the Newman College management decision to expel Prof Joseph.  A large number of priests and nuns and ordinary believers conducted a march the other day towards the Kothamangalam Arch Diocese, which is the management of the college.                 State Education Minister MA Baby came out with a strong statement that the management has forgotten about all human consideration in expelling the college professor who was already broke both mentally and physically following the attack.                 However, barring some exceptions, Muslim groups welcomed the decision of the college management. Dr Fasal Gafoor who is the president of the Muslim Education Society, which runs a medical college, welcomed the college management's decision to expel the professor.                 However, political organisations in the state opposed the college management's decision to expel Prof Joseph.                 Congress state president Ramesh Chennithala while speaking to Uday India said that the decision of the college management has to be studied in detail before giving a comment. He however added that the society has to forgive and forget to  move ahead and called upon all concerned to destroy communal hatred from their minds.                 BJP leader and party national executive member and former president PS Sreedharan Pillai while speaking to Uday India said that the decision of the college management is in fact deplorable and has to be immediately revoked. He called upon the state government to take the necessary steps to prevent communal elements from exploiting the situation.                 The RSS leadership in Kerala has already called upon the management to revoke the decision and said that there could be a severe division in the society with this single decision.                 The CPI-M state committee has already condemned the decision of the college management to expel Prof Joseph and has asked the manage-ment to revoke the decision.

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A chat with Shyamaprasad-Elektra

 

 Rediff.com  »  Movies » 'Women are perfect human beings'

'Women are perfect human beings'

Last updated on: December 27, 2010 17:08 IST

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Reshmi Padma in Thiruvananthapuram

National Award winning directorShyamaprasad is back with a psycho-sexual film called Elektra, on woman's love, desires and revenge. The story develops in the backdrop of the mysterious death of the head of the family.Elektra is an adaptation of the Greek drama of Electra, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra.

The film has an incredible star cast comprising of National award winner Prakash Raj as Abraham, the head of the family, Nayantara as Elektra, and Manisha Koirala as Diana, her mother.

Elektra is now making rounds at various festivals. It was screened in the IFFI Goa as well as International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Last week, it had its international premier at the Dubai International Film Festival, where it was the only Malayalam entry.

As the film gets ready for release, the director shares the experiences of making Elektra.

Your film Elektra was shown at the IFFI and IIFK. How was the response?

It was received well in festivals. I am really happy with the initial responses.  When it was screened at IFFK, the turnout was really fantastic; 90 percent of the viewers were young. People even sat on the floor in the theatre screening the film.

That was the kind of excitement I saw. I am really moved by the changing sensibility of people towards cinema.

Last week it was screened at the Dubai International Festival and I am overwhelmed by the response there. I really wish Elektra gets the same kind of reception when it hits the theatres.

Image: A scene from Elektra. Inset: Shyamaprasad

 Rediff.com  »  Movies » 'Women are perfect human beings'

'I thought adapting Electra for the silver screen would be a challenge worth taking'

Last updated on: December 27, 2010 17:08 IST

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Why did you choose the Greek drama Electra as a subject?

It was a long cherished dream. I had this in my mind even when I was studying at the School of Drama. I was really very much influenced by the Greek drama, the strong female character, her love towards her father, her piousness, how she uses her brother to kill her stepfather, etc. I often felt that it has got the entire recipe for a good film.

After Ritu, when I was thinking about my next film, this Greek drama resurfaced. Nayantara showed interest in working with me. That was when I thought adapting Electra for the silver screen would be a challenge worth taking.

Most of your films are women centric. InElektra too, you have not one but two strong female characters. Is it intentional?

No, no, not at all. It just happened. To be human is a critical factor, whatever I do, whatever subject I choose, I try to revolve it around human relations, be it Agni Sakshi, Ritu or Ore Kadal. The dilemma within the heart  is what interests me. I am not interested in huge spectacles, history or men overcoming evil.

It is not intentional on my part to choose only women-oriented subjects. In my film Akale too there were two strong female characters -- Margaret and Rose -- but the central character was Neil.

My next film is with superstar Mammooty and the treatment will also be like my other films.

I would say, women are perfect human beings. They gracefully handle every role in life; be it as a daughter, wife, mother or friend. They are complete, balanced persons. They laugh, cry and love; they also have darker overtones to their behaviour. And I love to handle subjects that are often untold.

In Elektra my central character happens to be a female and she is a woman with all these feelings.  I like presenting the different shades of women which are often neglected.

Image: A scene from Elektra

  Rediff.com  »  Movies » 'Women are perfect human beings'

'Manisha Koirala said she wanted to work with me'

Last updated on: December 27, 2010 17:08 IST

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What was the reason for entrusting such a strong role to Nayantara?

Everyone has this question. To be frank, afterRitu, I happened to meet Nayantara and she said she was really interested in doing movies with me. She was very keen on doing a meaningful role, something with substance. Usually she does those, you know, the glamorous, superficial roles which I guess supports her career. But she nursed the desire to do much deeper roles. ThusElektra happened.

I would say the entire project came because of the enthusiasm of Nayan, Manisha and Prakash Raj. Without their support, the project would not have happened in such a way.

Why did you cast Manisha Koirala?

Diana, the character Manisha does in the movie, is a mother of two -- Elektra and Edwin.  She is the young, sensuous and graceful wife of Abraham.

At the initial stages of scripting itself, I had drawn a picture of the character in my mind and I wanted somebody very attractive yet very powerful to do the role. There was nobody I could think of other than Manisha.  In terms of beauty, the inner quality of the character she identifies with and her experience in films, she was the perfect choice for me as Diana. When I approached her, she loved the script.  She said she wanted to work with me and said would definitely be part of my dream project.

I appreciate her move, as Malayalam as a language is really tough to learn and pronounce for an actor. But she pulled it off so gracefully. I have full admiration towards her and her work.

Image: A scene from Elektra

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 Rediff.com  »  Movies » 'Women are perfect human beings'

'Nayantara surprised me with her performance'

Last updated on: December 27, 2010 17:08 IST

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How do you strike a balance between Elektra and Diana, the two female characters?

The two female characters Elektra and Diana are so critical and they are almost equal in their dominance in the story. I wanted someone equally attractive, equally powerful and having the same kind of image, so that the balance within the film is maintained and Nayantara and Manisha fitted the bill perfectly. 

Nayantara's performance as Elektra is said to be outstanding.
Yes, she is outstanding. She surprised me with her performance. 

Why is it that all the characters in Elektra have a negative tint to them?

All human beings have their grey areas and I am more interested in exploring that. Elektra is a kind of psycho-sexual murder mystery. The story unravels in Amarath the ancestral house of Abraham, which has a long history of mysterious deaths and sly relations.

Abraham, the planter comes from Jaffna to his ancestral home in central Kerala unaware of the unpleasant things waiting for him. On the night of his arrival, he dies under mysterious circumstances and the cloud of suspicion falls on everyone. 

But Elektra, who is madly in love with her father, points her finger at her mother. Elektra also succeeds in convincing her brother Edwin, a mamma's boy, that their mother has poisoned their father, and that she plans to kill Isaac, the estranged cousin of Abraham who is Diana's lover.

Be it Abraham, Isaac, Edwin, Elektra or Diana, all have negative shades. They are all human beings with normal feelings. They all feel love, possessiveness and have hidden agendas for their loved ones. Life is like that and every relationship has its own rights and wrongs.

Image: A scene from Elektra

Site to which I contributed

http://www.leedstechnologies.com/

A Chat with Shwetha Menon-for Rediff.com

'I would love to play a tomboy'

Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST

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Reshmi Padma in Thiruvananthapuram

Shwetha Menon has come a long way since her beauty pageant days.

The Miss India runner up who won the first Gladrags female super model and later on the Kerala State award, made her debut in films opposite Mammootty at the age of 14 in the Malayalam film, Anaswaram.

Nineteen years later, she teamed up with Mammootty once again in Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha, for which she won the Kerala State award.

Her most talked about new project isRathinirvedam 2. When the originalRathinirvedam was made by late Bharatan years ago with Jayabharati and Krishnachandran, it made waves as it dealt with the sexual awakening of a teenager.

In the new version, Shweta Menon plays the role made memorable and controversial by Jayabharati. Here's what she has to say the role, and more. Excerpts:

Tell us more about Rathinirvedha 2...

Renowned director T K Rajeev Kumar is directing the movie and Suresh Kumar, who set the trend of remakes in Malayalam with Neelathamara, is producing it under the Revathi Kalamandhir banner. The script is the same by the late P Padmarajan.

The film tells the story of an adolescent boy who is infatuated with an older woman. I was overwhelmed when Rajeev sir offered the role to me. The shooting will commence soon.

Have you seen the original?

I haven't and I will not see it now, as I am doing the remake. I know it is a classic but I don't want to see it because I don't want Jayabharati's performance to influence me in any way. I don't want to copy the original. The new VersionRathinirvedham should be mine.

Image: Shwetha Menon

There may be steamy scenes in Rathinirvedha 2'

Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST

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The role is a bit steamy...

I don't know about all that. I am committed to this film as it is based on the script of a great story writer and one of my favorite film makers. I know the story line; it tells the relationship between Rathi Chechi and Pappu, a teenager. There may be steamy scenes to define their relationship.

Once when I met Padmarajan, he said he wanted to cast me in one of his movies. But it didn't happen. Now that I am doing a film based on his script so I am sure he will be happy wherever he is.

It was reported that you rejected an offer to act in the remake of Avalude Ravukal?

To be frank, I only came to know about the offer through the media. I didn't get any offer officially. Any way, I don't want to create any controversy.

Will you accept the role if it comes through proper channels?

I don't know. Some times I will, some times I won't. I know it was a great movie and Seema Madam rose to dizzy heights after that. And it is also a female centric role. But as of now no decision has been taken on that.

Image: Swetha Menon and Sidique

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I am a director's actor'

Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST

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All your roles in films like Paleri Manikyam,Paradesi, Madhyavenal and Kayak...  have been appreciated. Which is your favorite role?

I would say Aamina in Paradesi first because it was the first time I really took a chance. When P T Kunju Mohammed offered me the role, I was really shocked. Till then I was doing only glamorous roles. I was really apprehensive at first; I might have called him 100 times, just to confirm that he is really offering me Aamina. Aamina was the first risk I took and it turned out to be a turning point in my career.

Next of course is Cheeru, the bold and sensuous woman of Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathira Kolapathakathinte Katha. I had to portray both a young and older Cheeru. The transformation was a real challenge.

Sarojini of Madhyavenal, Revathy of Kadasham, Thamara of Kayam and even Suhra of Penpattanam are very demanding roles in different genres. enjoyed doing them all.

Did you do any home work for Cheeru?

No. When Renjith sir explained the role, I readily agreed as it was a period film with a bold subject. I came to know that it was based on a true story which took place at the end of the 50's. It was the first rape case that was registered in Kerala.

I am a director's actor and Renjith sir was the one who chiseled the character so passionately. He moulded me into the character. I haven't even read the book on which the film is based on. It is in Malayalam. I am a good observer so it really helped me portray Cheeru. 

Image: A scene from Kadasham

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Did winning the Kerala State award change you?

I haven't changed much. I am the same Shwetha Menon. But it has changed my attitude towards cinema. I did my first film when I was 14. I did not take films seriously. It was just a time pass for me then. Later, I went on to win the Miss India runner up title and modeling became my profession.

I was really flabbergasted when I came to know that I had won an award. It took some time to sink in. I know awards give great responsibilities and audience will certainly expect more from you. An award opens new doors for you and good offers start coming in. Now I am really serious about cinema.

You made your debut with Mammootty and after 19 years, you did Paleri Manikyam with him. How was it working with him after such a long gap?

At the time of Anaswaram, I was only 14 while Mammukka was already a super star. I was scared to even share screen space with him. But now Mammukka is more like a colleague; he is a fantastic co-star. 

I don't choose characters according to looks'

Last updated on: December 3, 2010 10:23 IST

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Are you making a conscious effort to change your image from a sexy diva to a serious actress?

Look, I did Naan Avan illai 2 and PaleriManikyam simultaneously. One was very glamourous while the other was not. I don't choose characters according to looks. I'm comfortable doing both glamorous and non-glamorous roles. I only want to be a versatile actor.

Earlier I wished to do the kind of roles Sharadha amma or Sheela amma did in their prime. I got my wish with Paleri Manikyam and Paradesi.Now I would love to do some tomboy roles and action films.

Image: Shwetha Menon

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